Posted on: Saturday, May 21, 2005

EDITORIAL
Aiona's comments on God precarious

Lt. Gov. Duke Aiona has been open with the public about his private religious beliefs, and to a certain extent that's a good thing. Everyone wants to see a public servant exhibit the strength of his or her moral convictions.

But it's when those convictions are projected outward rather vividly that voters should worry, especially when the communication comes with an official title attached.

Aiona, identifying himself as lieutenant governor, signed a letter to various church leaders, inviting them to Transformation Hawai'i, a Christian-oriented conference this weekend at the Blaisdell Arena.

In his interview with Advertiser columnist David Shapiro, he expressed his hope that "people will see me as an image of God ... a good example."

Perhaps the most startling statement Aiona made was during a prayer canopy in December when he declared: "Hawai'i belongs to Jesus. Our schools will become God's schools; our community will become God's community; our city will become God's city; our Islands will become God's Islands; our state will become God's state; and our Hawai'i will become God's Hawai'i."

This might come as a surprise to non-Christians and those without religious belief.

People elected to public office must balance their religious beliefs and activities with their duty to serve the broad community. Aiona is walking a tightrope when he lets his personal faith intersect with his public persona. It's a precarious position, and he should watch his step.