Lingle calls for
vigilant Hawaii

Isle congressional members express
their support for U.S. troops in battle

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By Rod Antone
rantone@starbulletin.com

Gov. Linda Lingle described the president as having made a "very tough decision" with his call to war. And as the battle in Iraq plays out, she asked the people of Hawaii to remain understanding and vigilant.

"There's strong feelings about it on both sides, but it appears as if a majority of Americans understand and are supporting the president at this time," she said. "People should definitely go about their lives as usual but be more aware.

"And I would say also leave extra time if you're going to facilities that you can expect will have heavier security."

Three of the four members of Hawaii's congressional delegation said yesterday that they support America's troops. Sen. Daniel Inouye did not issue a statement on the attack.

U.S. Rep. Neil Abercrombie said in a news release: "The Bush administration has not proved its case. It has presented no credible evidence that the United States faces imminent attack and no evidence at all that Iraq was involved in the Sept. 11 attacks."

Abercrombie said of the troops: "This war puts them in harm's way, disrupts their lives and demands enormous sacrifices. They and their families deserve our support in the difficulties and dangers they face."

U.S. Sen. Daniel Akaka, D-Hawaii, also said he supported the troops who are engaged in what he called the effort "to disarm Saddam Hussein and dislodge his loathsome regime."

Democratic U.S. Rep. Ed Case said the reasons why the country went to war would long be analyzed.

"But for now, regardless of our individual views, we all owe our full support to those now placing their well-being and very lives on the line for us, and our prayers must be with them, their loved ones and all the innocents now in harm's way," he said in a statement.

Abercrombie has introduced a bill to counter an expected downturn in Hawaii's visitor count because of the war.

The measure would restore the deduction for spousal business travel. It would allow a taxpayer to deduct travel, lodging, meals and other expenses incurred by an accompanying spouse on a business trip.

A state House committee studying the impact of a Middle East war on the state has come up with 17 recommendations aimed at protecting Hawaii, but will reconvene to study additional measures now that the war has begun, leaders said.

The committee's recommendations include:

• Authorizing the state to send an official delegation to Japan within two to three weeks of the outbreak of war, urging continued travel to Hawaii.

• Asking Congress to temporarily waive all federal taxes and fees, including the security surcharge, for airlines.

• Asking the U.S. Department of Agriculture to fully fund the costs of agricultural inspections required by law.

• Extending unemployment and medical benefits to workers laid off as a result of war.