Malu 'Aina

template letter in opposition to the Pohakuloa military lease renewal

Published by jalbertini on June 3rd, 2024 in Military, Pohakuloa, Public Events, Take Action!.

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

p { margin-bottom: 0.1in; line-height: 115%; background: transparent }strong { font-weight: bold }a:link { color: #000080; so-language: zxx; text-decoration: underline }

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]

p { margin-bottom: 0.1in; line-height: 115%; background: transparent }strong { font-weight: bold }a:link { color: #000080; so-language: zxx; text-decoration: underline }

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