HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0377.128 2024-2026From: Vicky DeMercer
Sent: Sunday, August 17, 2025 9:59 PM
To: Council Testimony
Cc: Kimball, Heather, Kagiwada, Jennifer, Onishi, Dennis; Kierkiewicz, Ashley, Kanealii-,-)
Kleinfelder, Matt; Hustace, James; Galimba, Michelle M.; Villegas, Rebecca; J&ba,o�
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Subject: Testimony in Strong Support of Resolution 234-25 _ <?
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Aloha Chair Villegas and members of the Policy Committee on Environmental and Natural ResourceyT
Management, �4
Mahalo for the opportunity to testify in strong support of Resolution 234-25, which urges the state to
ensure the health and safety of Hawaii Island residents by requesting that the military cease all bombing
and desecration activities at Pohakuloa 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.
Approving Resolution 234-25 sends a powerful message that Hawaii County stands with its people —
families, communities, cultural practitioners, and environmental stewards who have long raised
concerns about PTA's short- and long-term impacts.
It signals that Hawaii County will no longer accept unilateral military decisions that compromise our
land, culture, and health without meaningful engagement, cleanup commitments, and (legal compliance
with public trust obligations.
Mahalo for your time,
Vicky DeMercer
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Ref. To:
Ref. Date AUG 19 2025