HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0377.530 2024-2026From: -
fred hofer
Sent:
Thursday, August 28, 2025 2:53 PM H
o
To:
Council Testimony a
yc
Subject:
Resolution 234-25
—ice
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Why Should the County Council Support Resolution w
234-25?
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Pohakuloa is a sacred, culturally significant area
Pdhakuloa is a wahi pana, a storied and sacred place that is home to irreplaceable Native Hawaiian
cultural sites and some of Hawai`i's most endangered species. Continued use and degradation of this
land is inconsistent with its cultural, environmental, and spiritual significance.
Environmental degradation has already caused irreversible harm
Years of destructive activity have led to the burning of nearly 2o,000 acres, including critical habitat for
native flora and fauna. This is unacceptable. Ongoing live fire and bombing exercises raise serious
concerns about contamination, safety, and long term damage to both land and water sources.
The State has a Constitutional Obligation to Mdlama `Gina
As reaffirmed by the Hawaii Supreme Court in Kahaulelio u. DLNR (2o19), the State has a proactive
duty to preserve and maintain trust lands. The Court found that the State breached its obligations by
failing to reasonably monitor, enforce, and ensure proper care of the lands at Pohakuloa.
Public health and environmental concerns persist
There is growing concern about the presence and impact of toxic substances, including depleted
uranium, in the soil at Pohakuloa. These contaminants may become airborne and pose serious health
risks to island residents.
Military activities are incompatible with conservation
Pohakuloa is within a designated conservation district. Continued military training activities, especially
bombing and live fire, are fundamentally incompatible with the preservation of native species,
ecosystems, and cultural resources. These uses undermine the conservation goals of the land.
Respectfully,
Fred Hofer
Hilo
Comm. G��
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