UPDATE: The final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) on the Pohakuloa Training Area (PTA) lease renewal raises alarming concerns about wildfire risks, confirming that over 1,260 wildfires have ignited in the area since 1975. This urgent revelation comes as experts warn that climate change is expected to escalate wildfire occurrences in the region.
The EIS indicates that records prior to 2012 are incomplete, suggesting the true number of wildfires at PTA could be significantly higher. Just one year before the devastating Lahaina fire, a wildfire at PTA scorched tens of thousands of acres, including over 12,000 acres outside the military base. This raises critical questions about the safety and environmental integrity of the area.
Jim Albertini, President of Malu ‘Aina, is calling for immediate action, urging officials to shut down PTA. He emphasizes that bombing and shelling are incompatible with the land’s designation as a state conservation district, stating, “How much more basic can it get? Is PTA a Lahaina in the making?” Albertini advocates for the cleanup of unexploded ordnance and toxic waste, demanding the return of the land to the people.
This situation is particularly pressing for local communities, who face the potential for catastrophic wildfires similar to the tragedy that struck Lahaina. The EIS findings highlight a growing crisis that cannot be ignored, with residents expressing fear over the increasing likelihood of devastating fires.
As officials evaluate the future of PTA, the community is left on edge. The urgency to address these environmental hazards is paramount. This developing story continues to unfold, and it is essential for residents and stakeholders to remain informed about the risks posed by military activities in conservation areas.
What happens next? Watch for updates from local authorities and environmental groups advocating for change. The safety of Hawaii’s communities hangs in the balance as discussions around the fate of the Pohakuloa Training Area intensify. Share this crucial information to raise awareness about the urgent need for action.