The Navy base on Kaua'i's west side sits on some of the most beautiful land and water in the world.

The soft-sanded beach spreads out clean and wide. The ocean is crisp and sparkling, like it's brand new. There are carefully guarded burials here, both ancient and relatively modern, and a sense of continuity and connection to those who walked the sands in generations past.

Surfers mind their manners. Tiny shells lie undisturbed in the dunes. Owls visit in the midday sun. It is a peaceful place.

Which makes missile launches an even more delicate thing.

The Navy's Pacific Missile Range Facility at Barking Sands, Kaua'i has been named a Chief of Naval Operations Environmental Award winner. The awards are sponsored by the Chief of Naval Operations Environmental Readiness Division, and recognize Navy ships, installations, teams and individuals for exceptional stewardship of natural resources. PMRF received the Cultural Resources Management Installation Award, which will be presented June 2 in a ceremony at the UH Navy Memorial and Heritage Center in Washington.

PMRF has worked with community groups to manage public access to the beautiful beach and the sensitive cultural sites. There have been conservation projects for native plants in partnership with the National Tropical Botanical Garden and the eradication of an invasive species of long-thorn kiawe.

Native Hawaiian groups led a visit of Department of Defense officials to the Nohili Dunes, which was called "inspirational" by the guests.

Capt. Aaron Cudnohufsky, commanding officer of PMRF, said he was proud the award recognized the partnership between his Navy base and the community.

"It starts with a strong cultural resource and environmental team, but at PMRF it goes beyond that," Cudnohufsky said. "We reach out to the local community as well as to include them, to understand their concerns, to listen to their recommendations, and learn from them and their traditions.

"It is truly a team effort and we are blessed to be located at, and caretakers of, one of the most sensational places on earth with a very rich history."

"As a descendent of Nohili and the surrounding area of Barking Sands, I've felt PMRF has always been a good neighbor in their established relationship of being sensitive and respectful to the 'aina, its people and the cultural history of this place," said Kunane Aipoalani, a Kauai Burial Council member and civilian employee on the base. "I appreciate the importance of this relationship, which is vital to the preservation of a legacy that was left by our ancestors."

Lee Cataluna's column runs Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays. Reach her at 535-8172 or lcataluna@honoluluadvertiser.com.