Ninth Island: The Las Vegas-Hawaii connection
LAS VEGAS (KLAS) – The most common explanations for why Las Vegas is called Hawaii’s “Ninth Island” are silly, inadequate, devoid of historical perspective.
Says who? Two anthropology professors who studied what they call a “cultural phenomenon,” that’s who. The 50th state’s bond with Las Vegas did not evolve from some Hawaiian affinity for gambling or an appreciation of Southern Nevada’s so-called laid-back lifestyle.
The two professors say it’s all because of Sam Boyd, the Las Vegas casino owner and entrepreneur who died 30 years ago this month (Jan. 15).
“Boyd single-handedly is credited with creating the Hawaiian interest in