Today continues a series of public hearings that give Isle residents their best opportunity to weigh in on how the Army uses Makua Military Reservation, an issue that is sure to stir emotions of those worried about cultural sites and environmental protection.

That's because the Army has updated its environmental impact statement on the use of live-fire weapons in training exercises. Although Makua remains its preference, Army officials have evaluated moving much of the Army's live-fire training to Pohakuloa Training Area on the island of Hawai'i.

This is an encouraging development because it broadens the discussion to consider an additional practical option. Pohakuloa already hosts live-fire training, although designating it as a replacement for Makua would require further development of firing ranges and facilities.

The discussion should now focus on a comparison of the two sites, including:

• A cost-benefit analysis of the quality of training for the investment. Pohakuloa will require additional deployment costs, moving troops and equipment off island, but the mobilization itself should be evaluated as a productive part of the training.

• An assessment of the relative effects on cultural sites and other resident concerns, including the risk of wildfires at Makua, where training-related blazes have been a serious concern.

• Consideration of how well each site provides troops with the capability to train well. Live-fire training is imperative to troop survival and their overall ability to take the fight to our enemies in an effective and aggressive manner.

Armed with public comment, Congress must fund the alternative that strikes the best balance between the needs of the Army and of its host community.