Those who think that a Hawaii lottery to help fund the rail project is a good idea (“Lottery is among common-sense ideas,” Star-Advertiser, Letters, May 5) should consider two reasons why it’s a bad idea.

One, a lottery is essentially a regressive tax on the poor and middle class. The jackpot money is created on the backs of the desperate or hopeful.

Rich people don’t play the lottery. The states get their cut to use for — whatever.

Two, Hawaii politicians often “borrow” money set aside for one thing to pay for another. Lottery money earmarked for rail funding would be a sweet temptation.

Hawaii’s employee retirement fund is $12 billion in the red, partly because of such “borrowing.”

Don’t fall for it.

Sean Goodspeed

Ala Moana

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