Robinsons say
Niihau is not for sale
—for now

Expanding the Navy's missile-defense
program raises activists' ire

By Joan Conrow
Star-Bulletin

WAIMEA, Kauai -- The Robinson family intends to keep Niihau and aggressively counter any interference in the island's affairs by Hawaiian activists who oppose the expansion of military activities there.

"No, we are not going to sell," family spokesman Keith Robinson told a group of reporters and Kauai residents outside a public meeting last night. "Our commitment to the Niihau community and the lifestyle there remains as strong as it ever was, but we cannot tolerate racial interference in our affairs."

Robinson said the likelihood of the family selling the island it bought 133 years ago is about the same as Earth being hit by an asteroid tomorrow. "It's possible but not likely."

Still, Robinson said the family could be pushed into selling the island if it meets too much opposition to its affairs. "If the Hawaiian activists want to force a fight with us, they might succeed."

Robinson's public comments, which were greeted by both jeers and applause, overshadowed a Waimea meeting intended to gather public comment on what topics should be covered in an environmental impact statement the U.S. Navy is preparing for its proposed missile-defense testing program.

Many west-side Kauai residents said they were disappointed they were not given the opportunity to speak publicly about the project or to hear other people's views.

Instead, the Navy opted for a more informal, open-house approach, staffing display booths with specialists who could answer questions and urge residents to submit written comments. Lt. Tom van Leunen, a Navy public affairs officer, said the process was intended to "give people who wouldn't normally speak a chance to participate."

He said residents will get a chance to talk when public hearings are held on the draft environmental report, due late this year or early 1998.

The Navy is eyeing Kauai's Pacific Missile Range Facility to test its primary weapons system against short-range ballistic missiles. The base, as well as Niihau and wildlife refuges in the Northern Hawaiian Islands, are being considered for missile launching sites.

Bob Mullins, administrative aide to Mayor Maryanne Kusaka and former commander of the base, said opponents are missing the point by focusing on missile launches.

He said the $50 million project would "enhance the base's capability," which is needed for the "long-term viability of the base."

The facility is Kauai's third-largest employer, and county officials and some residents are welcoming the proposal as a way to boost the island's lagging economy.

But other residents worry about the program's environmental and cultural impacts. Still others are concerned that Niihau residents won't have a say in what happens to their home.

But Robinson made it clear the family won't tolerate any interference as "we examine the possibility of doing additional support work for the U.S. military and training. We are prepared to aggressively defend our constitutional rights to do honest business on our own property."

Robinson did not cite any specific sovereignty groups or activist interference, except making references to "false statements" made 10 years ago about how the Robinsons treated Hawaiians they hired to work in various family enterprises on Niihau and Kauai.