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Kokua Line June Watanabe |
Slogan may be offensive
but it’s protectedQuestion: Who can I complain to about an offensive political sign? It's in the dining room of Cafe VIII 1/2 on Alakea Street and says "F--- Bush."
Answer: It may be offensive, but it's protected under the First Amendment.
In this case, since it is a private establishment and "not a government cafeteria or something like that ... the owner has the right to express his political views whatever they may be," said Gerald Kato, a University of Hawaii journalism professor with an interest in media law and free speech issues. "It's protected speech."
Another Kokua Line reader asked a similar question a few years ago, after she was caught in traffic staring at a bumper sticker that said, "It's the speed thing, mother------." She wanted to know if there was a law against such things, saying she had a "right not to have obscenities put in my face."
The answer from the Honolulu Police Department, citing the city Corporation Counsel's Office, was, "It may be tasteless, but it's protected as free speech."
Since the cafe is a business that relies on customers, you can voice your complaint to the owner and choose not to patronize the restaurant if the sign remains.
But be advised that Robert Warner, who runs Cafe VIII 1/2 with his wife, is strong on his convictions.
He said the sign in question is "over the garbage can in my kitchen," but acknowledged it's an open kitchen and that the sign can be seen from parts of the dining room.
However, he said while "one lady said something (negative)," he's gotten "mostly really good comments."
Warner says he's got signs all over the place, so there's no question about his politics. One representative sign says, "No Countries, No Religions, No Politicians, No Wars, More Musicians."
He noted a "no war" sign that's been in the restaurant's window for a long time: "Some people don't like that, too."
Of his restaurant and signs: "It's all a kind of statement," Warner said. "The food is a statement. My music, my viewpoint ..."
As for the "F" word, "It's a good expressive word. It's to the point. If someone is offended, I'm not trying to offend them, but if they're offended, they're offended. If they like it, they like it. I'm just stating it," Warner said.
Mahalo
To a gallant gentleman in the new silver Volkswagen headed Windward on the H-3 freeway on May 10.Did your tire ever get blown out in the middle of No Man's Land? To make things worse, you're clueless on how to change a tire and cars are blasting by at 60 mph-plus. You call for a tow truck, never expecting a stranger to stop and lend a hand, risking his life to help someone with a menial mishap.
I was fortunate to have that experience. A local gentleman offered help, gave me tips on how to fix a flat and refused any money in return. His gallantry didn't end there. He told me not to drive too fast with the spare tire and followed me until I exited the freeway. He took the heat off of irate motorists as I "inched" along the freeway in pouring rain at 45-50 mph. His gesture opened my eyes and heart. -- Lady in the Honda
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