HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0377.293 2024-2026From: Mahina
Sent:
Monday, August 18, 2025 8:38 AM ,N,
To:
G (7)
Council Testimony L'A oc
Cc:
Kimball, Heather; Kagiwada, Jennifer, Onishi, Dennis; Kierkiewicz, Ashley; nneag�
Kleinfelder, Matt; Hustace, James; Galimba, Michelle M.; Villegas, Rebecci'r�naba;r
Holeka co o�
Subject:
Testimony in Strong Support of Resolution 234-25 0 'nc
Aloha Chair Villegas and
members of the Policy Committee on Environmental and Natural RQ7ource
Management,
As a kanaka'6iwi and lineal descendant of the Big Island of Hawai'i, I am testifying 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.
Pohakuloa is a place of deep cultural and spiritual significance to kanaka'diwi and houses ancient trails,
heiau, and iwi kupuna. The military has failed in the past and in this report to assess the
historical significance and artifacts at Pohakuloa. Additionally, military activity has repeatedly bombed
and bulldozed these sacred spaces —violating the terms of the lease and the duty to malama'aina. And
this is not only a legal violation — it causes deep mental and spiritual pain to our community to see the
bodies of Native Hawaiians descreated in this manner.
This resolution is not about questioning the Army's contributions in regard to disaster response,
emergency services or providing a trainingvenue 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 Hawari Countystands with its people —
families, communities, cultural practitioners, and environmental stewards who have long raised
concerns about PTA's short- and long-term impacts.
Comm. `1✓
Ref. To:
Ref. Date'AUG 19 2025
It signals that Hawaii 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.
Please protect Pohakuloa from further desecration.
Mahalo nui,
—Mahina Martinson
New York, NY / Waimea, HI