HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0377.522 2024-2026Executive Officer
Carla Kuo
2025-2026
Board of Directors
President
David Kurohara
President -Elect
Dennis Lin
Vice President
Bonnie Irwin
Treasurer
Joshua Vierra
Immediate Past
President
Keith Marrack
Directors
Mary Begier
Vanessa Carlson
Rebecca Choi
Jeremy Chong
Chelsey Chow
Mark Chun
Dean Fuke
Larisa Hamamoto
Dayna Kawazoe
Daniel Kea
Randy Kurohara
Geoli Ng
Matthew Pickett
James Staub
Jase Takeya
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Hawaii Island Chamber of Commerce
1321 Kino'ole Street - Hilo, Hawaii 96720
Phone (808) 935-7178 - Fax (808) 961-4435 - Email exec@hicc.biz - www.hicc.bA
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Testimony before the Hawai'i County Council
Res. 234-25: IN OPPOSITION
Wednesday, September 3, 2025 9:00 AM r
Aloha County Council Chair Inaba, Vice Chair Onishi, and Council Membersp- `-
On behalf of the Hawai'i Island Chamber of Commerce, which represents more
than 350 member businesses and non-profit organizations, individual members,
and thousands of employees primarily on the East side of Hawai'i Island, I
respectfully submit this written testimony in strong opposition to Resolution
234-25.
Pohakuloa Training Area (PTA) is more than a military installation, it is a vital
part of Hawai'i Island's public safety and emergency response network. Its fire
and police departments answer roughly 300 emergency calls annually, including
wildfires, vehicle accidents, and search -and. rescue operations, while also
serving as a training site for first responders and law enforcement across the
island.
PTA also strengthens Hawai'i's resilience during times of crisis. The Hawai'i Army
National Guard relies on PTA as the only large-scale training site in the state to
prepare for natural disasters and emergencies. From the 2018 Kilauea eruption
and the COVID-19 pandemic to the 2023 Lahaina wildfire, the Guard's ability to
protect our communities has depended on the mission -critical training
conducted at PTA.
The Army is also a steward of the land. PTA staff protect endangered species,
propagate rare native plants, maintain a native seed bank, and safeguard more
than 1,200 archaeological sites. In addition, PTA employs approximately 200
local residents, invests in local infrastructure, and supports local contractors and
businesses through visiting military personnel and training operations.
Equally important, PTA is a cornerstone of our nation's security. Since World
War II, its unique terrain, climate, and size have made it an irreplaceable site for
preparing our armed forces for challenges across the Pacific. PTA provides
unmatched opportunities for joint exercises, simulated real -world scenarios, and
live -fire training —capabilities that cannot be replicated elsewhere in Hawaii.
Without access to this land, military readiness in the Pacific —and our nation's
ability to respond effectively to threats —would be significantly diminished.
Jennifer Tobey We humbly acknowledge that Resolution 234-25 raises important issues.
Joni Waltjen However, it does not present the complete picture of PTA's contributions to our
Irene Yamanaka island community. It is important that these perspectives, including public
Tracie Yoshimoto ^omm
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Hawaii Island Chamber of Commerce
1321 Kino'ole Street - Hilo, Hawai'i 96720
Phone (808) 935-7178 - Fax (808) 961-4435 - Email exec@hicc.biz - www.hicc.biz
safety, disaster response, environmental stewardship, economic stability, and national defense, be
considered together.
For these reasons, the Hawai'i Island Chamber of Commerce respectfully requests that the County
Council oppose Resolution 234-25. PTA is crucial to protecting public safety, supporting local jobs, caring
for our environment, and ensuring Hawai'i and our nation remain secure.
Sincerely,
Carla Kuo
Executive Officer
Hawai'I Island Chamber of Commerce
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