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DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE
HEADQUARTERS HAWAII AIR NATIONAL GUARD
FORT RUGER, HONOLULU HAWAII
STATE OF HAWAII
DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
P PCENRM
Res. �-25
COW _l?
COUNTY CLERK
COUNTY OF HAWAII
RECEIZde-
Date Time $�d0 a.M . . JUL 2 2 2025
TESTIMONY ON HAWAII COUNTY COUNCIL RESOLUTION 234-25
BEFORE THE HAWAII COUNTY COUNCIL POLICY COMMITTEE ON
ENVIRONMENTAL AND NATURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
COLONEL SHANE NAGATANI
DIRECTOR OF STAFF, HAWAII AIR NATIONAL GUARD
July 21, 2025
Aloha Chair Rebecca Villegas, Vice Chair Jenn Kagiwada, and Council Members:
I am Colonel Shane Nagatani, Director of Staff, Hawaii Air National Guard (HIANG),
State of Hawaii, Department of Defense. I am providing written testimony in COMMENT
of Hawaii Council Resolution 234-25.
The HIANG utilizes the Pohakuloa Training Area (PTA), specifically Bradshaw Army
Airfield, as the only location in the State where they can conduct high -altitude training.
This type of training is critical to aircrews' ability to practice power management in
preparation for combat and rescue operations.
Additionally, Drop Zones are required to conduct Airdrop Training ISO aerial supply
delivery and support to NASA Human Space Flight Support. The 204th Airlift Squadron
of the HIANG is the lead unit for C-17 rescue airdrop and enables NASA Commercial
Crew Program delivery of astronauts to the International Space Station. This alert
posture consists of a C-17 and a contingent of AF Pararescuemen to be airborne within
1-hour of notification. The aircraft is rigged and loaded with rescue watercraft, medical,
and contaminant detection equipment. The aircraft is fueled up and configured for
immediate response: capable of reaching astronauts in distress anywhere in the world.
PTA allows us to practice this capability while honing our skills for rescue and domestic
operations within the State of Hawaii.
Pohakuloa is also essential to Joint, Multinational, and Multidomain environment training
through the conduct of an annual Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center (JPMRC)
exercise. JPMRC is a joint exercise in which HIANG C-17s previously executed 148
flights in 10 days. The loss of shared military training areas and infrastructure would
hinder joint operations between different branches of the military and other federal stat
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agencies. An increased reliance on training areas located outside the state would
increase costs, Levy additional logistical challenges, and increase time away from home
for personnel.
Our abitity.to respohd4q,uickly and effectively when called by the State of Hawaii in times
of need is enhanced greatly through the use of the PTA. We respectfully ask for the
-Council's consideration of the importance PTA has on the HIANG.
Mahalo for your leadership and your continued support. Thank you for the opportunity to
testify.
Col Shane H. Nagatani, shane.nagatani.1@us.af.mil, 808-789-1671