Hawaii News Now - KGMB and KHNL HomeThe Fallout For Lt. Ehren Watada

The Fallout For Lt. Ehren Watada

FORT SHAFTER, Oahu (KHNL) - About two dozen people rallied in Honolulu Tuesday evening in support of a Hawaii-born officer who refused to deploy to Iraq.

But Lt. Ehren Watada's refusal to go to war is also drawing the ire of those who say he took an oath to answer the call to duty.  

For about an hour and a half the demonstrators waved signs in front of Fort Shafter in support of Lieutenant Watada.  

The protestors represented a half dozen organizations and churches that believe the war in Iraq is illegal.

They are calling the day a national day of action to support G.I. resistance. 

While many demonstrators here are very vocal in their support for Lt. Watada, even the army supports the soldier's right to speak up.  

But while Watada may be free to speak his mind. There is a price to be paid.  

While demonstrators were free to march outside the military base, Lt. Watada is not.

He is confined to Ft. Lewis where he's working - being allowed to see friends, family and lawyers. But not allowed to leave while the army looks into his case and his fellow soldiers ship out.