Army extends Stryker comment period

By William Cole
Advertiser Military Writer

The Army is adding another 45 days for the public to comment about an environmental report on its planned $1.5 billion Stryker brigade combat team.

The doubling of the original comment period creates a new deadline of Jan. 3. The decision was made after some complained the initial 45 days allotted was not enough time to digest and comment on the massive 1,500-page draft environmental impact statement.

"The decision to extend the comment period is a good-faith effort, and it allows the public to review the document and provide feedback," said Col. David L. Anderson, commander of U.S. Army Garrison, Hawai'i.

However, Army officials were unsure yesterday if the extension would mean additional public meetings beyond the six already planned, or just extra time to submit written comments.

Kyle Kajihiro, program director of the American Friends Service Committee, a peace organization, said the extension is a victory "because people have been asking for it."

"Unfortunately, this whole process with the arrests has made it difficult for people to have their voices heard," he said.

Kajihiro was one of seven individuals with Stryker protest signs arrested on trespassing charges at public comment meetings last week.

The Army plans to base about 300 eight-wheeled Stryker armored vehicles on O'ahu as a fast-strike brigade.

A fourth public comment meeting is being held tonight at Turtle Bay Resort with an "open house" at 5:30 p.m. and testimony at 7 p.m. Two meetings are scheduled for the Big Island tomorrow and Thursday.

Army officials said Turtle Bay wants the protest signs to be brought through a loading dock instead of the main entrance and past hotel guests, potentially setting up another conflict.

"I guess we need to see — if the public is coming to this meeting through the front entrance, why are we (sign holders) being singled out for having visual testimony?" Kajihiro said.

Stryker protesters clashed with private security guards at the first two meetings last week when the Army and property managers refused to allow the protest signs in.

On Thursday, the Army changed its mind, allowed the signs in, and the meeting was largely peaceful.

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