HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0377.572 2024-2026Sep.2,2025
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To: Hawaii County Council
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From: Dr. Roxane Keli'ikipikaneokolohaka, Executive Director, Kia'i Kanaloa
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RE: Testimony in SUPPORT of RESO 234-25
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Aloha Chair Inaba, Vice Chair Onishi, and Council Members,
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On behalf of Kia'i Kanaloa, mahalo for this opportunity to provide written testimony in strong SUPPORT of RESO 234-251, urging
the state of Hawai'i to ensure the health and safety of Hawai'i island residents by requesting the military to cease all bombing
and desecration activities at the Pohakuloa Training Area, REJECTING land swaps and lease renewals with the military unless
specific stipulations are establishes, and conducting a Ka Pa'akai Analysis on the area.
The Army continues to perpetuate its long-standing record of dereliction of duty when it comes to following through with even
the minimal requirements of being a good steward. They seem to only concern themselves with this kuleana when they are
pressed by the community and government or when a lease is called into question. Their disingenuous rhetoric of striving to be
good/better stewards is nothing but a PR stunt. From the documented presence of depleted uranium in the soil at Pohakuloa, to
the continued burning of critical habitat of native flora & fauna, to the ongoing and future threats of unexploded ordinances,
which the Army does not and will not clean up (by their own admission), our'aina is calling upon all of us to draw the line and
choose a healthy'aina over everything. We, the people of Hawai'i (primarily Hawai'i Island), will be at the mercy of that impact
for generations.
Had this been a genuine priority for the Army, their actions over the past decades would have evidenced that. Again, their past &
present actions contradict the intentions they claim to have. If their intentions were genuine, there would be no need for
attempts to bypass the process and engage in closed -door meetings with the Governor, forcefully attempting to implement a
timeline outside of the due process to secure PTA. Their failures and inability to change were significant factors that contributed
to an insufficient environmental review, which the Board of Land & Natural Resources rightfully rejected.
It is clear that we must activate measures at the county level to protect our'aina and our communities from what may turn out
to be another outright disregard for the law enabled by the state government. The continuation of live -fire exercises is NOT in the
best interest of our'aina. Therefore, it is NOT in the best interest of the people who rely on this delicate'aina to live and prosper.
We call upon you in the inherent capacity of "alaka'i" at the county level to put the pale (protections) in place for our island and
our people, and hold the state accountable to their public trust responsibilities.
Me ka 'oia'i'o, C
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Ref. To:
Kia'i Kanaloa, Executive Director Ref. Date 3
a O Mailing Address
1889-A Kilauea Ave.
(808) 987-0453 kiaikanaloa@gmail.com
Hilo, HI.96720