The military is still conducting training exercises at Pohakuloa Training Area,
one of two military bases where the US military has admitted to the presence
of toxic, radioactive Uranium contamination from munitions training and
testing. There are more suspected radioactive test sites on various Hawaiian
Islands, but not surprisingly, these are still yet to be confirmed by the
military.
 
As always, the US military says former DU use at these sites does not present
any problems! Hawaiians, sick in large clusters around Hawaiian military bases,
however, disagree.
 
Hawaii's military contaminated sites: http://www.dmzhawaii.org/ .
 
An account of a recent protest in Hawaii appears below, as well as a video 
http://tinyurl.com/bpjaap on the protest, DU, and the military occupation of
Hawaii
 
full url: www.bigislandvideonews.com/maunakea/20090202warprotest.htm
 
Apparently, the military is pouring a great deal of money into using Hawaii as
its favorite "target practice." Only when concerned tourists in droves start
canceling vacations to the land of Aloha, however, will the businesses of Hawaii
begin to become concerned enough to force the occupiers, their tanks, and
weapons off the sacred grounds of what was once called Hawaiian Paradise.
 
Cathy Garger


--- On Mon, 2/2/09, shannon rudolph <shannonkona@...> wrote:

From: shannon rudolph <shannonkona@...>
Subject: VIDEO: Military protest and support surround Pohakuloa
To:
Date: Monday, February 2, 2009, 2:55 PM


Google News Alert for: depleted uranium, Hawaii
 
VIDEO: Military protest and support surround Pohakuloa
Big Island Video News - Hilo,Hawaii,USA

... Mauna Kea State Park to peacefully protest the military presence on Hawaii,
... they say is the Depleted Uranium radiation contamination in the area. ...


Protest and healing ceremony at Pohakuloa

February 2, 2009 by kyle 
Here's a report from Jim Albertini, one of the organizers on Hawai'i island
resisting further militarization.    They recently organized an action up at
Pohakuloa.
POHAKULOA HEALING CEREMONY AND PROTEST
Aloha Kakou,
 
Approximately 50 Big Island residents gathered on Saturday, Jan. 3lst from l0AM
till lPM at Mauna Kea Park, adjacent to the l33,000-acre military Pohakuloa
Training Area (PTA). Troops were present at PTA but no live-fire was observed.
 
The purpose of the gathering was twofold. First to conduct a healing ceremony
for the 'aina and second, to protest the ongoing military bombing, radiation
contamination, desecration and occupation of the Hawai'i Kingdom. People brought
ho'okupu (offerings) for the healing ceremony. Ali'i ai Moku, Paul Neves, of the
Royal order of Kamehameha, brought his Halau who offered oli and hula as part of
the ceremony. Kaliko Kanaele, a member of the Royal order and a long-time
activist taught chants to those gathered about the importance of pulling
together and bringing things to light. A number of people shared personal
stories and thoughts on resistance. Protest signs at the gathering read: "Aloha
'Aina –A Call to Action," "Stop the Bombing," "End U.S. Occupation," "Make
Peace–Work for Justice." "The Kingdom Lives - Return Ceded Lands." Throughout
the gathering there was obvious military/police surveillance from vehicles in
the park and adjacent military
areas.
 
Throughout the ceremony and protest strong trade winds were blowing from Hilo so
our gathering was fortunately upwind of the PTA base impact area. No above
background readings were noted on several radiation monitors present unlike May
29, 2007 when winds were blowing directly off the PTA impact area toward Mauna
Kea Park and citizen monitors recorded several spikes 4 times background levels.
 
People who came from Kona noted there was an American flag waving pro-war group
of about 20 people at the PTA main gate area, located about l mile from Mauna
Kea Park. Among those present was Andrew Walden, editor of the right wing now
defunct Hawaii Free Press newspaper.
 
Following the healing ceremony, speakers, and a pani of shared food at Mauna Kea
Park, several people carried the protest to the PTA main gate area. Protest
signs were set up directly in front of the PTA main gate, across Saddle Road
from the Pro-war demonstration. Ho'okupu from the healing ceremony were left on
the triangle piece of land fronting the PTA main gate. Some exchange of thoughts
took place across Saddle Rd, but all went peacefully.
 
The West Hawaii Today, Jan. 3lst newspaper ran an article saying that Army Col.
Howard Killian will be giving a presentation to the Hawaii County Council
Intergovernmental Relations Committee at l0:30AM on Tuesday, Feb. 3rd. on
depleted uranium at the Pohakuloa Training Area. The article said, "the military
recently completed tests to determine whether any of the material poses a threat
to army personnel at PTA or residents. Although the tests won't be made public
until spring, military officials recently reported the tests determined no
danger exists."
 
This kind of statement about "no danger exists" is a military medical judgment.
The military keeps repeating "no danger" with no data available for examination.
We demand data on the radiation contamination, control data, etc. We want to
know the extent of the radiation contamination and if DU penetrators have been
used at PTA which we highly suspect. The military is trying to focus ONLY on DU
Davy Crockett spotting rounds from the l960s. The military has a proven track
record that it cannot be trusted to tell the truth.
 
JOIN IN A PROTEST AT THE COUNTY COUNCIL BUILDING 9:30 AM ON TUESDAY, FEBRUARY
3RD TO CHALLENGE COL. KILLIAN ON HIS STATEMENTS OF 'NO DANGER.'
 
Jim Albertini
Malu 'Aina Center for Non-violent Education & Action
P.O.Box AB
Kurtistown, Hawai'i 96760
phone: 808-966-7622
email: JA@...
Visit us on the web at: www.malu-aina.org






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