Hank Hanalei Fergerstrom's letter to US Army re: Pohakuloa
Hank Fergerstrom, Spokesperson February 6, 2011
Na Kupuna Moku O Keawe
P.O. Box 976
Pahoa, Hawaii 96778
808 938-9994
To: United States Army Garrison-Hawaii
Directorate of Public Works
Environmental Division (IMPC-HI-PWE)
947 Wright Ave. Wheeler Army Airfield
Schofield Barracks, HI 96857-5013
Phone 808 656-5670 (Corrected: 808 656-1940)
Attention: William Rogers
Re: Environmental Assessment for High Altitude Mountainous
Environmental Training (HAMET). Pohakuloa Training Area
Island of Hawaii.
Dear Sirs,
I have been working with Mike Egami from the U.S.A.G. HI, Public Relations Office, 742 Santos Dumont Ave. Bldg. 108, Schofield Barracks HI 96857 regarding Public Comments for the EA and the Draft FONSI for the HAMET project.
There has been a problem with communications. I have been on your mailing list for years because of my position with Na Kupuna Moku O Keawe. Na Kupuna Moku O Keawe is a traditional grouping of Elders from all six major districts of Hawaii Island. Somehow, we were not informed of your intentions regarding HAMET. We only became aware during the Public Hearing regarding the revitalization and enhancements to Pohakuloa Training area. We are somewhat taken back to find out that what we thought was a hearing on HAMET turned out was a hearing on the buildup of the Pohakuloa Training area. It was at this hearing that we learned that the HAMET program was in the final stage of the EA and that the Public Comment period began December 23, 2010 and ended on January 23, 2011. We were told that because this was an EA, no Public Hearings were required by law. Unsatisfactory. Finally a copy of the Environmental Assessment was provided and sent by Mr. Egami on the 27th of January 2011. Over the past week or so, I have been assured and reassured by Mr. Egami that you would hold open the Public Comment period while this matter was addressed. A great, unnecessary burden was placed on us, and under the strain and pressure I am authorized to make the following comment regarding HAMET. We will certainly keep a close eye on the proper receipt of our comments and request verification that this comment is placed in the EA and final draft of the FONSI (Dated December 2010).
I would like to take this opportunity to inform your discretion that Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa and the saddle where POHAKULOA is situated is of major importance both Religiously, Traditionally, and Culturally. It is therefore of great importance that Public Notice be given to each island in this State of Hawaii in every major publication because of the importance and sacredness of these mountains. I will make myself available upon request to assist in your understanding.
Directing your attention to the EA, and draft FONSI dated December 2010.
Section 1.8 Agency and Public Involvement
Section 1.9 Regulatory Framework
Section 4.6.3 Summary of Impacts relating to Water Resources
Section 4.8.2 Factors Considered for Impact Analysis
Section 4.8.3 Consultation
Section 4.8.4 Summary of Potential Impacts to Cultural Resources
Section 4.8.5 Summary of Direct Impacts to Cultural Resources ( FONSI)
This information alone is of such a great impact, that the implementation of procedures to publish a notice of intent to prepare an ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT be made in the FEDERAL REGISTER immediately to avoid unforeseen collision between the Public and the USAG-HI.
There is a fire storm of outrage taking place in the “Hawaiian Community” but also in the community at large. Without the ability to properly address the severe impacts (NEPA; NAGPRA; NHPA; Clean Water Act); and given that even your contact numbers are outdated, we demand due process to address the problems thus far cited and provide the public with an opportunity to contribute information not addressed in the EA;’ an open PUBLIC HEARING that the present EA does not require (only public comment), and that the only solution is to IMMEDIATELY proceed with an ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT as required by law.
There are so many problems that require addressing, to include but not limited to the Clean Water Act, the taking of Public resources for military use, invasion of sacred airspace (Temple), USPL 103-150, violations of the 1st amendment and violation of 14th amendment ( Due Process).
I shall not continue, but on public record. However I shall avail myself prior to the ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT to help clarify this position.
I will uncomfortably await your response.
Respectfully, Hank Fergerstrom
Na Kupuna Moku O Keawe
Na Koa Lohe O Ke Akua
Member: TEMPLE OF LONO
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