Island Breath: PMRF Land Grab

SUBJECT: PMRF LAND REQUEST

SOURCE: JOAN CONROW kilauea@aloha.net

POSTED: 6 JANUARY 2004 - 12:30pm HST

Report on PMRF - DLNR Public Hearing

Barkings Sands dunes in front of the cliffs above Mana

by Joan Conrow on 6 January 2004

In less than a decade, the navy’s Pacific Missile Range Facility (PMRF) has slipped from hero to zero on Kauai, and it’s still sinking down. Whereas the westside base -- key to the “Star Wars” missile interception program -- once could do no wrong, now it can do no right, as some 200 hostile residents pointed out at a Nov. 13 meeting at Kalaheo School.

It wasn’t just the size and diversity of the crowd, but its venom, that underscored how far PMRF has fallen from favor. Even former loyalists have soured on the base, joining others furious over the navy’s refusal to restore full public access to the longest stretch of sand in Hawaii. Although only part of the 7.5-mile beach fronts the base, and access is mandated by its state lease, the navy closed.the entire shoreline for “security purposes” after the Sept. 11 attacks on the mainland. It has since reopened two popular surfbreaks -- provided surfers stay in the water and obtain a pass that requires a criminal background check.

So folks were already in a surly mood when they showed up at the largest public meeting on Kauai in years to learn why the navy wants to create a “buffer zone” on 5,860 acres of state agricultural land around the base. Four Kauai police cars were parked in front of the school cafeteria and six uniformed officers stood by the door.

But the police presence didn’t deter folks from speaking their mind. They simply weren’t buying the navy’s claim that it seeks only to ensure the longterm compatibility of its neighbors and has no plans to expand or further restrict public access. And they laughed outright when navy spokesmen offered assurances that the state, as the policing entity for the deal, would keep PMRF in line. “We don’t trust the navy or the state, so where do we start?” asked Anahola resident James Torio.

Many who have been involved in the struggle to reopen the beaches pointed out that the state either cannot or will not enforce the existing lease agreement with PMRF, which requires beach access. They said there is no reason to believe the state will be any more effective in enforcing lease provisions attached to the buffer zone.

Others noted that the navy has a history of mistreating the land it manages, as evidenced by the bombed and battered condition of Kahoolawe, which it had returned to the state earlier that day. Eleele resident Wilma Holi reminded state officials that Hawaiians had struggled for 60 years to end the navy’s claim on Kahoolawe:“Do you want our children to fight that same war? Bullshit.”

Some questioned what plans the navy ultimately had for the base and shoreline, noting that the PMRF website had advertised that officers could enjoy comfortable cottages on a deserted white sand beach that is closed to the public.

A number of speakers said that PMRF’s expansion -- indeed, its mere presence -- put Kauai residents at risk for an attack. They expressed concern about the military’s continuing expansion in Hawaii, saying that it did not bode well for the environment, native Hawaiians or the tourist industry.

Others noted that PMRF currently was paying only $187 per year to lease the base, and that Hawaiians and others should be allowed to use the land at those cheap prices, rather than the military.

Ultimately, it will be up to the state Department of Land and Natural Resources and its staff to decide whether the navy will be allowed to lease land for the expansion. Land Board staff assured those at the meeting that it was not a “done deal” and public comments would be considered when they made their recommendation to the Land Board. However, they did not record the meeting and said that speakers needed to send in written statements if they wanted their testimony considered.

The Land Board likely will have a meeting on this issue in late January or February, and the public will be allowed to testify. However, the meeting may be held on Oahu.

It’s not too late to comment on PMRF’s expansion plans. The Land Board planning staff is accepting public comments, which they will use to develop a recommendation for the Board.

Send letters stating your views to:

Dierdre S. Mamiya, Administrator
Department of Land and Natural Resources, Land Division
PO Box 621, Honolulu, HI 96809

You can also request to be notified of the date the Board will consider the request.

Editor's note: The following is an unpublished letter to the Garden Island News