Two California horse-racing executives yesterday briefed legislators, saying racing is a clean, agricultural way to bring substantial revenues and jobs to the state.

It's already generated hundreds of millions of dollars and more than 30,000 jobs for California. And there could be proportionately similar results for Hawaii, said Rollin Baugh of Del Mar Thoroughbred Club.

"Horse racing makes considerable sense with where Hawaii is situated in the Pacific," said Baugh, a thoroughbred bloodstock agent. "So many people come here from Asia and are already interested in racing."

Sens. Malama Solomon and Joe Tanaka introduced a bill that would develop horse racing on the neighbor islands as a way to expand the economy after the closing of sugar plantations. Parker Ranch on the Big Island is one of the sites being considered.

Solomon (D, North Hilo-Kohala) and Tanaka (D, Wailuku-Upcountry Maui) say building a racetrack, which would cost $40 million to $50 million, will preserve as much as 500 acres for environmentally friendly use.

The senators also say parimutuel gambling is good for the economy because it pays 80 percent of winnings to players, whereas casino gambling pays 80 percent to the house. The bill has yet to be scheduled for a joint hearing of the House Economic Development and Judiciary Committees. Last year's bill failed to pass.

Opponents of horse racing say it's an invitation to illegal activities and gambling addiction.

"When we talk about gambling, there's bound to be criminal elements," said Rep. Dennis Arakaki (D, Kamehameha Heights-Kalihi Valley). "And it affects people who can least afford it."

Arakaki said he'd rather find alternatives that depend on the productivity and skills of people, not on chance.

But Craig Flavel, executive vice president of Del Mar, said regulatory systems already in the works have almost eliminated illegal elements through stringent drug testing and background checks of licensees.

Hawaii and Utah are the only states without any form of legalized gambling.