Press Release on Depleted Uranium (DU)
Press Release: Army invited to PUBLIC community forum on Depleted Uranium Monday Aug. 30th in Keaau
further contact: Jim Albertini 966-7622 ja@interpac.net
Below is a copy of a letter of invitation mailed today to Pohakuloa Commander Lt. Col. Rolland C. Niles from Malu ‘Aina.
Email versions were sent to Celso Tadeo at Pohakuloa (celso.tadeo@us.army.mil) and Mike Egami, Army Public Affairs officer on Oahu (Mike.Egami@us.army.mil) with a request that the invitation be extended up the chain of command to Col. Douglas S. Mulbury. Commander, US Army Garrison – Hawaii. The Aug. 30th DU forum will go on whether or not the Army accepts Malu ‘Aina’s invitation to participate. “The Army promised transparency. We’re still waiting,” said Jim Albertini.
Malu ‘Aina Center for Non-violent Education & Action
P.O. Box AB Ola’a (Kurtistown), Hawai`i 96760
Phone 808-966-7622 email ja@interpac.net
Visit us on the web at www.malu-aina.org
August 14, 2010
Lieutenant Colonel Rolland C. Niles
Commander, US Army Garrison – Pohakuloa
P.O. Box 4607
Hilo, Hawaii 96720-0607
Dear Lieutenant Colonel Niles:
Aloha and welcome to our Island home.
We invite the Army to participate in a BALANCED PUBLIC FORUM on Deleted Uranium Health Risk Assessment. Monday, Aug. 30th from 7-9PM at the Keaau Community Center. The Army is invited to start the evening off with a 30 minute presentation followed by a 30 minute presentation from community representatives. Public testimony and Moderated Q & A will follow. The event is free and THE PUBLIC IS INVITED.
Please R.S.V.P. by August 23 to our organization which is the sponsor of the event. Contact information is listed below.
We are aware that the Army has scheduled a presentation on the Depleted Uranium Health Risk Assessment for PTA to be held Tuesday, Aug. 31st at 2PM at Pohakuloa Training Area.
We object that this presentation is:
1. “By invitation only”
2. Not balanced with community representatives being given equal time
3. Held at PTA instead of in the community (preferably forums in Hilo, Kona, Waimea and Na’alehu). The winds, dust devils, and vehicles that travel through Pohakuloa travel around this island. Everyone on this island is potentially at risk from military radiation contamination at Pohakuloa.
We appeal to you to come out of your bunker, your “Green Zone” on Hawaii Island, and meet and treat the people of this island with respect. Democracy is not by invitation only. Furthermore, it is we civilians who are paying for the military budget, including your salaries.
Mahalo for your consideration.
Jim Albertini
President
