HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0377.277 2024-2026From: Jess Kehau Lucas
Sent: Friday, August 15, 2025 10:49 AM
To: Council Testimony
Kimball, Heather; Kagiwada, Jennifer, Onishi, Dennis; Kierkiewicz, Ashley; Ka%alii
o
Cc:
Kleinfelder, Matt; Hustace, James; Galimba, Michelle M.; Villegas, Rebecca; laba, zo
Holeka
Subject: Testimony in Support for Resolution 234-25 a
4 T
=r—
ry,fr'
Aloha Chair Vittegas and members of the Policy Committee on Environmental and Naturap
o
Resource Management, tv
_
-•-
Mahalo for the opportunity to testify in strong support of Resolution 234-25. This resolution urges the
state to ensure the health and safety of Hawai'i Island residents by requesting that the military cease ell
bombing and desecration 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) rejected PTA's Final Environmental
Impact Statement (FEIS), citing an incomplete archaeology inventory, lack of endangered species data,
and an inadequate Cultural Impact Assessment, which is required 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. Resolution 234-25 aligns with long-standing community
concerns about the real threats military activity poses to public health, cultural integrity, and
environmental stability.
This resolution is not about questioning the Army's contributions in disaster response 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 requiring cleanup of PTA as stipulated in the 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 tong -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.
Mahalo nui for your consideration.
pL0y9
j. kehau lucas,?
Q Wailuku, Vifali Komnhana, Maui
e 1808 482 0824
ca Jcssk[ucas,ogmail.com
Comm. o
Ref. To:
Ref. Date 2025