An Environmental Assessment just released proposes that, among other sites in the state, the Kohala shoreline (specifically naming Kawaihae Harbor to Māhukona) be used for military exercises starting in 2019.
Throughout the state they propose up to 330 “events” on our non-federal lands and 265 events on Federal lands. An “event” can be 40 people rapelling and being parachuted out of planes or helicopters and 15 people on the ground as well as emergency personnel and trucks, boats, subs, and jet skis.
The proposal includes being able to bring Osprey MV-22’s to ground level. They are very loud. The events can last from 4-72 hours.
This can greatly affect our coastlines, whales, seals, cultural heritage, fishing and way of life!
These events may include:
- 4 different aircraft including and especially the MW-22 Ospreys.
- Unmanned aircraft and vehicles.
- Emergency vehicles.
- Submarines both manned and unmanned.
- Landing craft.
- Large Naval ships.
They did this five years ago, at the same time of year (apparently hoping people would overlook this because of the holidays). Alyssa Ackerman was wonderfully diligent in stopping them, especially from using Upolu Airport for over 300 military landings.
Please take the time to review and make your own judgment. We only have until Dec 10th for Public commentary.
Comments can be submitted by email to NFPAC-Receive@navy.mil or by mail to Naval Facilities Engineering Command Pacific, Attention: Project Manager, EV21.JZ, 258 Makalapa Drive, Ste. 100, Pearl Harbor, HI 96860-3134.
Here is a recent newspaper article in the Hilo Tribune:
Here is an online Petition to sign.
You may view the Military’s Proposed Environmental Assessment here.
https://go.usa.gov/xUnDC Click at bottom-left to view the E.I.S.
Mahalo for taking the time to review this upcoming issue on our island.