HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0377.188 2024-2026Hawaii Island Chamber of Commerce
1321 Kino'ole Street - Hilo, Hawai'i 96720
Phone (808) 935-7178 - Fax (808) 961-4435 - Email exec@hicc.biz - www.hicc.biz
Testimony before the Policy Committee on Environmental and Natural Resource
Executive Officer Management
v,
Carla Kuo Res. 234-25: IN OPPOSITION
c
c-3
2025-2026
Board of Directors
President
David Kurohara
President -Elect
Dennis Lin
Vice President
Bonnie Irwin
Treasurer
Joshua Vierra
Immediate Past
President
Keith Marrack
Directors
Mary Begier
Vanessa Carlson
Rebecca Choi
Jeremy Chong
Chelsey Chow
Mark Chun
Dean Fuke
Larisa Hamamoto
Dayna Kawazoe
Daniel Kea
Randy Kurohara
Geoli Ng
Matthew Pickett
James Staub
Jase Takeya
NimrTamimi
Jen nifer Tobey
Joni Waltjen
Irene Yamanaka
Tracie Ydshimoto
Tuesday, August 19, 2025 11:00 AM a
Aloha Committee Chair and Presiding Officer Villegas and Vice Chair Kagiwada,
N
On behalf of the Hawai'i Island Chamber of Commerce, which represents nf&e
than 350 member businesses and non-profit organizations, individual members
and thousands of employees primarily on the East side of Hawai'i Island, I
respectfully submit this written testimony in strong opposition of Resolution
234-25.
Since World War II, military training at Pohakuloa Training Area (PTA) has played
a vital role in safeguarding national security and preparing our armed forces for
challenges across the Pacific. With its unique terrain, climate, and size, PTA
provides unmatched opportunities for joint exercises, simulated real -world
scenarios, and live -fire training. Without access to this land, military readiness in
the Pacific —and our nation's ability to respond effectively to threats —would be
significantly diminished.
PTA also strengthens Hawai'i's resilience. It serves as the state's only large-scale
training ground for the Hawaii Army National Guard, ensuring preparedness to
respond to natural disasters and emergencies. From the 2018 Kilauea eruption
and the COVID-19 pandemic to the 2023 Lahaina wildfire, the Guard's ability to
protect our communities has depended on the mission -critical training
conducted at PTA.
Beyond its military role, PTA is a cornerstone of Hawaii Island's public safety
and emergency response network. Its fire and police departments answer
roughly 300 emergency calls annually, including wildfires like last week's fire at
Mana Road, vehicle accidents, and search -and -rescue operations, while also
supporting first responder and law enforcement training across the island.
The Army is also a steward of the land. PTA staff protect endangered species,
propagate rare native plants, maintain a native seed bank, and safeguard more
than 1,200 archaeological sites. Additionally, PTA employs about 200 residents,
invests in infrastructure, and supports local contractors and businesses through
visiting military personnel and training operations.
Renewing the Army's lease of state-owned lands at PTA is essential at this time.
Without it, Hawai'i risks losing an irreplaceable resource that supports national
defense, disaster readiness, environmental stewardship, and economic stability.
Hawaii Island Chamber of Commerce
1321 Kino'ole Street - Hilo, Hawaii 96720
Phone (808) 935-7178 - Fax (808) 961-4435 - Email exec@hicc.biz - www.hicc.biz
For these reasons, the Hawai'i Island Chamber of Commerce strongly supports the Army's continued
presence at Pohakuloa Training Area.
Mahalo for the opportunity to testify in opposition of Resolution 234-25.
Sincerely,
Carla Kuo
Executive Officer
Hawai 'i Island Chamber of Commerce