Gov. Ben Cayetano, center, chats with former Govs.
George Ariyoshi, left, and John Waihee today as the
Hawaii delegation meets in Chicago.
Associated Press

But they said they won't abandon Clinton as they and 4,000 other delegates from across the country today begin a four-day national convention to nominate Clinton for a second term.

"I don't like it. I don't think many Democrats do," said former Gov. John Waihee of the measure. "Most people agree that welfare needs to be reformed. But it is the nasty little things like taking way benefits for kids that are troublesome."

The party's Asian-American caucus is particularly concerned about a provision that denies legal immigrants welfare assistance.

Gov. Ben Cayetano, who is especially concerned about the immigration provisions in the bill, said all delegates who are displeased with the bill should try to get their dissent on record during the convention.

Hawaii Democratic National Committeewoman Linda Rosehill, one of 29 isle delegates, said there is an undercurrent of tension over welfare at the convention. But she doesn't see it becoming a storm surge.

Rosehill said she has no qualms with the bill, as curbs must be imposed on welfare.

At a reception last night for the Hawaii delegation hosted by the Chicago Chinatown Chinese Chamber of Commerce, a Chinese social worker told several delegates she was opposed to the welfare bill because it could harm her clients, as many are immigrants.

Nonetheless, she still supports Clinton, said Bernarda Wong, executive director of the nonprofit Chinese American Service League Inc.

Linda Tseu, executive director of the Hawaii Civil Rights Commission, said the welfare bill must be modified because it means less federal funds and more responsibility for the states.

"It'll be particularly tough on single-parent families on part-time jobs," she said. "I'm worried for the kids."

Echoing the sentiments of the isle delegation, Hawaii Democratic Party Chairman Richard Port said he is convinced Clinton will keep his promise to soften the welfare bill's harsher aspects.

Democrats remain united behind Clinton because they fear that a Dole administration would leave unchecked U.S. House Speaker Newt Gingrich, the architect of the Republican revolution to dismantle Democratic social initiatives, Port added.

But Clinton by himself can't revamp the Republican welfare bill, added Waihee and other isle delegates. That is why it is also important for Democrats to regain control of Congress, they added.