Several gay rights activists supported the disciplinary action announced yesterday for University of Hawai'i football coach Greg McMackin, and said his tearful apology during a news conference was heartfelt and remorseful.

"I commend UH for acting quickly. I also commend the coach for acknowledging his terrible mistake," said Carolyn Martinez Golojuch, president of the O'ahu chapter of Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbian and Gays.

"It is a good start," she added.

Meanwhile, the news that McMackin will be suspended for 30 days, receive a pay cut and work with gay advocacy groups on campus to make up for his use of a slur about gays got mixed reactions from those at UH-Manoa.

Frank Camu, a 21-year-old student, said he thinks the punishment is "enough" and hopes it's a step toward repairing the university's reputation.

"It seems reasonable," he said.

But others disagreed, saying UH went too far.

One man, who declined to use his name, called the punishment "crazy."

A woman who works at UH said, "It's too harsh!"

Incoming UH-Manoa freshman Christopher Nakama-Fukuhara, 17, said McMackin shouldn't be judged by the slur he made at a news conference Thursday responding to a question about what followed a UH loss to Notre Dame. He added that he believes McMackin just made a mistake.

Nakama-Fukuhara's father, Derek Fukuhara, agreed.

Fukuhara was at the university yesterday attending a new-student orientation with his son. He said McMackin made a slip of the tongue. Fukuhara didn't support or oppose the measures taken against McMackin, however. Instead, he said the suspension is "about what he would have expected" in such a situation.

During the news conference yesterday, McMackin had to stop once to compose himself and was unable to hold back tears. He told those assembled for the conference — reporters, a few members of the community and football players — that he was "sorry that I said something so hurtful and I'm very remorseful."

McMackin made the slur in referring to a Notre Dame performance, calling it a "little f----- dance."

Camaron Miyamoto, coordinator for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender Student Services at UH-Manoa, said the comment has shocked many on the campus.

"We have hurt, anger, outrage. All understandable reactions," he said, adding that he hopes the incident spurs a "more respectful campus."

Several football players at the news conference yesterday voiced support for McMackin and said the coach was doing the right thing by apologizing and trying to make up for the slur.

"It's unfortunate that this happened," running back Aaron Kia, 23, said after the news conference.

Kia added, "It's something that he's definitely got to deal with."

Offensive lineman Jayson Rego, 22, said he knows McMackin is "really sorry."

"Coach is a great guy," he added.

Jo-Ann Adams, an attorney and member of Pride Alliance Hawai'i, an advocacy group, said she is most concerned about how McMackin's comments will affect "the closeted UH athlete." She said those athletes are probably very hurt by McMackin's comments, and added that's why UH officials needed to send a strong message with the punishment. She said she thinks they did.

"I'd like to see what he does in 30 days," she added.