Legislation planned to preserve local bases

By William Cole
Advertiser Military Writer

State Rep. Cynthia Thielen said she will introduce legislation next year aimed at protecting Hawai'i military bases from a new round of closures in 2005 and beyond.

Thielen, R-50th (Kailua, Mokapu), said she is drafting bills that would require a review of how non-military projects could affect military installations. The bills would also add bases as "areas of critical state concern" under state law.

Thielen said the legislation could be helpful by preventing new housing from sprouting up next to military bases where training issues such as noise may be present and later result in complaints.

"If we're going to go ahead with land-use decisions that restrict the ability (of the military) to use their bases in ways that they need to train their troops for military preparedness — then we're really setting up that base for ultimate closure," she said.

"We must review all proposed land use changes that could negatively impact our military bases," Thielen said. "Military presence is essential to our economy. The next BRAC (Base Realignment and Closure) review occurs in '05 and we don't want to lose another Hawai'i base."

Thielen said she will discuss the legislation at a meeting today at Schofield Barracks between military officials and state regulatory agencies. The meeting is organized by the Department of Defense Regional Environmental Coordination Office each year to discuss environmental issues.

States and communities across the nation, fearing the loss of jobs and federal spending that comes with a base closure, are already mobilizing to pass legislation and create task forces to keep the Pentagon cost-cutters at bay in 2005.

There were a total of 97 major base closures and 55 realignments in 1988, 1991, 1993 and 1995. Besides cutting redundant infrastructure, the actions resulted in $16 billion in savings through fiscal 2001, the Pentagon said.

But the shutting of Barbers Point Naval Air Station in 1999, the last major closure in Hawai'i, left a military ghost town that the state and others have been hard-pressed to put to new uses.

Thielen said she is not aware of any proposed Hawai'i base closures, but wants better communication with the military.

Reach William Cole at 525-5459 or wcole@honoluluadvertiser.com.