Ruling on environmentalists' suit against Stryker expected in 2 weeks

By Ken Kobayashi
Advertiser Courts Writer

A federal judge hopes to rule within two weeks on whether the Army violated federal environmental laws in its efforts to establish a Stryker brigade in Hawai'i.

U.S. District Judge David Ezra heard from Earthjustice attorney David Henkin, who asked the judge to rule that the Army didn't do enough to inform the public about the plans to establish the Stryker brigade and to consider alternative Mainland sites.

But Department of Justice lawyer Barry Weiner from Washington, D.C., told the judge the Army complied with the federal environmental laws and met its obligations. Weiner urged the judge to throw out the groups' challenge.

Ezra is presiding over the lawsuit filed last year by 'Ilio'ulaokalani Coalition, Na 'Imi Pono and Kipuka. If they prevail, Henkin said he will seek a court order halting the transformation until the Army complies with the federal laws.

The Army's $1.5 billion plan calls for the transformation of the 2nd Brigade of the 25th Infantry Division into a Stryker unit.

In November, Ezra rejected a request from the three groups for an injunction that would have halted the brigade. The judge found that the groups raised the issue too late and the Army's studies were adequate.

He also said a halt would hurt the Army's efforts in the global war on terrorism.

Army officials and supporters of the three groups filled Ezra's courtroom yesterday. Other supporters waited outside with banners and signs.

Ezra said he wanted to study the issue carefully and will issue a written decision.

Reach Ken Kobayashi at 525-8030 or kkobayashi@honoluluadvertiser.com.