For lack of a study, no gambling

The long odds of legalized gambling in Hawaii only seem to get longer, with the idea not even passing muster for a study, the usual default position when lawmakers can’t agree on an issue. A resolution to study what gambling would create socially and economically will remain a closed hand, according to a Hawaii House committee.

State Rep. Clift Tsuji of Hawaii island says his House Economic Development Committee has decided that such a study would be too expensive, leaving Hawaii and Utah as the only states where gambling is illegal.

For another year, proponents will continue to say gambling could stimulate the tourism industry and opponents warn it would increase crime, among other bad things. That will remain a toss-up.

Saturday mail delivery gets a reprieve

The big protest over proposals to end Saturday postal service seemed a bit oddly timed, coming shortly after Congress passed a continuing resolution that keeps the government going, including six-day delivery, at least through September.

Granted, the pressure to cut service is going to persist beyond then, which is why postal advocates are rallying the troops.

Terry Kaolulo, president of the Hawaii Association of Letter Carriers, said there’s been enough cutting, adding that the U.S. Postal Service needs "the freedom to compete" by finding new ways to generate revenue. Given that much of the stuff in the mailbox is gettable via email or some other way, USPS does need other income streams.