HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0377.687 2024-2026From: Momi Wheeler
Sent: Wednesday, August 27, 2025 3:30 PM
To: Council Testimony
Cc: Kimball, Heather; Kagiwada, Jennifer, Onishi, Dennis; Kierkiewicz, Ashley; Kanealii-
Kleinfelder, Matt; Hustace, James; Galimba, Michelle M.; Villegas, RebeccqJiabag
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Subject: SUPPORT - Hawai'i County Council Resolution 234-25 c� =(—
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Aloha Chair Inaba, Vice Chair Onishi, and council members,
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Mahalo for the opportunity to provide testimony in support of Resolution 234-25. This reseelutidjh"
requests that the State take necessary measures to protect the health and safety of Hawa)Island
residents by asking the military to discontinue all bombing and desecration activities at Pohakuloa
Training Area (PTA), decline land swaps and lease renewals without strict stipulations, and conduct a
comprehensive Ka Pa'akai Analysis.
The courts have already confirmed that the State has failed to uphold its constitutional duty to monitor
and protect this wahi kupuna, Pohakuloa. In Ching v. Case (2019), the Hawai'i Supreme Court found
the State breached its trust obligations by neglecting cleanup and oversight responsibilities at
Pohakuloa. These failures cannot continue.
May 2025, the Board of Land and Natural Resources (BLNR) rejected PTA's Final Environmental
Impact Statement due to incomplete archaeological surveys, insufficient endangered species data,
and an inadequate Cultural Impact Assessment addressing Ka Pa'akai factors. Decades of bombing
and training have damaged pristine lands, aquifers, and cultural sites.
The Hawai'i State Constitution states that public trust lands are to be maintained for the benefit of
Native Hawaiians and the general public, rather than for military use. Article XII, Section 7 also calls
for the protection of Native Hawaiian cultural and religious practices. Conducting live -fire exercises in
a manner inconsistent with these constitutional provisions does not align with these stated
protections.
The military must fund and finish a full cleanup and restoration of this wahi kupuna,
Pohakuloa, before discussing lease renewals or land swaps.
Approving Resolution 234-25 shows Hawai'i County's support for its residents and their concerns
about PTA's short and long-term impacts. It also asserts that the County expects military decisions to
involve public input, cleanup commitments, and adherence to legal obligations.
Aloha 'Aina,
Momi Wheeler
Waikahekahe Nui, Lononuiakea
Comm.
Ref. To:
Ref. Date - 3 2025