Posted on: Monday, March 18, 2002

Ni'ihau owners receive public service award

By Jan Tenbruggencate
Advertiser Kaua'i Bureau

BARKING SANDS, Kaua'i — The U.S. Defense Department has issued to the owners of Ni'ihau its Medal for Distinguished Public Service, the highest civilian award issued by the Secretary of Defense.

The award cited the Robinson family and Ni'ihau residents' half-century of support for military training and testing, and for the Pacific Missile Range Facility.

"While the Robinsons were being honored today, the people of Ni'ihau were responsible for supporting the family's endeavors and contributions to the nation," said Patricia Sanders, deputy director for test and assessment of the Missile Defense Agency.

Gen. Thomas Case of the U.S. Pacific Command and other Defense Department officials gave the award at a ceremony Thursday at the Pacific Missile Range Facility.

Case and Sanders cited the support of the owners of the island, brothers Keith and Bruce Robinson, and Ni'ihau residents. Island elders Henry Kaipo Kanahele, Gail Lei Wenuke Pahulehu and Gilbert Kunia Pahulehua participated in the ceremony.

Bruce Robinson said the long-term partnership between the island and the Department of Defense has been good for both sides.

"This partnership helps rather than hurts Ni'ihau as the premier example of maintaining Hawaiian culture and preserving the lifestyle of the island's residents," he said.

The missile range maintains a radar site on Ni'ihau, and the military conducts various kinds of training on the island and uses it as an emergency alternative landing site for some exercises.