HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0377.123 2024-2026PCENRN
90.239 Z
('ANM. V77
From: Em D
Sent: Monday, August 18, 2025 8:25 AM
To: Council Testimony
Cc: Kimball, Heather; Kagiwada, Jennifer, Onishi, Dennis; Kierkiewicz, Ashley; Kanealii-
Kleinfelder, Matt, Hustace, James; Galimba, Michelle M.; Villegas, Rebecca; Inaba,
Holeka o 0
Subject: Testimony in Support of Resolution 234-25 cC
Hello Chair Villegas and members of the Policy Committee on Environmental and Natural Resourceq�
Management, = zcT-,
Thank you for the opportunity to testify in strong support of Resolution 234-25, which urges thl�.tatp to
ensure the health and safety of Hawai'i Island residents by requesting that the military cease all bombing
and desecration activities at P6hakuloa Training Area (PTA), reject land swaps and lease renewals
without strict stipulations, and conduct a full Ka Pa'akai Analysis of the area.
In May 2025, the state's Board of Land and Natural Resources (BLNR) did not accept PTA's Final
Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS), citing incomplete archaeology inventory, lack of endangered
species data and analyses and an inadequate Cultural Impact Assessment, which is used to address Ka
Pa'akai factors. Sustained bombing and training activities have damaged pristine lands, the Saddle
Region aquifer system, and cultural sites for over 60 years. The resolution aligns with long-standing
community concerns that military activity continues to pose real threats to public health, cultural
integrity, and environmental stability.
This resolution is not about questioning the Army's contributions in regard to disaster response,
emergency services or providing a training venue for the county's first responders. Rather, it is about
establishing limits, demanding accountability, and ensuring oversight and respect by urging the
cessation of unwarranted bombing and live -fire training and the cleanup of PTA as required by their
lease.
If you reject Resolution 234-25, Hawai'i County will be seen as a place unable to care and stand with
their people. This would be extremely disappointing.
Please instead stand against the unilateral military decisions that compromise our land, culture,
and health. Support Resolution 234-25.
Mahalo for your time,
Emily Datta
Comm. ( J
Ref. To:
Ref. Date AUG 2025