HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0377.029 2024-2026From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Tina Holt
Monday, July 21, 2025 11:07 AM
Council Testimony, Onishi, Dennis
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Written Testimony in Strong Support of Resolution 234-25 — Opposing Mftry
Activities at Pohakuloa Training Area
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Aloha Chair and Council Members,
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My name is Cristina Holt, and I live in County Council District 3, Hilo, Hawaii. I am writing in strong
support of Resolution 234-25, urging the State of Hawaii to ensure the health and safety of Hawaii
Island residents by requesting the military cease all bombing and desecration activities at Pohakuloa
Training Area (PTA), rejecting land swaps and lease renewals unless clear stipulations are met, and
conducting a full Ka Pa`akai analysis.
For decades, military activities at PTA have caused profound harm to the lands, waters, and people of
Hawaii. The use of white phosphorus, depleted uranium, and other toxic munitions has left a legacy of
contamination, threatening the health of residents, degrading ecosystems, and desecrating sacred and
cultural sites.
The Hawaii Supreme Court's ruling in Ching v. Case (2019) affirmed the State's constitutional duty to
protect these lands — a duty that has been neglected for far too long. Without proper cleanup,
monitoring, and safeguards, the military's activities continue to endanger our environment, contribute to
destructive wildfires, and violate the cultural rights of Kanaka Maoli.
Importantly, the required Ka Pa`akai analysis — a legal obligation to assess impacts on Native Hawaiian
traditional and customary practices — has never been conducted for PTA. Proceeding without this
analysis perpetuates harm to Native Hawaiian communities and cultural heritage.
I urge the Council to stand with Hawaii Island residents and prioritize:
• An immediate halt to bombing and desecration at PTA;
• Noland swaps or lease renewals without enforceable commitments to comprehensive cleanup,
restoration, and bioremediation;
• A full Ka Pa`akai analysis to protect Native Hawaiian cultural practices and resources.
We must remember that the values of the Aloha Spirit call us to healing, unity, and respect— not the
continued militarization and destruction of our `aina.
Mahalo for your time and for supportingthis important resolution.
Respectfully,
Cristina Holt
District 3, Hilo, Hawaii
Comm. No
Qef. To: ON
Ref. (doL2 2 Ct115