HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0377.425 2024-2026From: ' = Maya Washington
Sent: Monday, August 18, 2025 4:09 AM
To: Council Testimony
Cc: Kimball, Heather, Kagiwada, Jennifer, Onishi, Dennis; Kierkiewicz, Ashley;onealjt
Kleinfelder, Matt; Hustace, James; Galimba, Michelle M.; Villegas, Rebecca" lr nabF_C--)
Holeka c
Subject: Testimony in Strong Support of Resolution 234-25
Aloha Chair Villages 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 P6hakuloa Training Area (PTA), reject land swaps and lease renewals
without strict stipulations, and conduct a full Ka Pa'akai Analysis of the area.
While I am not Native Hawaiian, I care deeply about Hawaii, its people, and its sacred lands. I have
witnessed the profound significance of'aina, water, and culture, and I feel a strong responsibility to
stand in solidarity with Kanaka Maoli in their efforts to protect the land from continued harm. My support
is guided by respect, listening to Nativevoices, and acknowledging that this fight is led by the rightful
stewards of these lands.
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 bombing and live -fire training and the cleanup of PTA as required by their
lease.
Approving Resolution 234-25 sends a powerful message that Hawai'i 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 longer accept unilateral military decisions that compromise our
land, culture, and health without meaningful engagement, cleanup commitments, and legal compliance
with public trust obligations.
I respectfully urge the committee to approve Resolution 234-25. As someone who deeply loves Hawai'i
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and its people, I stand in solidarity with Unaka Maoli in protecting this sacred land. Mahalo for listening,
for honoring the voices of the community, and for taking action to uphold kuleana, malama'aina, and
aloha in every decision.
Mahalo for your time,
Maya Washington.