Letter to Hawaii Department of Land & Natural Resources on RIMPAC protests
Mr. Gordon Heit
District Land Agent DLNR
35 Aupuni St. Rm 204
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
June 13, 2018
Dear Mr. Heit,
I would like to request permission for an ad hoc group of citizens to temporarily park vehicles on a DLNR parcel of land across from the road entrance to Hilo airport along Kanoelehua Ave. Our purpose is to peacefully protest RIMPAC 2018 which will include bombing ‘aina at the Pohakuloa Training Area (PTA).
RIMPAC 2018 is scheduled for a six week period from June 27 until Aug. 2. Our intent would be to conduct a peaceful sign holding protest along the mauka sidewalk of Kanoelehua at the Kekuanaoa intersection.for approximately 1-2 hrs. in the afternoon 1 day a week during the six week period of RIMPAC 2018. Based on past protests, estimates would be approximately 25 people attending the protests.
It should be noted that the DLNR is currently leasing land to the military at PTA which enables the bombing to take place. It should also be noted that recently a state judge has ruled that the DLNR has failed to Malama ‘Aina as required in that lease. We would hope that the existing PTA lease will be cancelled in the near future or at a minimum not renewed, and the military base will be closed and cleaned up, thereby negating the need for future protests.
Mahalo for your consideration. Aloha & Malama ‘Aina.
Jim Albertini P.O. Box 489 Kurtistown, Hawaii 96760 Phone 808-966-7622
