Hawaii House Bill HR171

Hawaii 2023 Regular Session

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

Caption

Urging The Elimination Of The Threat To The Health And Safety Of The Ewa Beach Community By Relocating The Live Fire Training From The Puuloa Range Training Facility.

Impact

The resolution indicates that the operations at the Puuloa Range have contributed to persistent noise pollution and safety hazards related to stray bullets impacting residential areas. Research by Harvard Medical School is cited, linking ongoing exposure to noise pollution with various negative health outcomes, including cardiovascular diseases and developmental issues in children. Furthermore, the resolution points out that increased military operations at the facility, such as the use of helicopters and intensified live shooting, are incompatible with the surrounding community's safety and tranquility.

Summary

House Resolution 171 (HR171) urges the relocation of live fire training currently conducted at the Puuloa Range Training Facility, citing concerns for the health and safety of the Ewa Beach community. The resolution highlights historical context, noting that the Puuloa Range has been repurposed for various military uses since being transferred to Navy control in the early 20th century. The expansion of the range in 2011 reportedly occurred without proper environmental assessments or public hearings, significantly affecting local residents by altering noise contours and Surface Danger Zones with new training activities.

Contention

There are notable tensions between the military operations and the Ewa Beach residents. Community members have expressed frustration over the lack of transparency from Marine Corps Base Hawaii regarding safety studies and operational decisions affecting the area. The resolution also addresses a recent increase in lead contamination risks from the training facility's activities, which pose a long-term environmental threat to nearby homes and public areas. Critics of the current operations argue that nearby residential development, which includes the construction of new homes, amplifies the need for the military to reconsider the appropriateness of live training locations in close proximity to communities.