EDITORIAL
Plan for a beefed-up military in Isles now
Increasingly, signs are pointing toward a beefed-up military presence in Hawai'i.
Just how much of one should become clearer tomorrow when the Pentagon releases its base realignment and closure (BRAC) list. With the heightened emphasis on the Asia-Pacific region, analysts are predicting the military population here is likely to grow to meet those demands.
Other signs of an increase include the Overseas Basing Commission's recommendation last week that an additional carrier group be assigned to the Pacific. Although the base location wasn't named, Hawai'i seems to be the contender best positioned for that assignment.
The Stryker brigade is almost certainly bound for Ha-wai'i's shores, and Sen. Dan Inouye has raised the possibility of reopening at least part of Barbers Point Naval Air Station.
Clearly it will take resources to effectively handle the influx. But equally as important will be strong planning underscored by collaboration and creativity. State agencies, especially the Department of Education, will need to be ready to look at innovative ways to accommodate thousands more students. Some already have wisely asked the congressional delegation to secure federal money now, anticipating that the state may not be given enough time to fund and build classrooms on its own.
Certainly, the arrival of large military units is a positive infusion for the local economy, with new-home construction bringing added jobs and new residents spending their dollars locally. But that infusion also means an extra strain on roadways, water, energy and other resources.
The BRAC commission will begin hearings next week to air concerns about the military reshuffling; most of the questions are likely to be about the loss of jobs in areas where bases will close. Island officials must continue to press for information that will help guide the planning process. The more we know about what to expect, the better prepared we can be.
Hawai'i holds an enviable position as a nexus in the global defense web. It's imperative that federal officials recognize what it will take to enlarge its military presence in a sustainable way: planning, collaboration and resources.
