HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0377.281 2024-2026From:
Danielle Magee 'F!? c-)
Sent:
Monday, August 18, 2025 7:41 AM t ; o�
To:
Council Testimony c =C
Cc:
Kimball, Heather, Kagiwada, Jennifer, Onishi, Dennis; Kierkiewia, Ashley; k2nealiR z
Kleinfelder Matt; Hustace, James; Galimba, Michelle M; Villegas, Rebecca;dnaba-�
Holeka
Subject:
Testimony in Strong Support of Resolution 234-25 �` T
FZ
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Aloha Chair Villegas and members of the Policy Committee on Environmental and Natural Resource
Management,
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 P6hakuloa 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 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 for your time,
Danielle
Comm. �� I
Ref. To:
Ref. Dote AU 19 2025