Archive for April, 2022

Cancel Pohakuloa Lease April 29, 2022 Hilo Peace Vigil leaflet

Tuesday, April 26th, 2022

U.S. War Machine

Boldface Lies!

Cancel Pohakuloa Toxic Area (PTA) Lease NOW!

 

PTA

Where are the voices of religious leaders, and elected officials – at

the county, state, and federal level against war and militarism, and

for return of Hawaiian lands?

      Military authorities at the 133,000-acre Pohakuloa Toxic Area (PTA) located in the center of Hawaii Island, repeatedly lied for years saying that Depleted Uranium (DU) radiation weapons were never used in training at PTA. And then the cat jumped out of the bag. Legal documents proved Depleted Uranium was used at Pohakuloa, Schofield Barracks, likely at Makua Valley, and possibly Kaho’olawe and other sites in Hawaii. DU radiation has a half-life of 4.5 Billion years.

      Pohakuloa military authorities were not the only military officials caught lying. There is a long history of military lies. The US war machine has proven to be a habitual liar. Remember the Tonkin Gulf lies and Pentagon Papers about the US war in Vietnam? How about US false claims of WMDs in Iraq? And what war machine lies are we being fed today about Ukraine, Russia, China, etc.?

      Here’s another example of military lies in Hawaii. In the 1960s, around the same time the Army got a lease of State land at PTA (23,000-acres for 65 years at a total cost of $1), the Army also got a lease of state lands in the Waiakea forest area south of Hilo. The Waiakea forest is Hilo’s watershed. The Army told the state it wanted to do “Weather testing.” The Army was lying. The Army secretly tested chemical and biological weapons in Hilo’s watershed, including sarin nerve gas that is so toxic it kills at 1/50 of a drop. The Army repeatedly denied such testing was going on, but Hawaii’s US Congressional Rep. Patsy Mink confirmed the tests. Then Hawaii County mayor, Shunichi Kimura spoke out. The Army lied to us, he said. Cancel the State lease of land to the Army. There was a community uproar and the state lease was canceled. How many people got sick and died from the Army’s poison is still unknown. Hunters say there are areas in the Waiakea forest where little or nothing grows today, more than 50 years after the chemical and biological secret weapons testing.

      Congresswoman Patsy Mink and Mayor Shunichi Kimura were people with the courage to stand up to the military.   Where are such people today – our County, State, and Congressional elected officials?  Who will speak out and say — Stop all Bombing and other live-fire training at PTA now. Clean up the massive military toxic mess at the 133,000-acre base. Return all PTA lands, the entire 133,000-acres to Kanaka Maoli. Return all stolen lands and end the illegal US occupation of Hawaii.

      On Monday, April 25, 2022, there was a public meeting in Hilo on the military extension of its 23,000-acre state lease at PTA. Only 2 people spoke in support of extending the military lease. All the others for 2 hours spoke against any lease extension. The vast majority of speakers were Kanaka Maoli. There was NO media coverage and no elected officials or church leaders spoke out Why? Pohakuloa is the Big Island’s Red Hill. We all live downhill, downwind, and downstream of the Army’s Pohakuloa Toxic stew, where millions of live-rounds have been fired annually for more than 70 years. For ways to comment on the record for PTA lease see https://malu-aina.org/?p=8003   Cancel PTA Lease Now!

Enough is Enough!

1. Mourn all victims of violence. 2. Reject violence & war as solutions. 3. Defend civil liberties.
4. Oppose all discrimination, anti-Islamic, anti-Semitic, anti-Hawaiian, anti-Black, anti-Asian, etc.
5. Seek peace through peaceful means and work for justice in Hawai`i and around the world.

Malu ‘Aina Center for Non-violent Education & Action P.O. Box 489 Ola’a (Kurtistown), Hawai’i 96760

Phone (808) 966-7622 Email ja@malu-aina.org to receive our posts.

