Below is a template letter that can be sent in as testimony in opposition to the Pohakuloa military lease renewal by email or postal mail. Deadline is Friday, June 7th midnight for email. Must be postmarked June 7th. I also recommend you send copies to your elected officials. See the list of federal, state and county elected officials below.
Pohakuloa Training Area Draft 2 EIS Lease. Email to atlr-pta-eis@g70.design, mail to ATLR PTA EIS Comments, P.O. Box 3444, Honolulu, HI 96801-3444. For more info see https://malu-aina.org/?p=10122
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Subject: Opposition to Renewal of Military Land Lease at Pohakuloa Training Area (PTA) on the Big Island, Hawaii
Dear [Recipient Name],
I am writing to express my strong opposition to the renewal of the military land lease on the Big Island, Hawaii. As a concerned citizen deeply invested in the environmental and social well-being of our island, I find the current proposal to extend this lease both troubling and unacceptable for several critical reasons.
First and foremost, the environmental review process has been woefully inadequate. The documentation provided fails to thoroughly assess the long-term environmental impacts of continued military presence on the land. This oversight is particularly concerning given the rich biodiversity and delicate ecosystems that characterize the Big Island. The potential for irreparable harm to native species and habitats necessitates a far more rigorous and comprehensive review than what has been presented.
Furthermore, the history of land stewardship, cultural and historic impacts, under military control has been subpar. There have been numerous instances of environmental degradation and insufficient remediation efforts, which have resulted in lasting damage to the land and surrounding communities. The military’s track record does not inspire confidence that future stewardship will be any different. There has been irreparable harm to cultural and historic sites, as well as native species. The people of Hawaii deserve better management of their precious natural resources and cultural sites, prioritizing restoration and conservation over militarization.
Lastly, there is a growing movement within our community advocating for the demilitarization of the island. The continued military presence is at odds with the values and aspirations of many residents who envision a future focused on peace, sustainability, and cultural preservation. Renewing this lease would further entrench the military’s footprint on the island, diverting resources and attention away from initiatives that align more closely with these goals.
In conclusion, I urge you to reconsider the renewal of the military land lease on the Big Island. It is imperative that we prioritize the protection of our environment, ensure responsible land stewardship, and listen to the voices of the community calling for a shift towards a more peaceful and sustainable future.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone Number]
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Contact your elected government officials to Protect Hawai’i Keiki, Stop Bombing Pohakuloa, and
for Immediate Ceasefires at Home and Abroad, No More War! Peace Now!
Hawaii County Council members phone numbers and emails
District 1 Heather Kimball Phone: (808) 961-8828 Email: heather.kimball@hawaiicounty.gov
District 2 Jennifer “Jenn” Kagiwada Phone: (808) 961-8272 Email: jennifer.kagiwada@hawaiicounty.gov
District 3 Susan “Sue” L. K. Lee Loy Phone: (808) 961-8396 Email: sue.leeloy@hawaiicounty.gov
District 4 Ashley Lehualani Kierkiewicz Phone: (808) 961-8265 Email: ashley.kierkiewicz@hawaiicounty.gov
District 5 Matt Kaneali’i-Kleinfelder Phone: (808) 961-8263 Email: matt.kanealii-kleinfelder@hawaiicounty.gov
District 6 Michelle Galimba Phone: (808) 323-4277 Email: michelle.galimba@hawaiicounty.gov
District 7 Rebecca Villegas Phone: (808) 323-4267 Email: rebecca.villegas@hawaiicounty.gov
District 8 Dr. Holeka Goro Inaba Phone: (808) 323-4280 Email: holeka.inaba@hawaiicounty.gov
District 9 Cynthia “Cindy” Evans Phone: Hilo – (808) 961-8564 Email: cindy.evans@hawaiicounty.gov
Mayor Mitch Roth Hawaii County Mayor Address 25 Aupuni Street, # 2603 Hilo, Hawaii, 96720 Phone 808-961-8223 Fax 808-961-8912 email mitch.roth@hawaiicounty.gov <mitch.roth@hawaiicounty.gov>
Hawaii Island State Senators
Inouye, Lorraine (D) Rm 210 808-586-7335
(Hilo, Paukaa, Papaikou, Pepeekeo) FAX: 808-586-7339
seninouye@capitol.hawaii.gov
Kanuha, Dru Mamo (D) Rm 206 808-586-9385
(Kona, Kau, Volcano) FAX: 808-586-9391
senkanuha@capitol.hawaii.gov
Richards, III, Herbert M. “Tim” (D) Rm 202 808-586-6760
(North Hilo, Hamakua, Kohala, Waimea, Waikoloa, North Kona) FAX: 808-586-6689
senrichards@capitol.hawaii.gov
San Buenaventura, Joy A. (D) Rm 213 808-586-6890
(Puna) FAX: 808-586-6899
sensanbuenaventura@capitol.hawaii.gov
Hawaii Island State Representatives
lagan, Greggor (D) …4 ………………419 ………………. 808-586-6530
(Hawaiian Paradise Park, Hawaiian Beaches, FAX: 808-586-6531
Nanawale Estates, Leilani Estates) repilagan@capitol.hawaii.gov
Kahaloa, Kirstin (D) …6 ……………..314 ……………….. 808-586-8530
(Honaunau, Napoopoo, Captain Cook, Kealakekua, Keauhou, FAX: 808-586-8534 Holualoa, Kailua-Kona) repkahaloa@capitol.hawaii.gov
Kapela, Jeanne (D) ……5 …………….418 ………………. 808-586-9605
(Portions of Keaau, and Kurtistown, Mountain View, Glenwood, FAX: 808-586-9608 Fern Forest, Volcano, Pahala, Punaluu, Naalehu, Waiohinu, repkapela@capitol.hawaii.gov Hawaiian Ocean View, Hookena)
Lowen, Nicole E. (D) ….7 …………….436 ………………. 808-586-8400
(Kailua-Kona, Honokohau, Kalaoa, Puuanahulu, FAX: 808-586-8404
Puako, portion of Waikoloa) replowen@capitol.hawaii.gov
Nakashima, Mark M. (D)..1 ………….432 ………………. 808-586-6680
(Hamakua, portion of Hilo, Kaumana) FAX: 808-586-6684
repnakashima@capitol.hawaii.gov
Onishi, Richard H.K. (D)…2 ………….438 ………………. 808-586-6120
(Hilo) FAX: 808-586-6121 reponishi@capitol.hawaii.gov
Tarnas, David A. (D) …8 ………………442 ………………. 808-586-8510
(Hawi, Halaula, Waimea, Makahalau, Waikii, Waikoloa, FAX: 808-586-8514
Kawaihae, and Mahukona) reptarnas@capitol.hawaii.gov
Todd, Chris (D) ….3 ……………………..443 ………………. 808-586-8480
(Portion of Hilo, Keaukaha, Orchidlands Estate, Ainaloa, FAX: 808-586-8484
Hawaiian Acres, Fern Acres, portions of Kurtistown and Keaau) reptodd@capitol.hawaii.gov
Hawaii Congressional Representatives & Senators
Rep Jill Tokuda (202) 225-4906 (808) 746-6220 https://tokuda.house.gov/address_authentication?form=/contact
Rep. Ed Case 808-650-6688, : 202-225-2726 Email: ed.case@mail.house.gov
Senator Brian Schatz Phone number:(808) 523-2061 Phone number:(202) 224-3934
brian_schatz@schatz.senate.gov schatz.senate.gov.
Sen. Mazie Hirono http://www.hirono.senate.gov.
Phone: (202) 224-6361 Phone: (808) 522-8970
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 see https://www.malu-aina.org
