Stryker 'enhancements' could force revision of impact statement

By William Cole
Advertiser Military writer

The Pentagon yesterday confirmed that a Stryker Brigade Combat Team has been approved for Hawai'i with enhanced aviation, fire support, network and sensor capabilities, but did not detail what those enhancements will be.

The uncertainty has brought into question a draft Environmental Impact Statement for the $1.5 billion brigade and whether the lengthy examination will have to be redone or revised.

The 1,500-page draft was released Sept. 30. A public comment period runs through Jan. 3.

David Henkin, an Earthjustice attorney in Honolulu, said the Pentagon's release is vague, "but seems to indicate this will be a substantial beefing up of the military presence in Hawai'i in terms of the scope and intensity of training."

Rep. Neil Abercrombie, D-Hawai'i, on Monday said the Hawai'i Stryker brigade would be equipped with a new lightweight 155 mm howitzer and the still-in-development Comanche attack helicopter, scheduled to enter service in 2009.

"To the extent they are proposing a substantial change in either support helicopters or artillery, they would have to analyze that ... because you can't do an EIS on one proposed action and then use that as a basis to do something that has substantially different or greater impacts" Henkin said.

The 25th Infantry Division (Light) yesterday also was unsure of exactly what those enhancements would be. The 2nd brigade at Schofield Barracks is slated to become a Stryker unit, pending the outcome of the EIS.

Each of the Army's six planned Stryker brigades is based around approximately 300 wheeled armored vehicles that can be quickly transported in C-130 or C-17 cargo planes to trouble spots around the world.

"We have to review the details from the Department of the Army as to the specifics," said Maj. Stacy Bathrick, a 25th Division spokeswoman. "But we will ensure that we remain in compliance with all regulations and laws."

A spokesman at the Department of the Army in Washington was unable to provide any follow-up information on brigade changes.

Bathrick said it's not clear whether changes need to be made in the EIS process. The 25th Division is seeking details on the enhancements "and we will be forthcoming with that information because we want to keep the community involved for the remainder of the (EIS) process," she said.

Yesterday's Pentagon announcement said Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld approved an "Army enhancement plan" on Dec. 8 for the last Stryker brigades, for Hawai'i and Pennsylvania. The Hawai'i brigade, which would bring $693 million in construction projects to O'ahu and the Big Island but also mean increased dust and possible damage to cultural sites, is expected to be fielded in 2006 and operational in 2007.

The Army's plans for Stryker brigades in Hawai'i and Pennsylvania had been in question with Rumsfeld last year directing further study to see if they should get greater firepower or be eliminated.

Calling the Stryker brigade a "boon to the economy," Abercrombie noted the Hawai'i congressional delegation has secured more than $100 million for support infrastructure.

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