Posted at 11:25 a.m., Thursday, June 14, 2001

Vieques decision may affect Makua

• Navy to stop training in Vieques

By Mike Gordon
Advertiser Staff Writer

President Bush's decision today to end military bombing of a training island off Puerto Rico could increase Army pressure to retain Makua Valley for live-fire excercises, said a spokes man for the community group Malama Makua.

But Capt. Stacy Bathrick, spokeswoman for the 25th Infantry Divison (Light) and U.S. Army Hawaii, said the decision to discontinue using Vieques does not alter the Army's plans.

Bush said the Navy would discontinue using Vieques Island for target practice, saying "our friends and neighbors don't want us there."

"This will put a lot of pressure on the other sites," said Sparky Rodrigues, a spokes man for Malama Makua, which has sued the Army in federal court over use of the 4,190-acre valley.

"There is one less now — more pressure not to retreat," he said. "For the military it is a hard pill to take. It is forcing them to give up ground."

The Army has not used Makua Valley for nearly three years, but said last month it plans to resume training in the valley as early as July.

An environmental assessment by the Army found training would not significantly impact the valley. Bathrick said the Army has complied with all laws and regulations and is working closely with the community.

William Aila Jr., a Wai'anae resident with family ties to the valley, believes the Vieques decision bodes well for Makua. He believes changes in the way the military approaches conflicts likely will make Makua "obsolete."

The Vieques decision is evidence of that, he said.

"It shows the present military structure is out of step with changing threats in the world. We have to get out of the Cold War mentality, and that bodes well for Makua."