The list of gubernatorial candidates grows

The Hawaii Democratic Party leadership did the right thing — ultimately — by carving out speaking time at the convention podium for state Sen. David Ige, the top contender among those challenging the sitting governor for the nomination.

As chairman of the Senate Ways and Means Committee, Ige may be the leader of the challenger pack, but he’s not alone. Among the 13 people who have pulled papers at the Office of Elections are three other potential Democratic candidates, invited to a separate meet-and-greet event: Van K. Tanabe, Sesa Pepe Toelupe and Khistina C. DeJean.

And no, we didn’t overlook Gov. Neil Abercrombie. His name isn’t listed — yet — though campaign staff said he’ll pull papers in the next few weeks.

Deadline to file isn’t until June 3, but let’s see which Dems turn up at the May 24-25 convention.

A slot machine by any other name …

The sweepstakes machines that are proliferating in arcades in some Oahu neighborhoods skirt anti-gambling laws by offering coupons or tokens that can later be redeemed for money. So the full City Council would be wise to follow the lead of its Public Safety and Economic Development Committee in approving an ordinance that specifically outlaws the devices.

Waikiki resident Dave Moskowitz, who favors such a ban, summed it up nicely in his testimony: "I know a slot machine when I see one."