We Need Your Voice: Protect Pōhakuloa- Urge Hawai‘i County Council to Support Resolution 234-25
Great news... Last week, Hawaiʻi County Council's Committee on Environmental and Natural Resource Management passed Resolution 234-25, which urges the State of Hawaiʻi to request the US military cease “all bombing and desecration activities” at the Pōhakuloa Training Area on Hawaiʻi island, 8-0!
However, it still needs to be heard and passed by the full County Council.
We Need Your Help Again!
Next Wednesday, September 3rd at 9 AM, the Hawai‘i County Council will convene to consider Resolution 234-25 in support of protecting Pōhakuloa.
The hearing will take place at the Hilo Council Chambers, 25 Aupuni St., Room 1401.
It is critical that the County Council support efforts to protect Pōhakuloa.
Please submit written testimony by Tuesday, September 2nd at 12:00 noon, and if you are able, provide oral testimony in person or via Zoom at the hearing on Wednesday at 9 AM.
To testify via Zoom, email councilremotetestimony@hawaiicounty.gov or call the County Clerk at 808-961-8255.
Why Should the County Council Support Resolution
234-25?
Pōhakuloa is a sacred, culturally significant area
Pōhakuloa 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 Mālama ʻĀina
As reaffirmed by the Hawaiʻi Supreme Court in Kahaulelio v. DLNR (2019), 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 Pōhakuloa.
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 Pōhakuloa. These contaminants may become airborne and pose serious health risks to island residents.
Military activities are incompatible with conservation
Pōhakuloa 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.
What You Can Do to Protect Pōhakuloa
To provide written testimony
Email your testimony to counciltestimony@hawaiicounty.gov by Tuesday, September 2nd at 9am. Below is sample testimony. Please personalize as you see fit.
To provide in person testimony
Attend the hearing on Wednesday, September 3rd at 9am at the Hilo Council Chambers, 25 Aupuni St., Room 1401. Arrive at least fifteen (15) minutes prior to the meeting to sign in.
To provide oral testimony via Zoom
To testify via Zoom, email councilremotetestimony@hawaiicounty.gov or call the County Clerk at 808-961-8255 by Tuesday, September 2nd at 9 am (at least 24 hours in advance).
Sample Testimony:
Subject Line: Support Res. 234-25
SAMPLE TESTIMONY:
Aloha Committee Members,I strongly support this resolution.US Military training at Pōhakuloa 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 fresh water to Hawaiʻi 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.Pōhakuloa 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 ʻāina.Please support this resolution to protect the land, water, and people of Hawaiʻi.Mahalo,
[Your Name]
[Town]
Mahalo for taking action!
The HAPA Team
