The policy, governed by statute, is that sexual orientation is a personal matter and is not a reason for discharge. However, the law states that homosexual conduct, even if consensual, is inconsistent with military service and is a basis for discharge.

Department policy prohibits investigations solely to determine homosexual orientation. It does not prohibit investigations of alleged homosexual conduct if there is credible evidence that such conduct occurred.

The Star-Bulletin editorial says that the military is being too aggressive in finding out about and prosecuting cases of homosexual acts. In regard to the Bryan Harris case at Hickam Air Force Base, Airman Harris was charged with and pleaded guilty to forcible sodomy, sodomy, assault, indecent assault and solicitation of a false official statement.

In conjunction with his offer of a guilty plea agreement, Airman Harris agreed to testify truthfully and completely in any subsequent court or administrative action, and with investigating authorities.

The pretrial agreement was not solicited by the Air Force.

The Air Force does not seek information on the sexual orientation of its members. However, when specific information on homosexual conduct is brought to our attention, as it was in this case, we will evaluate it to determine a proper course of action.

Col. Donald L. Black
Director of Public Affairs
Department of the Air Force,
Pacific Air Forces
Hickam Air Force Base

As a free-thinking Christian woman, I see no need for the military delving into the sex lives and videotapes of these homosexual military personnel. They seemed to be consenting adults, doing what sexually active adults do in the privacy of their own homes.

I do not want to see homosexuals marry, but I also don't want to be patrolling the bedrooms of suspected homosexuals.

The military needs to get a grip on its homophobia and leave these people alone. As long as they can do their jobs during the day, let them keep their private lives just that - private.

Joyce Brown
Kailua

That's a little like saying the mayor will be bringing sand to the Mojave.

Is anyone confused about the issue that Waikiki is already a densely crowded and blighted area? That's exactly why a revised WSDD is so desperately needed.

We don't have a tourist mecca - we have an area run amuck. It's that way because we're choking her to death with indecision, wishful thinking, unrealizable romantic notions and regulatory gunk.

Every day that passes is another day that Waikiki and Hawaii are passed by others willing to press ahead while remaining competitive in an industry that has finally become truly global.

This sort of nonsense has got to come to an end. Let's get on with it!

With care given to our special culture and unique environments, both natural and man-made, we can make Waikiki the most attractive and desirable visitor destination in the world. If we don't move to action now, we're condemning Waikiki, Hawaii's visitor industry and our economy to mediocrity.

Jack E. Myers

I have been told that Pauline, who is currently serving a 10-year prison sentence, may be paroled in late 1997. Because of his refusal to name those who raped and murdered my daughter, I have requested that Claudio Suyat, chairman of the Hawaii Paroling Authority, deny Pauline parole and that he be forced to serve his full 10-year prison sentence.

I am requesting that your readers also request that Pauline be denied parole. They should write to the Paroling Authority, 250 S. King Street, Honolulu, HI 96813.

John Ireland
Springfield, Va.