For more information http://www.malu-aina.org/

April 29, 2022, Hilo Peace Vigil leaflet – week 1074– Fridays 3:30-5PM downtown Post Office

-- 
Jim Albertini Malu 'Aina Center For Non-violent Education & Action P.O. Box 489 Ola'a (Kurtistown) Hawai'i 96760
Phone 808-966-7622 Email ja@malu-aina.org Visit us on the web at www.malu-aina.org

Celebrate Earth Day –Friday, April 22nd.

Tuesday, April 19th, 2022

Celebrate Earth Day –Friday, April 22nd.

Join the Hilo Peace Vigil at the downtown Hilo Post Office
3:30-5PM
 
 
 
 
The Army claims that its desecration – – bombing and toxic pollution of the ‘aina, air, and water at The Pohakuloa Training Area (PTA) is “environmental and cultural stewardship,” and “an enduring partnership with the local Hawaiian community.” What shibai!!!!!!!

 

 

Merrie Monarch Parade and Pohakuloa lease

Monday, April 18th, 2022

No Trust Army!

      The US military has turned Hawai’i Island into a massive Toxic Waste Dump, including Depleted Uranium (DU) radiation contamination. It’s called the 133,000-acre Pohakuloa Training Area (PTA), or more accurately – The Pohakuloa Toxic Area. The area, in the center of the island, has been bombed and abused by all branches of the US military for more than 70 years. Everyone on the island lives downhill, downwind, and downstream from this PTA toxic stew located at 6500 feet elevation.

      Now the military is trying to get a renewal of a ($1 total for 65 years) lease from the State of Hawai’i for 23,000 acres to continue polluting and desecrating the ‘aina and adding to the toxic stew.  Bombing the ‘aina is the ultimate desecration.

      Say NO to any Army lease renewal. Call for — Stopping all bombing and live-fire munitions at PTA. Millions of live rounds are fired annually at PTA. Call for –- A comprehensive independent assessment of the toxic military mess at PTA — Clean Up of the existing military mess and guaranteed federal funding to do the job right, not only on the leased lands but all 133,000-acres of PTA, most of which were simply seized through presidential or governor’s executive orders. Return the lands to the rightful owners – the Kanaka Maoli Hawaiian people.

Things You can do:

1. Join the Aloha ‘Aina Marching Unit in The Hilo Merrie Monarch Parade. Meet at 9 AM Saturday, April 23, 2022, near the Kamehameha Statue. Dress in Green, Mauna attire, and bring your pu or pu ‘ohe, positive message of aloha aina signs, and participate in a unified expression of Kapu Aloha and Aloha ‘Aina. We will follow all PARADE GUIDELINES and any COVID protocols.

2. Attend and testify at one of two public meetings to voice opposition to any lease renewal of lands at Pohakuloa. The meetings are Monday, April 25 at ʻImiloa Astronomy Center 600 ʻImiloa Place, Hilo, and Tuesday, April 26 at Waimea District Park Ala Ohia Road, Waimea, HI.  Both meetings are 6-8 PM or as long as testimony is being given.

3. 1)  ONLINE:  https://home.army.mil/hawaii/index.php/ptaeis/project-home  (CLICK “Submit a Comment” Block) 2)  E-MAIL:  ATLR-PTA-EIS@g70.design 3)  PHONE: (808) 470-8884 (April 25-26, 2022 only during the public meetings) 4)  U.S. POSTAL SERVICE: ATLR PTA EIS Comments, P.O. Box 3444, Honolulu, HI 96801-3444 5) 

4. Link to all documents for the Draft EIS for PTA can be found here: https://home.army.mil/hawaii/index.php/ptaeis/documents Link to Draft EIS Volume I: https://files.hawaii.gov/dbedt/erp/Doc_Library/2022-04-08-HA-DEIS-Army-Training-Land-Retention-at-Pohakuloa-Training-Area-Vol-I.pdf Link to Draft EIS Volume II: https://files.hawaii.gov/dbedt/erp/Doc_Library/2022-04-08-HA-DEIS-Army-Training-Land-Retention-at-Pohakuloa-Training-Area-Vol-II.pdf

Aloha ‘Aina! – Stop Bombing Pohakluloa!

