Posted on: Thursday, September 5, 2002
ISLAND VOICES
Marines must have training
By State Rep. Cynthia Thielen
Assistant Republican floor leader
The Advertiser published an op-ed piece by state Sen. Bob Nakata, "Marines need to answer questions" (July 30). The bottom line was that the U.S. Marine Corps "must immediately begin discussions with community residents" to discuss if "their proposed training would be acceptable." Nakata's commentary also suggested that the Marine Corps is not sensitive to the environment.
Wrong on both counts.
The Marines have been reaching out and communicating with the residents and users of Waikane Valley for some time. As for the environment, the Marine Corps has received national recognition for its strict adherence to the National Environmental Policy Act, the Endangered Species Act and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.
Evidence of this can be seen at Mokapu Peninsula, where the Marines have maintained a refuge for red-footed booby seabirds at Ulupa'u Crater and a wetland habitat at Nu'upia Ponds. The Marines can also take some credit for the population increase of Hawaiian stilts in that area.
Sometimes we forget that the primary mission of the Corps is to be ready when the nation calls. The nation called on Sept. 11, 2001, and the Marines are determined to carry out their mission. That includes jungle training in the 187 acres of Waikane Valley area that the federal government purchased for $2 million.
The Marine Corps' property in Waikane Valley provides a unique environment for Marines and sailors to conduct jungle familiarization training. The war on terrorism has already demonstrated a need for our servicemen to have such training in combating the terrorists where they live.
The Marines confirmed there would be no live-fire training. Small units would use either paintball or blank-fire. Marines from Kane'ohe who had been deployed to the Philippines requested this type of small-unit training for troops who might be sent to jungle locations in the future.
As state representative for part of Windward O'ahu, I have had many occasions to work with the Marines on civic projects. They have taken a very active role in the community, e.g., in the Adopt-a-School program and having the Marine band perform regularly at public events. They have recognized for years the importance of being good neighbors and have a cultural resources staff to advise them about local projects and concerns.
The Advertiser editorialized that "Marine use of Waikane raises key questions." Those questions are easily answered. You asked, "What, precisely, is the Marines' immediate need for jungle training?" It is called "planning ahead." They will have to set aside six to nine months for an environmental assessment process in order to justify their use of the 187 acres of Waikane Valley. Should the Kahalu'u Neighborhood Board request an environmental impact statement instead, the entire process could take several years. This is quite different from "immediate need."
You ask: "Do the Marines anticipate further jungle missions ... ?" Well, do Army airborne troops anticipate further parachute jumps? Does the Navy anticipate further carrier operations? Does the Air Force anticipate further reconnaissance missions?
The Marines historically have been known as successful jungle fighters. What makes Waikane so important is that the area is basically a triple-canopy jungle very much like areas where they are likely to be deployed. The highest level of training is what makes our armed forces so well prepared to protect America. As Americans, we should be supporting this effort.
It seems to me that it is a strange time to turn a training proposal into a political issue. We should be supporting our armed forces in every way we can because of the situation in the world today. We need to get our priorities straight. Will it be local politics or national readiness?
