The September 11th attack
Patriotism comments prompt Mainland columnist to apologize
| • | Read Karen Zacharias' apology column |
| • | Read Zacharias' Sept. 23 column |
| • | Read Ken Robertson's apology |
| • | Join our discussion |
Advertiser Staff
A Washington state columnist apologized yesterday for a column she wrote about a lack of patriotism in Waikiki.
Karen Zacharias, columnist for the Tri-City Herald, wrote a column published Sept. 23 in which she said the spirit that prevailed in Waikiki — where she was stranded during national airport shutdowns — "was not a patriotic one. Corner chatter continued to focus on surfing and snorkeling conditions and tan lines."
Yesterday, she wrote another column, apologizing to the hundreds of Hawai'i residents who have written to her in protest.
"I was wrong to not note the distinction between Waikiki and the rest of the state," Zacharias wrote. "For that I am sorry, and I hope those whom I offended will find grace to forgive me."
Ken Robertson, executive editor of the Tri-City Herald, also wrote an apology, saying he wished the earlier column had been crafted "with the same gentle care" displayed in letters from Hawai'i.
