HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0377.641 2024-2026From:
Donald Rudny
Sent:
Wednesday, August 20, 2025 8:48 PM
To:
Inaba, Holeka; Kimball, Heather, Kierkiewia, Ashley; Kanealii-Kleinfelder, Matt;
Galimba, Michelle M.; Kagiwada, Jennifer Onishi, Dennis; Hustace, James; Villegas,
Rebecca; Council Testimony o
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Cc:
Alameda, Christian (Kimo); samuel.paparo@gmail.com; dlnr@hawaii.gov
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Subject:
Resolution 234-25 (opposed)
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Aloha Honorable Council Members,
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I respectfully submit testimony in strong opposition to Resolution No. 234-25. While I undetrstand and
share the desire to protect the health, safety, and cultural integrity of Hawai'i Island, I do not believe
that this resolution, as written, provides a balanced or constructive path forward.
The Pohakuloa Training Area (PTA) is a vital national defense installation. Its presence is essential
not only for the readiness of our armed forces, but also for the protection of Hawai'i and the Pacific
region. Given our strategic location, ceasing training activities at PTA would severely hinder military
preparedness and weaken our nation's ability to respond to threats, humanitarian crises, and natural
disasters across the Pacific.
It is also important to recognize that the military has been working toward environmental stewardship,
fire mitigation, and cultural site protection in partnership with community stakeholders. While
challenges remain, dialogue, accountability, and oversight are more constructive solutions than
outright rejection of leases or demands to cease training altogether. Such an approach risks
alienating the very institution that provides thousands of jobs locally, invests significantly in HawaiTs
economy, and offers emergency support during times of disaster.
Finally, I must respectfully address Chair Inaba's comment suggesting that this issue should be
treated as a "slam dunk" without extended discussion. Matters of this magnitude, involving national
security, cultural preservation, environmental stewardship, and the economic well-being of Hawai'i
Island, deserve full public debate and careful deliberation. To minimize or rush public input would
undermine the very democratic process this Council is entrusted to uphold. Our community's voices
should not be seen as obstacles to efficiency, but as essential to shaping sound, lasting policy.
For these reasons, I respectfully urge the Council to oppose this resolution and instead work toward
collaborative measures that:
Strengthen monitoring and enforcement of environmental safeguards,
Ensure cultural sites are identified and protected, and
Support ongoing military readiness that ultimately safeguards HawaiTs people.
True balance can be achieved through cooperation, not confrontation.
Mahalo for the opportunity to testify.
30I
Don Rudny
Comm.
Ref. To:•
Ref. Date W-2025'
P.O. Box 106
Pepeekeo, HI 96783-0106
312-209-5870