Posted on: Thursday, April 28, 2005

Army wins court battle over training land for Stryker unit

Associated Press

For the second time in a week, a federal judge has ruled in favor of the military and against Native Hawaiian and environmental groups that sought to block the Army's plan to base one of its Stryker brigade combat teams in Hawai'i.

Chief U.S. District Judge David Ezra ruled the Army can proceed with its acquisition of 1,400 acres of pineapple fields and other agriculture land near Schofield Barracks for its new Stryker brigade.

"This condemnation action was carried out in accordance with a valid public use," Ezra wrote in his eight-page opinion.

The judge also said the condemnation action itself was not subject to compliance under the National Environmental Protection Act, as the groups argued.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Harry Yee said he was pleased with the outcome and the decision "clearly establishes" that the land was condemned for a valid purpose.

The ruling came a day after Monday's decision, which found the Army fully complied with the environmental act and can move forward with transforming the 25th Infantry Division's 2nd Brigade at Schofield to a more mobile Stryker unit.

Ezra dismissed claims by the groups that argued the Army had failed to consider any location other than Hawai'i, as required by law, and that the Army's environmental impact statement was insufficient.

The Army in September announced plans to buy the Central O'ahu land from the James Campbell Estate through eminent domain for $15.9 million. Campbell Estate supported the sale.