Military: Clean Up Your Mess! Return Stolen Lands!

End Illegal Occupation of Hawai’i!

1. Mourn all victims of violence. 2. Reject violence & war as solutions. 3. Defend civil liberties.
4. Oppose all discrimination, anti-Islamic, anti-Semitic, anti-Hawaiian, anti-Black, anti-Asian, etc.
5. Seek peace through peaceful means and work for justice in Hawai`i and around the world.

Malu ‘Aina Center for Non-violent Education & Action P.O. Box 489 Ola’a (Kurtistown), Hawai’i 96760

Phone (808) 966-7622   Email ja@malu-aina.org to receive our posts.

For more information http://www.malu-aina.org/

April 22, 2022, Hilo Peace Vigil leaflet – week 1073– Fridays 3:30-5PM downtown Post Office

 

-- 
Jim Albertini Malu 'Aina Center For Non-violent Education & Action P.O. Box 489 Ola'a (Kurtistown) Hawai'i 96760
Phone 808-966-7622 Email ja@malu-aina.org Visit us on the web at www.malu-aina.org

Pohakuloa EIS info on the lease of State lands

Wednesday, April 13th, 2022

Shut Down Pohakuloa.  Make the military thoroughly clean up its mess and return the entire 133,000-acres (not simply the 23,000-acres leased) to the Hawaiian people.

Pohakuloa EIS info on the lease of State lands

The 133,000-acre Military Toxic Area (PTA) is located in the center of Hawaii Island at an elevation of 6500 feet.  It’s an area that has been bombed and abused by all branches of the US military for more than 70 years. Millions of live rounds are fired annually at PTA.  A wide range of toxins, including Depleted Uranium (DU) radiation, have been spread throughout the land.  All of us on the Big Island, residents, and visitors alike, people, plants, and animals, are downhill and downwind from PTA. 

Of the 133,000-acres at PTA, the military wants to renew a State lease of 23,000 acres.  The bulk of the land at PTA, more than 84,000-acres was simply seized by a presidential executive order.  I say NO to the lease renewal.  I say yes to require a comprehensive independent assessment of the toxic military mess at PTA, guaranteed federal funds to do a thorough clean-up, and the shutdown and return of the entire 133,000-acres to the Hawaiian people.  Enough is enough!  Bombing the aina is the ultimate desecration. I urge others to express their thoughts publicly, and to the military Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) process.

Jim Albertini Malu ‘Aina Center For Non-violent Education & Action P.O. Box 489 Ola’a (Kurtistown) Hawai’i 96760 Phone 808-966-7622 Email ja@malu-aina.org

Army info on Pohakuloa EIS below

The public is encouraged to review and provide comments on the Draft EIS during the 60-day public comment period April 8 through June 7, 2022. The Draft EIS is available for public review from the project website at: https://home.army.mil/hawaii/index.php/PTAEIS and at four state libraries: Hawai‘i State Library; Hilo Public Library; Kailua-Kona Public Library; Thelma Parker Memorial Public and School Library.

Two in-person public meetings are currently scheduled to take place from 6 to 8 p.m. in two locations:

  • April 25 at ʻImiloa Astronomy Center (600 ʻImiloa Place, Hilo, HI, 96720)
  • April 26 at Waimea District Park (Ala Ohia Road, Waimea, HI, 96743)

There are five (5) ways to submit comments on the Draft EIS:

1)  ONLINE:  https://home.army.mil/hawaii/index.php/ptaeis/project-home  (CLICK “Submit a Comment” Block)

2)  E-MAIL:  ATLR-PTA-EIS@g70.design

3)  PHONE: (808) 470-8884 (April 25-26, 2022 only during the public meetings)

4)  U.S. POSTAL SERVICE: ATLR PTA EIS Comments, P.O. Box 3444, Honolulu, HI 96801-3444

5)  IN-PERSON: April 25 and 26, 6-8 p.m. in Hilo (Imiloa Astronomy Center) and (Waimea District Park) respectively

