HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0377.681 2024-2026From: Sage Warner
Sent: Monday, September 1, 2025 11:15 PM o�
To: Council Testimony m c�
Subject: Support Res. 234-25 o t
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Aloha Committee Members, r�
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1 strongly support this resolution.
My sister worked for several years 1n the area and personally witnessed the burning of one of the last wild
populations of a native aster flower. They had been monitoring the area where they grew, and during a
demonstration/target practice of bombs by the military a fire was started and they were all burned. Our
native flora is in too much danger for actions like this to continue.
US Military training at Pohakuloa 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 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 %ina. Please support this resolution to protect the land, water, and people
of Hawai'i.
Mahalo,
Sage Warner
Mountain View, Ola'a, Big island
Comm.
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Ref. Date - 3 2025