Urging The Board Of Land And Natural Resources To Not Approve Any New Land Disposition Or Renew Any Land Disposition To The United States Military That Allows For Or Facilitates Any Military Training Activities On State-owned Lands.
If enacted, SCR213 would significantly affect the management of state lands used for military purposes. The resolution serves as both a plea and an assertion of the importance of local control over land resources, addressing past grievances related to environmental degradation, unexploded ordnance, and contamination resulting from military operations in specific areas such as Kahoolawe and Pohakuloa. It reflects a growing awareness and preference among Hawaiian policymakers and residents to prioritize ecological conservation and cultural preservation over military uses of land.
Senate Concurrent Resolution 213 (SCR213) urges the Board of Land and Natural Resources of Hawaii not to approve any new land dispositions or renew existing dispositions allowing military training activities on state-owned lands. This resolution stems from concerns about the adverse impact of military activities on Hawaii's natural and cultural resources, which are deemed essential for the well-being of current and future generations. The resolution highlights the principle of malama aina, which emphasizes responsible stewardship of land and resources in Hawaii, proposing that the military's use of public lands contradicts this principle.
Notably, the resolution pointedly critiques the history of military land use in Hawaii, citing issues such as unfulfilled obligations to clear hazardous materials and environmental concerns. Supporters of SCR213 may argue that it rights historic wrongs, while opponents might contend that military activities are vital for national security and provide economic benefits. This creates a complex dialogue about the balance between preserving Hawaii's ecological and cultural integrity and supporting the military's operational needs.