HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0377.605 2024-2026RE: Resolution 234-25
COUP! I Y CLERK
COUNTY OF HAWAII
7i325 SEP -2 M, 11: 27
Aloha Chair Inaba, Vice Chair Onishi and councilmembers,
My name is Jacie Miyashiro, and I am testifying in strong support of this resolution urging the
State of Hawai'i to protect the health and safety of Hawai'i Island residents by ceasing all
live -fire exercises at Pohakuloa Training Area until a full archaeological inventory survey and Ka
Pa'akai analysis are completed, and by rejecting any lease renewals or land swaps with the
military.
The military has a proven track record of leasing Hawaiian land for cheap, and then returning it
in worse condition. This has led to wildfires and habitat destruction resulting from military
activities at Pohakuloa. It has also created health and safety concerns in the form of unexploded
ordnance and depleted uranium. The potential harm to Hawai'i County residents by these
contaminants is antithetical to the military's supposed mission to protect citizens, so it is
imperative that these destructive practices be halted.
The Hawai'i State Constitution makes it clear that public trust lands such as these are for the
benefit of Native Hawaiians and the general public, and thus should not be misappropriated for
destructive military use. If the military wishes to continue using land in Hawaii, they should
demonstrate their commitment to being good stewards of the land by first putting up the funds to
restore the land that they depleted. Then, they must follow proper protocol and conduct a Ka
Pa'akai analysis to ensure that there are no further negative impacts on Native Hawaiian rights.
By approving Resolution 234-25, Hawai'i County provides the military with a strong reminder of
what they owe to Hawai'i and its people.
Respectfully,
Jacie Miyashiro
Aiea, Hawai'i
Comm. W
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