Posted on: Thursday, September 30, 2004

EDITORIAL
Tourist attacks suggest a troublesome pattern

The investigations are still in their early stages, but there is suggestive evidence that recent attacks on two individuals in Waikiki may have been hate crimes.

Earlier this month a physician who was visiting (and who also owns a second home here) was attacked without warning after he left Hula's Bar and Lei Stand, a club that has a strong following in the gay and lesbian community.

Five days later, a woman leaving the club also was attacked after her assailant asked her if she was a lesbian.

It's entirely possible that these two incidents are unrelated. But the circumstances suggest there may be a connection to the sexual orientation, actual or perceived, of the victims.

If so, it is a troubling connection.

Honolulu remains a safe place for tourists overall. Attacks are rare and the community invariably rallies to support the victims.

But any violence toward our visitors cannot be tolerated. If it turns out that the victims were particularly targeted or profiled in any way, it becomes even more serious.

Our hope is that the police will quickly resolve these cases and reassure our visitors that everyone who comes to our shores is welcome, and safe.