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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0377.034 2024-2026From: Nelson Kunitake Sent: Sunday, July 20, 2025 11:13 AM To: Council Testimony Subject: Opposition to Resolution No.234-25 Regarding thePohakuloa Trainig Area Nelson M. Kunitake P.O. Box 189 c a MT. View, HI 96771 v-, t3;ca c, nelsonmklkCd)gmaiL.com 808 895-8258 July 19, 2025 t>. - To: Chairperson and Members, Policy Committee on Environmental and Natural Resources Management Hawaii County Council 25 Aupuni Street Hilo, H 196720 Subject: Opposition to Resolution No. 234-25 Regarding the Pohakuloa TrainingArea(PTA). Dear Chairperson and Committee Members. I am writingto respectfully urge the Policy Committee to oppose the passage of Resolution No. 234-25 which calls forthe cessation of military activities atthe Pohakuloa Training Area, the rejection of land swaps and lease renewals, and other stipulations on military use. I understand and appreciate the concerns raised regarding environmental stewardship and cultural preservation, I believe that this resolution does not consider the critical role of PTA plays in the community and National Defense. As a member of the Hawaii National Guard, it gave me the opportunity to train pilots in a unique environment such as high altitude and desert training not readily available elsewhere in the State of Hawaii. The Hawaii National Guard provides support for disaster response, law enforcement, homeland security, and national defense operations. Some of the training can be accomplished in a classroom or simulation training, however there is a need to perfect what is learned in a field environment. Fortunately the Hawaii National Guard is in close proximity to PTA considering that we are isolated from the rest of the nation and field training areas. �22 Comma. �a� V� i;ef. To: 1 Ref. Date, ��� Being associated with the National Guard, since 1956, the U.S. Army has made significant efforts to in its efforts to address stewardship of PTA. They have programs to monitor the environment and remediation programs. They also have plans to address cultural resources in consultation with Native Hawaiian organizations. Transparency by community participation through their Environmental impact Statements. Their efforts are sincere and more cooperation may help to mitigate the negative effects if there is any. As a protection forester in Hilo for nearly 10 years and the membership in the National Guard, I have experienced the general drying trend of PTA as well as the change in the vegetation type on the upper elevation and leeward parts of Hawaii Island. There are large tracts of land which are considered as fire type because of its flammability. Strengthening mutual aid agreements with the U.S. Army by the County and State of Hawaii to mitigate the threats from effects of disasters such as hurricanes, fires, tsunamis and erupti.ons may be necessary. Without a PTA, it would be difficult to expect the same support from the U.S. Army I humbly ask the Committee to consider to support PTA and work collaboratively with all the stakeholders so it will benefit all of Hawaii. Thank You for your precious time. Respectfully, Nelson M. Kunitake