PTA EIS project website: https://home.army.mil/hawaii/index.php/OahuEIS

_________________________________

HELPFUL LINKS:

Link to all documents for the Draft EIS for PTA can be found here: https://home.army.mil/hawaii/index.php/ptaeis/documents

Link to Draft EIS Volume I: https://files.hawaii.gov/dbedt/erp/Doc_Library/2022-04-08-HA-DEIS-Army-Training-Land-Retention-at-Pohakuloa-Training-Area-Vol-I.pdf

Link to Draft EIS Volume II: https://files.hawaii.gov/dbedt/erp/Doc_Library/2022-04-08-HA-DEIS-Army-Training-Land-Retention-at-Pohakuloa-Training-Area-Vol-II.pdf

Link to Q&A: https://home.army.mil/hawaii/application/files/1316/4937/6974/PTA_DEIS_QA__3AA4.pdf

If you have any questions, please call Army # 808-656-3160 or usarmy.hawaii.comrel@mail.mil.

Good Friday April 15, 2022 Hilo Peace Vigil leaflet

Tuesday, April 12th, 2022

The Folly of War!

war

      War (What is it good for?) ABSOLUTELY NOTHING! was a Vietnam War protest song, but remains timeless. Here is a verse – “War is something that I despise ‘Cause it means the destruction of innocent lives –War means tears in thousands of mothers’ eyes – When their sons go out to fight and lose their lives —I said War… Huh… Good God, y’all! What it is good for? Absolutely nothing! Say it again!…” Hear the song and see the 3-minute war video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zJOLH8WfCaY

      Today, the more weapons sent to Ukraine, the more the war, the killing, and suffering will be prolonged. Only the arms merchants will profit – the Military-Industrial Complex. For Ukraine and the world, more war is not the answer, The answer is a truce, and negotiations and diplomacy to achieve peace.

      In this 2022 Holy Week of Palm Sunday, Good Friday, and Easter, it is important to remember the words of the Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr.: “The greatest purveyor of violence in the world: My own Government, I can not be Silent.” Those words. Spoken more than 50 years ago remains true today. But where are the voices today of church leaders speaking out against war? The silence is deafening!

      Renowned scholar, 93-year-old Noam Chomsky warns that we are at “the most dangerous point in human history.” Due to the danger of nuclear war and climate catastrophe Chomsky says “we are now facing the prospect of the destruction of organized human life on Earth.” https://therealnews.com/noam-chomsky-warns-the-most-dangerous-point-in-human-history-looms Please take his words of wisdom seriously.

Great new Anti-war song “War Machine” and 4-minute video

https://www.youtube.com/embed/VYJSuE-S9Ys?autoplay=1

Watch this prophetic 25 min interview with Princeton Professor Stephen Cohen on Russia, Ukraine, and possible US war with Russia? The interview was done on 11/13/19 and Cohen died of lung cancer on 9/18/20. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bpASSqz1hGc

No More Weapons! No More Wars!

Save the Species from Climate & Nuclear Destruction!

Happy Easter!

1. Mourn all victims of violence. 2. Reject violence & war as solutions. 3. Defend civil liberties.
4. Oppose all discrimination, anti-Islamic, anti-Semitic, anti-Hawaiian, anti-Black, anti-Asian, etc.
5. Seek peace through peaceful means and work for justice in Hawai`i and around the world.

Malu ‘Aina Center for Non-violent Education & Action P.O. Box 489 Ola’a (Kurtistown), Hawai’i 96760

Phone (808) 966-7622 Email ja@malu-aina.org to receive our posts.

For more information http://www.malu-aina.org/

April 15, 2022, Hilo Peace Vigil leaflet – week 1072– Fridays 3:30-5PM downtown Post Office

-- 
Jim Albertini Malu 'Aina Center For Non-violent Education & Action P.O. Box 489 Ola'a (Kurtistown) Hawai'i 96760
Phone 808-966-7622 Email ja@malu-aina.org Visit us on the web at www.malu-aina.org