Military Radiation Contamination in Hawaii
Aloha Peace Ohana,
Below is a draft resolution on DU at Pohakuloa sent to State Senators Gil Kahele, Josh Green and State Rep. Faye Hanohano. Isaac Harp, Cory Harden, Dr. Lorrin Pang, and others gave input in drafting the resolution. Our hope is that it can be passed by both the House and Senate. We’ll keep you posted on its progress and if and when we need to mobilize support.
Jim Albertini
Malu ‘Aina Center for Non-violent Education & Action
P.O.Box AB
Kurtistown, Hawai’i 96760
phone: 808-966-7622
email: JA@interpac.net
Visit us on the web at: www.malu-aina.org
Resolution calling for comprehensive independent testing and monitoring to determine the extent of radiation contamination at the Pohakuloa Training Area (PTA).
WHEREAS, the Army repeatedly denied the use of depleted uranium (DU) in Hawaii, but it now has been confirmed that the Army used DU at PTA, Schofield Barracks, and possibly other sites in Hawaii; and
WHEREAS, the documented use of Davy Crockett DU spotting rounds, and the possible use of other DU spotting rounds or weapon systems, have created the presence of radiation contamination at PTA; and
WHEREAS, the U.S. Army’s license to possess DU in Hawaii expired in 1964, thereby making the Army’s possession of DU in the form of on site contamination for nearly half a century illegal possession without a license; and
WHEREAS, the full extent of radiation contamination at PTA is unknown since less than 1% of the 133,000-acre base has been tested, and only a few fragments of an estimated 2000 Davy Crockett DU spotting rounds have been found; and
WHEREAS, DU is a chemically toxic and radioactive heavy metal with a half-life of 4.5 billion years; and
WHEREAS, DU emits radioactive alpha particles that can cause cancer, cell mutations, birth defects, and other possible health problems; and
WHEREAS, on July 2, 2008, the Hawaii County Council (HCC) passed Resolution No. 639-08 by a vote of 8-1 urging the military to order a complete halt to bombing, all live firing, and dust creating activities until there is a clean up of the depleted uranium; and
WHEREAS, live-fire continues at PTA and the DU has not been cleaned up, thereby risking the spread of radioactive contamination on and off base; and;
WHEREAS, HCC Resolution 639-08 also called on the military to establish a citizen monitoring system to work closely with the military to assure transparency and community confidence; and
WHEREAS, HCC Resolution 701-08 passed unanimously on Aug. 13, 2008 named Dr. Lorrin Pang, MD, MPH to be the official council representative and community liaison with the military to assure transparency and community confidence; and
WHEREAS, the military has failed to establish a citizen monitoring system to work closely with the military to assure transparency and community confidence; and
WHEREAS, independent action is needed to address the potential hazards to troops, citizens and visitors of radiation contamination at Pohakuloa Training Area, therefore
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HAWAII STATE SENATE AND HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES , that comprehensive, independent testing and monitoring be done with citizen oversight led by Dr. Lorrin Pang, MD. to determine the extent of radiation contamination at the Pohakuloa Training Area (PTA) and that federal funds be sought to pay for this effort through Hawaii’s Congressional delegation.
BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED that copies of this resolution to be sent to the PTA Commander, Hawaii Army Garrison Commander, Commander -in-Chief Pacific (CINCPAC), members of Hawaii’s Congressional delegation, members of the United States Senate and House Subcommittees on Defense Appropriations, and the President of the United States of America.
