HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0377.022 2024-2026From: dee green
Sent: Saturday, July 19, 2025 8:59 PM
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To: Council Testimony
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Subject: TESTIMONY IN SUPPORT OF RESOLUTION 234-25
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TESTIMONY IN SUPPORT OF RESOLUTION 234-25
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Aloha Chair and Members of the Committee,
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am in support of Resolution 234-25. Thankyou for the opportunity to submit testimony on this
critical
resolution that addresses long-standing concerns about the ongoing impacts of military activity at the
Pohakuloa Training Area (PTA) on Hawaii Island.
As a resident deeply concerned about the health of our environment, the safety of our communities, and
the protection of cultural practices, I believe it is long overdue that we hold the military accountable for
decades of contamination and neglect at PTA. The continued use of depleted uranium, white
phosphorus, and high -explosive ordnance in this sensitive region has contributed to toxic pollution,
damaged ecosystems, and heightened wildfire risk across thousands of acres of land.
On May 9th, the Board of Land and Natural Resources rejected the Final Environmental Impact
Statement submitted by the U.S. Army, implying that the Army is not in compliance with the lease
conditions set by the BLNR, nor is it following regulations governing land in the conservation
district. This is an important signal that we cannot continue to rubber-stamp military use of our lands
without real oversight, accountability, and cleanup.
It is also unacceptable that the State has never conducted a Ka Pa`akai analysis for PTA, despite the
clear requirements set by the Hawaii Supreme Court in Ka Pa`akai o ka `Aina v. LUC. The failure to assess
impacts on Native Hawaiian traditional and customary practices is not just a legal oversight —it is a form
of cultural erasure.
Furthermore, in Chingv. Case, the Hawaii Supreme Court affirmed that the State has a constitutional
duty to properly manage and monitor ceded lands. That obligation has not been met. I strongly urge the
Council to pass this resolution and uphold the Hawaii Supreme Court ruling to "malama `aina."
By passing Res. 234-25, the Council would be sending a clear message that Hawaii County is standing
up for the land, the people, and future generations. This resolution appropriately calls for:
An immediate stop to bombing and desecration at PTA;
• A rejection of land swaps and lease renewals unless meaningful stipulations are in place;
• And the long -overdue implementation of a full Ka Pa`akai analysis.
We cannot move forward as a healthy, resilient island if we continue to sacrifice -our `aina to
contamination, fire, and cultural destruction. This is a moment to align policy with pono—what is right.
Mahalo for your time and consideration.
Comm. M '
Ref. To:
Ref. Date-2 2 2025_ .
Dee Green
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