From the Hawaii Tribune-Herald:

Hawaii County Council members indicated Monday they’re not ready to gamble on high-stakes bingo as a way to raise revenues in a tight budget year.

Kohala Councilwoman Margaret Wille posed the possibility of trying to get the state to allow Hawaii Island to investigate bingo as a money-making option, saying the county spends a lot of time on the expenditure side of the budget, but not as much on the revenue side.

Wille said high-stakes bingo is different from casino gambling because it’s not a 24-hour, seven-day-a-week enterprise. The pots are much lower, Wille said, and the game takes place at a multi-purpose center that is also used as a place to socialize.

“What is the least bad alternative to deal with the really important financial needs that we have right now,” Wille said. “The reality is, we are in dire financial straits.” Read the full story.

And here’s the latest in other neighbor isle gov’t and politics:

Klein to be arraigned in court today

Aerial photos help fight tax scofflaws

State begins work on road to Mahaiula Monday

BHS robotics team members keep cool, take FIRST in final

Ask Maui mayor: building permits; homeowner exemptions

Senate commemorates 20th anniversary of Keck Observatory

—Chad Blair