HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0377.359 2024-2026From: Emily Richey-Stavrand
Sent: Monday, August 18, 2025 9:00 AM
To: Council Testimony
Cc: Kimball, Heather; Kagiwada, Jennifer; Onishi, Dennis; Kierkiewicz, Ashley; Kanealii-
Kleinfelder, Matt; Hustace, James; Galimba, Michelle M.; Villegas, Rebecca; Inaba,
Holeka o
Subject: Testimony in Strong Support of Resolution 234-25 s o.C-3
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Aloha Chair Villegas and members of the Policy Committee on Environmental and Natural Resgeurceo
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1 am writing in incredibly strong support of Resolution 234-25. o 3>%�
Pohakuloa Training Area (PTA) has been bombed for decades and the land and people bear the-acari'and
harm. This is a sacred place that should not be used to test weapons of war and violence, while also
damaging the land and surrounding areas.
The continued lease and bombing of PTA by the Army is a human rights issue, a cultural preservation and
protection issue, an environmental and biodiversity issue, and a public health issue. Hawai'i regularly
has some of the highest rates of COVID-19. Exposure to polluted groundwater, soil, and air are high risk
factors for getting COVID-19, experiencing hospitalization due to the acute infection, and also
contracting Long COVID which has no cure or treatment. Indigenous peoples according to the US
Census Bureau have some of the highest rates of Long COVID.
There have been concerns about the Army's lease of PTA for a longtime and Resolution 234-25 offers a
firm and clear way to address these issues and start the necessary process of accountability, cleaning
up, and healing.
Please support Resolution 234-25. Mahalo foryour time.
Sincerely,
Emily Richey-Stavrand
Comm. 7 + '
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