HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0377.628 2024-2026Sent:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
From: Joel Peralto
Monday, September 1, 2025 5:23 AM
Joel Peralto
Council Testimony
RE: Support Res. 234-25
Sent: Thursday, August 28, 2025 11:16 PM
To: Council Remote Testimony<councilremotetestimony@hawaiicounty.gov>
Cc: Kimball, Heather <Heather.Kimball@ hawaiicounty.gov>; Kagiwada, Jennifer
<Jennifer.Kagiwada@hawaiicounty.gov>; Onishi, Dennis <Dennis.Onishi@hawaiicounty.gov>; Kierkiewicz, Ashley
<Ashley. Kierkiewicz@ hawaiicounty.gov>; Kanealii-Kleinfelder, Matt <Matt.Kanealii-Kleinfelder@hawaiicounty.gov>;
Hustace, James <James.Hustace@hawaiicounty.gov>; Galimba, Michelle M. <Michelle.Galimba@hawaiicounty.gov>;
Villegas, Rebecca <Rebecca.Villegas@hawaiicounty.gov>; Inaba, Holeka <Holeka.lnaba@hawaiicounty.gov>; Joel Peralto
<peraltcj001@gmai l.com>
Subject: Re: Support Res. 234-25
Hawaii Island County Council
Hilo Council Chambers
25 Aupuni Street, Room 1401
Hilo, HI 96720
Re: Support Res. 234-25
Aloha Council Members,
Comm. tip. Uk
Ref. To:
Ref. Date I - 2
I strongly support this resolution. US Military training at P6hakuloa has already caused serious harm -
burning nearly 20,00o 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. Pohakuloa 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. Please support this resolution to protect the land,
water, and people of Hawaii.
Mahalo nui loa,
Joel C. K. Peralto
1329 Oma Omao Place
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
Mahalo for taking action!
Why Should the County Council Support Resolution 2,14-25?
P6hakuloa is a sacred, culturally significant area
P6hakuloa 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 20,000 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 Malama `Aina
As reaffirmed by the Hawaii Supreme Court in Kahaulelio v. 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 P6hakuloa.
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 P6hakuloa. These contaminants may become airborne and pose serious health risks to island
residents.
Military activities are incompatible with conservation
P6hakuloa 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.
,i J:., 1 $
Copy:
Heather Kimball:
Heather.Kimball0hawaiicou=.gov
Jennifer Kagiwada:
jennifer.kagiwada(d)hawaiicounty.gov
Dennis "Fresh" Onishi:
dennis.onishi(@hawaiicounty_.gov
Ashley Kierkiewicz:
ashley.lderkiewicz(a)hawaiicountygov
Matt Kaneali'i-Kleinfelder:
matt.kanealii-kleinfelder(@hawaiicountV.goV
James Hustace:
iames.hustaceoc hawaiicounty_gov
Michelle Galimba:
michelle.galimbaPhawaiicounty_.gov
Rebecca Villegas:
rebecca.villegas(@hawaiicounty. qov
Dr. Holeka Inaba:
holeka.inaba(a hawaiicountygov