Hawaii House Bill HR153

Hawaii 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/10/23
• Refer: 3/15/23

Caption

Urging The United States Armed Forces To Permanently Cancel Rimpac Exercises In Hawaii.

Impact

The bill highlights various concerns related to RIMPAC, particularly its detrimental effects on marine life, including communication and breeding patterns disrupted by military activities, and sonar-related injuries and deaths among marine mammals and fish. Furthermore, the document notes an increase in risks of violence and trafficking for women and gender minorities during the exercises, an issue raised by the Hawaii Commission on the Status of Women. This suggests a broader societal impact in addition to the environmental concerns.

Summary

H.R. No. 153 is a resolution urging the United States Armed Forces to permanently cancel the Rim of the Pacific Exercise (RIMPAC) held in Hawaii. This military exercise, which has been conducted biannually since 1971, brings together representatives from over twenty countries and around twenty-five thousand military personnel. The resolution draws attention to the substantial environmental and social impacts associated with these exercises, including damage to coral reefs and disruptions to marine mammals that are critical to Hawaii's ecosystem.

Contention

The resolution reflects growing opposition to RIMPAC, influenced by environmental advocacy groups and public sentiments in Hawaii. Critics argue that the exercise not only threatens local ecosystems but also exacerbates social issues such as violence and human trafficking linked to the military presence. The call for an end to RIMPAC is positioned as a response to these pressing concerns, and it aligns with ongoing petitions from various organizations aimed at ceasing military exercises that negatively impact both the environment and community safety.