Inouye sees money in place for Stryker unit
By William Cole
Advertiser Military Writer
U.S. Sen. Dan Inouye repeated assurances that Hawai'i will get a $1.5 billion Army Stryker Brigade as the Senate Appropriations Committee yesterday approved more than $330.5 million for 21 military construction projects in the state for fiscal 2004.
It is part of the nearly $9.2 billion military construction appropriations bill passed by the committee, of which Inouye, D-Hawai'i, is a senior member.
A statement by Inouye reiterated his conviction that a Schofield Barracks brigade would be converted to a fast-strike Stryker unit, equipped with about 300 eight-wheeled armored vehicles and serving as a bridge between traditional light and heavy Army forces.
"An official decision will be made in July, but I am assured personally that Hawai'i will get its Stryker brigade," Inouye said at a June 18 Mililani Rotary luncheon.
Six brigades are planned, but Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld asked for a review of the Hawai'i brigade, and should announce a decision in coming weeks.
Inouye said the financial foundation to build the Stryker Brigade is in the military construction bill, including $71.8 million for the unit, of which $33 million is for a training facility, $18 million for an information systems facility, $19.4 million to buy additional land, and $1.4 million for a Helemano easement.
The bill also includes nearly $78.3 million for seven projects at Hickam Air Force Base to base eight C-17 cargo jets in 2006. The aircraft are expected to transport Stryker vehicles.
Additionally, $4.6 million is included to complete the design of a biomedical center at Tripler Army Medical Center, while $17 million is set aside for the relocation of 14 miles of Saddle Road on the Big Island that cuts through Pohakuloa Training Area.
Meanwhile, the House approved more than $309 million in Hawai'i military construction projects yesterday as part of its 2004 appropriations bill.
Rep. Neil Abercrombie, D-Hawai'i, who is on the House Armed Services Committee, said the bill includes $8.7 million for a new small-arms qualification and training range that will replace five existing ranges at Schofield Barracks. The project also is related to the planned arrival of the Stryker vehicles in 2006.
Reach William Cole at wcole@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-5459.
