HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0377.405 2024-2026`K Kona=Kohala
� CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
August 18, 2025
Re: Opposition to Resolution No. 234-25
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Dear Chair Villegas, Vice Chair Kagiwada, and the Members of the Policy Committee
on Environmental and Natural Resource Management, co
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Founded in 1968, the Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to enhancin
the quality of life for our community through a strong, sustainable economy on Hawaj
Island. Representing 460 member businesses and organizations, our mission is to �O
provide leadership and advocacy for a successful business environment in West
Hawai'i.
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We respectfully oppose the County of Hawaii Resolution 234-25 regarding the U.S.
Army Garrison Pohakuloa Training Area (PTA).
We humbly request that committee members oppose this resolution. While the issues it
raises are important, the resolution presents only a partial view and does not include
additional context that highlights PTA's significant positive contributions to Hawai'i
Island's community. A more comprehensive consideration of perspectives is necessary
to ensure a balanced, accurate approach.
For example, PTA firefighters serve as first responders in a remote area of the island,
working in partnership with local firefighters to ensure the community's safety. PTA Fire
and Emergency routinely responds to requests for mutual aid emergencies, and during
a recent six-month period, they responded to 37 such requests.
In May 2025, PTA received the 2024 Army Community Partnership Award, recognizing
its collaboration with the Hawai'i Fire Department (HFD) to improve readiness,
adaptability, and quality of life for military and community members. Over the past five
years, collaboration with HFD has resulted in approximately 13,000 hours of training at
PTA by firefighters and recruits, including those from across all islands.
Moreover, PTA is a critical asset for national security. Year-round training at PTA is
essential for maintaining operational readiness and preparing our service members for
the complex challenges they face across the Indo-Pacific. Its unique terrain, scale, and
location make it an irreplaceable asset for joint military operations and mission -critical
coordination.
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Ref. To:
Ref. Date
Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce
75-5737 Kuakini Highway, Suite 208 1 Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
www.kona-kohala.com 1 (808) 329-1758 1 info@kona-kohala.com
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� CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Beyond its strategic role, PTA also provides crucial connections to our Hawai'i Island
community by bolstering the local economy through jobs and utilizing local businesses
for a variety of support services.
Lastly, our Chamber has toured PTA on multiple occasions, and we recognize the
importance of the State-owned parcel, which is essential to the training mission and
includes substantial infrastructure investments. Although the State of Hawai'i Board of
Land and Natural Resources did not approve the Final Environmental Impact Statement
for the Army Training Land Retention at Pohakuloa Training Area on May 9, 2025, we
support a solution that promotes the continued use of this land for PTA.
We appreciate the opportunity to share our perspective.
We respectfully request that committee members oppose Resolution No. 234-25.
Sincerely,
Q40 - �7300
Wendy J. Laros, President and CEO
Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce
Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce
75-5737 Kuakini Highway, Suite 208 1 Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
www.kona-kohala.com 1 (808) 329-1758 1 info@kona-kohala.com