HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0377.228 2024-2026From: Oli Kalama
Sent: Friday, August 15, 2025 10:33 PM
To: Council Testimony, Kimball, Heather; Kagiwada, Jennifer; Onishi, Dennis; Kiea�tiewiczn
Ashley; Kanealii-Kleinfelder, Matt; Hustace, James; Galimba, Michelle M.; Viftas, _�?
Rebecca; Inaba, Holeka
Subject: Strong Support of Resolution 234-25: t
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Aloha Chair Villegas and members of the Policy Committee on Environmental and Natural Tesot%'c
Management, 10 -
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 Hawai'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.
Hauoli Kalama
Comm.
Ref. To:
Ref. Date AUG 19 2025