Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 31, Number 5, 1 Mei 2014 — Continued military presence on Howaiʻi lsland [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

Continued military presence on Howaiʻi lsland

Trustee 's note: This month begins a series of community viewpoint opinions on the \arge issues we as a lāhui have eoncernfor: geothermaī, astronomy, a rising miīitary presence, GMO aneī seīf-determination. If you are interested in ojfering mana 'o on any of these issues or one I did not even think of p)ease write me at bobīindsey808@ gmail.com, bobīindsey808@ hawaii.rr.com or robert)@oha. org. Or, eall me at (808) 936-

6795. PR0: The U.S. military presence on the Big Island is a good thing. How ean anyone think otherwise? The largest military installation on the Big Island is the U. S. Army's Pōhakuloa Training Area (PTA), whieh consists of a much-improved administrative area, Bradshaw Army Airtreld, various ranges and logistical facilities, including an impact area that accommodates the use of air and ground delivered munitions. Situated at 6,000 feet between Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa extending over 160 square miles, PTA provides a rare combat training experience for active and reserve component units. The readiness for these units would be severely impaired if PTA was not available for training. The military 's presence on the island no doubt helped to justify federal funding for the improvements to Saddle Road, whieh dramatically reduces the driving time between Kailua-Kona and Hilo. And, the vast reserve of water found at 1,800 feet below PTA by the Army's deep-water well-drilling project opens up more possibilities for the leveraging of resources for the State in an arid region that averages less than 20 inches of rainfall a year. Other military facilities on the Big Island include the Armed Forces Recreation Center at KAauea, and a 7-acre facility at Kawaihae, and the National Guard's Keaukaha Military Reservation in Hilo. Like PTA, these facilities provide jobs and require supplies and services from the private sector, adding to the island's diversified economy. For those who do think otherwise, the military's presence on the Big Island is highly valued and here to stay. Get over

it. Maximize opportunities that the military's presence may provide and minimize unfounded criticism. — Coī. Ed Teixeira (Ret.) C0N: The Creator of the Universe bestows upon the Hawaiian Islands many wondrous blessings. Foremost are majestic mountains - Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa rising to the heavens

from the depths of oeean on this tiny, lifesustaining orb in the limitless of Hawai'i must view our stewardship responsibilities. We reap what we sow. Shall the weeds of war and desecration of our historic cultural sites eonlinue to be sown at Pōhakuloa? Or shall we lift our hearts and minds to meet the greatest challenge ever to face humankind - to become one family comprised of all humankind? Or shall we self-destruct - tragic victims of our own incapacity to see blessings around us? Now is the time to create at Pōhakuloa an International Institute of Peaee as envisioned by Hawai'i U.S. Sen. Sparky Matsunaga - architect of the U.S. Institute of Peaee, have devoted their lives to creating a world worthy of the sacrihces made in defense of Peaee and Justice. It is htting that we stand PONO - upright and Righteous - protecting the sanctity of the 'Āina - Aloha 'Āina, emulating conscientious kupuna Joseph Nāwahī and George Helm - tme Hawaiian patriots. Hawaiians give the world the spirit of Aloha, yet in the bosom of our sacred mountains: training - practice for death and destmction, with plans to bring other foreign nations to Pōhakuloa to participate. Have we really measured the eeonomie and ethical benehts of a Peaee economy? In 2008 the Hawai'i County Council passed a resolution 8-to-l calling for an independent study of depleted uranium used at Pōhakuloa. Sign petition: kama kakoi.com to show your support. ■ — Former OHA Trustee Moani Akaka

Rūbert K. Lindsey, Jr. Trustee, Hawai'i