HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0377.566 2024-2026From:
Ella Istacado
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Sent:
Saturday, August 23, 2025 6:12 PM
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To:
Council Testimony
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Subject:
Support Res. 234-25
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Aloha Committee Members,
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My name is Mary Kealaiki and I am a constituent of Puna district on the Island of Hawaii. I ask
that the members please support resolution 234-25. The US Military training at Pahakuloa has
already caused serious harm -burning nearly 20,000 acres, contaminating the land, and
threatening endangered species. Beneath this area lies a major aquifer that supplies fresh water
to Hawaii Island, and the military's track record shows they are not equipped to protect it. There
is also serious concern about depleted uranium left in the soil, which can become airborne
during exercises and has known health risks. P6hakuloa is a wahi pana- a sacred place with
deep cultural and ecological significance. Continued military use is incompatible with its
conservation status and the values of aloha `aina.
The military has shown through these years of its current lease that it does not take into
consideration the wellbeing of the `aina and her people. As such, continued use of our lands
should not be an option. The `aina and her people should be in charge of this expanse of land, in
order to clean, protect and restore her to her rightful state: not only to protect our home but also
to protect our people and the future generations to come.
Please support this resolution to protect the land, water, and people of Hawaii.
Mahalo,
[Mary Kealaiki]
[Hilo]
Sent from my Whone
Comm. �VV'
Ref. To:
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