HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0377.144 2024-2026From: Kanani Enos
Sent: Monday, August 18, 2025 8:37 AM
To: Council Testimony
Cc: Kimball, Heather; Kagiwada, Jennifer; Onishi, Dennis; Kierkiewicz, Ashley; Kanealii-
Kleinfelder, Matt; Hustace, lames; Galimba, Michelle M.; Villegas, Rebeccmnab
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Subject: Strong Support of Resolution 234-25 t=
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Aloha Chair Villegas and members of the Policy Committee on Environmental and NaturaQ!C*_-*`
Resource Management, cn
My name is Kanani Enos. I am a kanaka maoli, a kama of this island, a cultural practitione"nd-a
steward of our'aina and its resources along with my four children, Kauila age 21, Pohaku age 20,
Keliko age 12, and Ko'iwai age 9.
Mahalo for the opportunity to testify in strong support of Resolution 234-25, which urges the state to
ensure the health and safety of Hawai'i 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 Hawaf`i 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 Hawai'i 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.
Urging you to approve Resolution 234-25 for the health and life of our 'aina, our environment and our
future Hawai'i for our keiki.
Me ke aloha 'aina,
Kanani Enos
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