WHEREAS, the United States Army has increased training and exercises at the Pohakuloa Training Area on the island of Hawaii; and

WHEREAS, although training and exercises are necessary for soldiers to prepare for missions to preserve our freedoms and protect our nation, they can also cause adverse health effects on neighboring residential areas; and

WHEREAS, some experts have raised concerns about the possibility of fine particulate lead and beryllium from live-fire exercises that could drift downwind to Waikii, the closest residential community, and the nearby Waikoloa Elementary School; and

WHEREAS, the health of residents, especially children, could be irreparably harmed by such environmental pollutants; and

WHEREAS, it is crucial that the health of the community and the quality of the environment be protected and preserved; now, therefore,

BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the Twenty-third Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2005, that this body urges the United States Army to re-examine the adverse health effects caused by increased training at the Pohakuloa Training Area on the island of Hawaii; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that such re-examination include monitoring and testing the air, soil, and water of nearby areas; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the United States military finance such monitoring and testing before, during, and after live-fire training at the Pohakuloa Training Area; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Resolution be transmitted to the Governor, Adjutant General, Hawaii's congressional delegation, United States Secretary of Defense, Commander of the United States Pacific Command, and Commander of the United States Army - Hawaii.

Report Title:

Pohakuloa Training Area; Adverse Health Effects