Editor,

I was in Tonga and Vava'u from October 24 to November 7. I really enjoyed my vacation and thought your lovely island kingdom to be so tranquil, pleasant and safe. I have told many of my friends to go and see it for themselves.

After reading of the destruction and seeing the pictures of Nuku'’alofa I am shocked that a group of protesters could be allowed to run wild and do so much damage.

Here is Hawaii we have a sovereignty movement that would like to restore the Kingdom. In Tonga you have a movement that wants more democracy. It appears that there are unsatisfied people on both sides of that issue.

I would never want any group who resorts to violence and destruction as a means of attention to get into power. I would never be able to trust that kind of leadership.

As a visitor recently, I asked many local people what they thought of the Kingdom and the new King. Without exception they all thought your system worked and were generally satisfied with the Tongan way of life.

I hope you are able to recover from this terrible tragedy to your wonderful island nation. I would like to return. But I will not be coming back until I see that the protesters are under control.

I feel so bad for all the hard working people and business owners who have suffered losses. Having been through two devastating hurricanes I understand how much effort and money it takes to recover from such destruction.

Aloha and malo for showing me such a good time on my visit.

Steve Oberg