Editorials
Wednesday, July 16, 1997FOR most of its history under the American flag, Hawaii has been home to the U.S. armed forces and major military and naval bases. That remains true today, although Hawaii's military establishment has been whittled down since the end of the Cold War. Marines’ landing
should be supportedIn addition to its mission of defense, the military is a major employer here, a fact that is particularly important today in Hawaii's barely growing economy. It's in Hawaii's interest to encourage the military to stay in the islands. Governor Cayetano's efforts to lobby for the home-porting of an aircraft carrier at Pearl Harbor reflect that interest.
In peacetime, the military's principal activities involve training. Attempts to restrict training operations in Hawaii could discourage the Pentagon from maintaining large forces here.
Relinquishment of Kahoolawe as a target for bombing exercises was a major loss resulting from the success of native Hawaiian activists in mobilizing public opinion. Further losses could have dramatic effects.
A few years ago the then-Pacific commander in chief threatened to withdraw the Marines from their Kaneohe base if the military was forced out of Bellows Air Force Station, used by the Marines for amphibious training.
These considerations are relevant to the dispute over the proposed landing of 734 Marines from Camp Pendleton, Calif., at Makua Beach. Some Leeward residents have expressed opposition. The landing is planned for Sept. 4.
The purpose, the Marines say, is not to stage a mock invasion but to get the Marines to Makua Valley for exercises at the Army's live-firing range. They say the landing would cause less disruption than transporting the Marines from the Kaneohe base in trucks. The beach is state property and no private residences would be affected.
Live-firing exercises are an essential component of military training. Makua Valley is the only place on Oahu where large units can receive such training. To reject the Marines' proposed landing would be to send a signal that the military is not welcome in Hawaii -- a signal that certainly should not be sent.
AN air traffic nightmare may have been avoided by the PGA Tour's designation of the Waialae Country Club instead of a neighbor island golf course as the site of the 1999 Mercedes Championship. The decision assures television images of a sizable gallery that viewers expect and Oahu residents of convenient access to a major golfing event. Mercedes at Waialae
Depriving Oahu of its spot on the PGA tour would have been a blow to the travel industry on the island. Playing the Mercedes at Waialae should produce a tourist draw surpassing the Hawaiian Open.
INDICATIONS are that the White House and Congress are determined to work out their differences and produce a tax cut measure this summer. Both President Clinton and the Republican leaders have backed away from the confrontational tactics that produced two partial federal government shutdowns in battles over the budget. Tax-cut prospects
The looming crises in Social Security and Medicare are not affected by the rosy projections that the budget deficit can be eliminated in six or seven years. Instead of addressing this threat, the politicians are focusing on the pleasant task of making people happy in the short run by cutting their taxes.
Rupert E. Phillips, CEO
John M. Flanagan, Editor & Publisher
David Shapiro, Managing Editor
Diane Yukihiro Chang, Senior Editor & Editorial Page Editor
Frank Bridgewater & Michael Rovner, Assistant Managing Editors
A.A. Smyser, Contributing Editor
