HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0377.392 2024-2026Sent:
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From: David Starr
Monday, August 18, 2025 8:03 AM
David Starr
Council Testimony
RE: Pohakuloa
Sent: Monday, August 18, 2025 1:57 AM
To: Council Remote Testimony <councilremotetestimony@hawaiicounty.gov>
Subject: Pohakuloa
To Gov. Green,
I am skeptical that the U.S. military is sincerely concerned about respecting Hawaiian culture and identity. If
that were the case, there would be a socially responsible and honest cleanup of the environmental mess that
the military made after years of using places like 'Pohakuloa for "training."
But even with that, the damage has already been done after over 100 years U.S. military occupation. And the
military paying only a dollar to have its bases in Hawai'i is adding insult to injury. The latter being the illegal
overthrow of the Hawaiian nation by the United States in 1893. Since that time, the U.S. military has
maintained an environmental disaster in the making. And it is already known that the military has grossly
disrespected Hawaiian culture and identity Historically and even now.
To even consider extending leases to the U.S. military for its bases is, putting it mildly, folly. At the most, it
would extend the the goals of the U.S's imperial foreign policy, which is hostile and a provocation not only to
Hawai'i but worldwide.
Try to reconsider your decision. It would actually be a couragous act, given the amount of power U.S. leaders
and their supporters hold on the islands and elsewhere. It is bucking a strong establishment but given t e
consequences, it is utterly necessary. Comm. N�•
Ref. To:
1 Ref. Date
Sincerely,
David Starr