my %hashofstates; << This declares a hash : "%hashofstates" .

$hashofstates->($key) << This attempts to access a SCALAR REFERENCE : "$hashofstates" , a totally different animal that does not exist.

The distinction between the hash and the hash-ref is the use of the DEREFERENCING operator "->".

You probably wanted: 

 $hashofstates{$key}

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Also note the use of Curly brackets (Not parens) to contain hash keys.

        "You're only given one little spark of madness. You mustn't lose it."         - Robin Williams

In reply to Re: Error hash declaration by NetWallah
in thread Error hash declaration by sidsinha

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