B757 on approach for KOA voiced concern regarding ATC handing; alleging unprofessional behavior and lack of understanding of aircraft and flight crew capabilities.

Narrative

First Officer was flying; we were being vectored for either a visual approach or LOC (back course) Runway 35. As we were passing through about 7;300 FT; looking for the airport and other traffic (we were almost abeam the airport); the HCF Controller gave us an unexpected clearance to proceed to a radial off the VOR; intercept the 10 mile non-charted DME arc and fly it such and such a direction. Because we were already a little busy; I told him we wouldn't be able to do that and explained that in these aircraft we just couldn't accept a clearance like that at this point in the approach; but that we had the airport in sight. He proceeded to berate me; suggesting something to the effect that I was not a competent pilot or not skilled (not his exact words; but his tone was unprofessional and insulting). I ignored his tone and eventually we received a visual approach clearance behind company who was executing a circling approach. 1) If ATC wants us to routinely intercept an arc for the LOC back course Runway 35; it should be flight checked and published; or 2) a DME arc clearance should be issued or told to expect prior to our descending through FL180; or 3) We should be told to fly the full approach; which we were prepared to do; or 4) We should receive a great deal of additional training in DME arc flying if we are going to be expected to fly them last minute on an approach; 5) No controller should berate us with a lousy attitude when we explain that we cannot comply with his clearance. It would have been unsafe to begin figuring out the arc clearance at our altitude and position that late in the approach process.