When times are hard, as they are now, perhaps it seems wise to consider all options. But that frantic desperation to "not take anything off the table" is an open door for all sorts of bad things that would never be on the table during good times.

Gambling is like an infection seeking an opportunity to invade and destroy. Our economic situation is a weakened immune system, an open wound, a vulnerable point of entry.

This is the best idea to fix Hawai'i's economy?

Whose example shall we follow? Nevada? Take a look at the recent headlines in our "ninth island." Those folks are having a hard time, too. Nevada Gov. Jim Gibbons gave his State of the State address last week and talked of employee layoffs and 6 percent salary cuts, as well as cuts to healthcare and retirement benefits.

Meanwhile, other states that rely, at least to some extent, on gambling revenue are looking at ways to add more gambling because the gambling they have isn't bringing in enough.

Minnesota lawmakers are considering adding a state-sponsored casino to the family-friendly Mall of America to try to raise state revenue. Other ideas being floated include "pull tab" gaming machines at bars and a casino at the airport.

(Oh please, don't even go there. Honolulu International Airport needs a lot of things but not a casino. They can barely keep the bathrooms and parking ramps working right!)

What's so bad about gambling? What's bad is that somebody always loses, either the gambler or the house. And the house never loses. It is addicting and it can ruin lives — which is a cliché term for things like "sorry you can't go to college, son, but Daddy lost everything at the tables" and "sad we have to sell the family house, grandma, but I owe the casino some bucks."

The notion of making gambling a tourist-oriented activity is impractical and unrealistic. Local residents who love to gamble will seek out a slot machine hidden in the basement of the most fortress-like Waikiki hotel. Look at how they flock to the coin machines at Fun Factory.

The insidious nature of it all means every time the state needs money, the door will open wider. It will come down to "Hey, let's put some slots in Diamond Head" or "What we need is keno at the beach."

As bad as things are, legalizing gambling in Hawai'i will ultimately make things worse. Both Gov. Linda Lingle and Mayor Mufi Hannemann reiterated their long-standing opposition to gambling last week. Good for them for having the spine to say "no" to a quick fix that won't fix anything.

Lee Cataluna's column runs Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays.

Lee Cataluna's column runs Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays. Reach her at 535-8172 or lcataluna@honoluluadvertiser.com.