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ARMY

Privatization law may be on 'hold'

Rep. Neil Abercrombie last week said the Army should reverse a decision to privatize about 200 jobs in Hawai'i because the war on terrorism triggers a federal law suspending the military privatization process.

Section 2461(h), Title 10, of the U.S. Code states that the law underlying the "A-76" process used by the armed services to make privatization decisions "shall not apply during war or during a period of national emergency declared by the president or Congress," Abercrombie's office said.

"The war on terrorism certainly constitutes a 'war or national emergency,' and the law clearly suspends the A-76 process in times like these," the Hawai'i Democrat said. "The Army should put a hold on the ... contract, and this hold should apply throughout the Department of Defense."

Abercrombie said federal law recognizes that privatization can hinder military forces in carrying out their missions.

However, Lt. Col. Mark Samisch, a spokesman for the U.S. Army Pacific, pointed to a March 7 memo from Undersecretary of Defense E.C. Aldridge that said the Pentagon has decided to allow privatization to continue despite the war on terrorism.

AIR FORCE

Study affects 32 jobs at Hickam

Hickam Air Force Base also announced the privatization of some jobs.

The results of a competitive sourcing study affect seven military and one civilian position in personnel systems management, records management and awards and corporations.

Jobs also are being affected by a separate study at four precision measurement equipment laboratories at Pacific Air Force bases here and in Alaska and Guam.

At Hickam, the study affects 18 military and 14 civilian positions.

HAWAI'I INSTALLATIONS

Hawai'i projects total $228M

Hawai'i's economy is expected to get a $227.96 million boost in the form of military construction projects under the fiscal 2003 National Defense Authorization bill. The Military Installations and Facilities Subcommittee voted last week to include the Hawai'i projects in the bill.

"These projects are welcome news for Hawai'i," U.S. Rep. Neil Abercrombie said. "The post 9-11 economy remains our biggest challenge, and federal investment is a key factor for recovery. This defense bill means jobs, contracts and small business survival."

Abercrombie, D-Hawai'i, is the ranking member of the subcommittee.

The Hawai'i projects and amounts authorized for each include:

• Schofield Barracks: $49 million, barracks complex renovation, Capron Avenue, Phase 1; $42 million, barracks complex renovation, Quad C.
• Barbers Point: $22.47 million, Army National Guard Administrative Building, additions and alterations.
• Marine Corps Base Hawai'i: $24.8 million, 66 family housing units.
• Hickam Air Force Base: $29.1 million, family housing replacement, Phase 2, 96 units; $2.7 million, Tricare Management Activity, life skills clinic replacement; $1.35 million, flightline security fencing and gates, Phase 1.
• Barking Sands Pacific Missile Range Facility: $23.4 million, THAAD Test Facility.
• Pearl Harbor Naval Station: $10.49 million, bravo wharfs; $4.2 million, security lighting.
• Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard: $18.5 million, bravo 2 waterfront facility and mechanical shop consolidation.