HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0377.047 2024-2026p / pCENRK
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From: Michael Reimer
Sent: Thursday, July 17, 2025 4.46 PM
To: Council Testimony c'�
Subject: testimony regarding resolution 234-25 `—
CO Q�
<counciltestimony(aDhawaiicounty.gov>
I submit the following testimony regarding resolution 234-25, the hearing for which is scheduled for July 22, 202D5.
I support the passage of resolution 234-25 regarding the health and safety of the residents and visitors of the county of
Hawaii.
Hawai'i is the Land of Aloha and every effort should be made to protect and dignify that standing. The State of Hawai'i is
the host to many U.S. military activities, the very antithesis of aloha, and must ensure that the military respects the
cultural, social, and environmental requisites of the Island State.
Although the military boasts about being a grand steward of the land and culture, its very actions belie that
claim. 'Sufficient concern was expressed about Red Hill fuel storage but an actual catastrophe had to occur before the
military took action. The Island of Kaho'olawe was so decimated by military presence that it will never be reasonably
habitable by humanity for millennia, if ever. There are many cultural sites on military land that are inaccessible to island
practitioners and historians because of the military contamination of the land.
Pohakuloa Training Area should be remediated after every training exercise but it is not. To retain state leased lands, the
military has even proposed that there be a land swap for that land. One must reasonably ask what is the condition of the
land they propose to give for that swap? Why would not the military simply use that land they propose to swap and return
the leased land, land that they acknowledge would have to be remediated before it is returned to the State? The military
claims it contributes billions of dollars yearly to the economy of the State. But they do not divulge how much they
take. Council members, it is not worth it.
The face of war has changed. Battlefield bombs and bullets are becoming passe. Hawaii should be the leader in
addressing the transition to the new military and the military must take responsibility to remediate the land from their past
and current actions but are loathe to do so. Therefore, the County and State must insist that it be done. I ask that the
County Council fully support Resolution 234-25.
With those wanting Hawaii to remain the Land of Aloha, I am
Michael Reimer, Ph.D.
Denver, CO
GeoMike5A.att.net
7/18/2025
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