HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0377.646 2024-2026From:
Noel Shaw
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Sent:
Tuesday, September 2, 2025 12:21 AM
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To:
Council Testimony
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Subject:
Testimony in Support of Resolution 234-25
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Aloha Council Members,
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Asa genealogical descendant of kupuna from Hawai'i island and someone who still holds close ties to
the island, I strongly support this resolution.
US Military training at P6hakuloa 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 freshwater to Hawai'i Island, and the military's track record shows they are not equipped to
protect it. Its damage has gone beyond these zones leaking and leaving military grade waste throughout
Hawai'i island, including at one point in the Kuhi6 Hale homesteads where my'ohana lived.
There is also serious concern about depleted uranium left in the soil, which can become airborne during
exercises and has known health risks. As someone who worked to help people get compensated under
the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act, I know the process for being made whole after such health
risks is lengthy and has no guarantees of ensuring wholeness can be restored.
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. It threatens our
families ability to continue together on Hawai'i island as we do to recharge and reconnectwith our
kupuna and those life ways.
Please support this resolution to protect the land, water, and people of Hawaii. Set the precedent that
helps push the rest of Hawai'i to do the same. We believe in your ability to do the right thing and to hear
the cries of the who you serve. Restoration of dignity for humanity is at hand. Use your seat in power to
protect our health and land.
Na'u me ka ha'aha'a,
Noel Shaw
Kalawahine, O'ahu
Noel Kaleikalaunuoka'oia'i'o Shaw
619-261-5894
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