HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0377.380 2024-2026From:
Robbie Ann Shimose
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Sent:
Thursday, August 14, 2025 8:27 AM
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To:
Council Testimony
Cc:
Kimball, Heather, Kagiwada, Jennifer; Onishi, Dennis; Kanealii-Kleinfelder,-Matt,
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Hustace, James; Galimba, Michelle M.; Villegas, Rebecca; Inaba, Holeka
Subject:
Strong Support of Resolution 234-25
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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 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 bombings and live -fire trainings and urging 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 longeraccept unilateral military decisions that compromise our
land, culture, and health without meaningful engagement, cleanup commitments, and legal compliance
with public trust obligations.
Me ka mahalo nui,
Robbie Ann Shimose
Comm. o `5 •3
Ref. To:
Ref. Date 19 625