The latest North Korean missile threat and subsequent U.S. response to protect Hawai'i prompted reactions ranging from indifference to cautious concern among Island residents.

A Japanese newspaper reported yesterday that North Korea may fire its most advanced ballistic missile toward Hawai'i around July 4. U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates responded by announcing that he has sent a ground-based mobile missile system to Hawai'i and ordered a powerful sea-based radar system to be deployed to supplement primary missile intercept protection based in Alaska and California.

Former U.S. Marine Michael Rangel agreed with Gates' decision, arguing that Hawai'i shouldn't take North Korea lightly.

"I believe you have to take every threat seriously," said Rangel, a 45-year-old Kukui Gardens resident, speaking in Downtown. "Just be ready for anything."

Architect and Makiki resident Kent Brawner, 64, took a similar standpoint.

"I'd like to take an aggressive position," he said. "If (North Korea) is saying they 'may,' that's much more aggressive than saying they 'could.' "

Many concerns were based on Hawai'i's location, closer to Korea than any part of the contiguous United States.

"We are a prime target," said Jamie Giambrone, 31, a Kapolei resident and co-publisher of Pacific Edge Magazine. "We're definitely within range of ballistic missiles; they could definitely strike. So it's comforting to know that they're taking it seriously and that our military's going to step up to help protect us."

Hawai'i Pacific University student Caroline Anderson, 24, said she doubted North Korea had the technology to reach Hawai'i.

"I'm not too worried," said Anderson, originally from Norway. "The two missiles can't reach us. ... But if they build better missiles, then I'll be worried."

Others were disinterested in the issue, arguing that the missile threat is something that only the government can deal with.

"Let our politicians take care of it," said Foster Village resident and retiree Peter Marcos, 56. "What can Mr. Jones do? I'm not afraid."

Ceramic artist and Liliha resident John Bade, 62, agreed.

"I've heard them talking about it in the press, but I don't know," he said. "It doesn't really affect me."

Another HPU student, Wail Alhelal, 30, worried more about the possibility of war if political tensions escalate.

"I want to feel safe, but I don't think war works all the time," said Alhelal, originally from Saudi Arabia. "It just makes it more complex. But if someone attacks you in your home, what are you going to do?"