Of all the public responses I witnessed in my first session as a state senator, I do not think any surprised me as much as the reaction to the House and Senate's passage of a concurrent resolution declaring Sept. 24, 2009 as Islam Day in Hawai'i. Nobody likes to pay taxes, so the response to legislative efforts to solve our budget crisis were to be expected. The issue of civil unions remains divisive across our nation, so the controversy there was understandable.

But the outcry over a day to recognize the world's second largest religion, with up to two billion adherent, shocks me., and it should serve as a reminder and a warning that our precious Aloha is at risk.

Islam Day was set by a Concurrent Resolution — one passed by both the State Senate and the House of Representatives — rather than by a bill, which would become law with the governor's signature. A resolution reflects the sentiment of the Legislature as a body. And House Concurrent Resolution 100 sets aside a single day, Sept. 24, 2009, as Islam Day.

Compare that to the host of other observances contained in our state laws. Christmas and Good Friday are observed as holidays across religious lines, but are important Christian days of observance nonetheless. A day honoring Catholic priest Father Damien DeVeuster falls on April 15. Buddha Day is April 8, and Bodhi Day falls on December 8. The state recognizes Baha'i New Year's Day on March 21.

Add to that Kupuna Recognition Day, Peace Day, Ocean Day, Caregiver Recognition Day, Makahiki Day, and Filipino-American History Month and we see celebrations honoring a range of diverse cultures, values and beliefs.

Those who have a specific objection to Islam Day based on the events of Sept. 11, 2001 may be unaware that in this past legislative session, the House and Senate passed House Bill 274, which establishes Patriot Day on Sept. 11 of every year. The day honors those who lost their lives on Sept. 11, 2001, and acknowledges the bravery of those who assisted in rescue efforts following the attacks. In March, Gov. Lingle signed that bill as Act 14 of the 2009 session.

Islam Day extends our demonstrations of tolerance to yet another group that makes up Hawai'i's diverse community. Tolerance is a vital part of who we are and rests at the foundation of our culture and community. If we are to continue to be known for our aloha and our acceptance of other cultures, we must gladly open our arms to the estimated 3,000 Muslims who share our islands. Peaceful, contributing members of our community who have personally given us no reason to see them as anything but equals who wish to share our way of life.

Unfortunately, too many people never seem to lack ways to justify their anger and intolerance. Whether that is the product of fear or a lack of understanding, we cannot let it sway us from our dearest beliefs. The harsh words and negative attitudes that followed the declaration of Islam Day are not a reason to disavow our action; it is proof that we need to work still harder for tolerance in our community. I take the negative response of intolerant, small-minded commentators as confirmation that we did the right thing.

None of us will deny that our nation has suffered at the hands of terrorists who claim Islam as their religion and their justification. Still, I cannot think of any group that can truthfully say that none of its members has ever acted to harm others, or twisted its beliefs to justify hatred and violence. The evil of the few does not taint the beliefs of the many. When we accept the reasoning that condemns all for the actions of the few without considering the innocence or contributions of the many, we ourselves risk repeating the saddest events of our own history.