In a recent turn of events, the Board of Land and Natural Resources (BLNR) has made a decisive move regarding the Pōhakuloa Training Area, rejecting the Final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) submitted by the U.S. Army. The training area, a central location on Hawai‘i Island for military exercises, stands at a crossroads between preservation and preparedness.
Hawaii's Governor Josh Green, M.D., has responded to the BLNR's ruling. While acknowledging the complications that rejecting the Final EIS may entail, he emphasized the need for unity in the face of such a challenge. In a statement obtained by the Office of the Governor, Green said, "I respect the Board’s decision and the community voices that guide it." He further mentioned that the "military members who utilize this area to train for local and national security and emergency missions are our neighbors, our children’s classmates, and often our own ʻohana."
The decision arrives amidst a tension between national security concerns and the protection of Hawai‘i’s natural and cultural richness. The governor's statement reflects a consciousness of these dueling necessities. "While the rejection of the Final EIS presents challenges, it is not the end of the conversation," Governor Green told the Office of the Governor, signifying a commitment to persevere in finding amicable resolutions.
Stressing the Office of the Governor's aspiration for collaborative progress, Governor Green conveyed an intention to thread a delicate balance in the future – one that respects both the state's heritage and its role in national security. "This is a time for collaboration, not division, as we seek balanced solutions that honor both our heritage and our future," he explained. The Governor’s focus remains steadfast on the establishment of "new paths that protect Hawai‘i’s natural and cultural resources while supporting national security."
With challenges on the horizon, the conversation around the Pōhakuloa Training Area is far from over. It appears the continued dialogue will strive to navigate the complexities of military preparedness in tandem with the insistence on preserving Hawai‘i’s environmental and cultural integrity.
