U.S. Navy may build
test sites on Niihau

An environmental study says
the missile program brings
jobs for residents

By Trish Moore
Star-Bulletin

LIHUE -- A Navy proposal to construct missile launch pads and an airstrip on Niihau would provide an overall benefit to the island's 190 native Hawaiian residents, an environmental study concluded.

A draft environmental impact statement for the proposed Theater Ballistic Missile Defense testing program at the Pacific Missile Range Facility at Barking Sands, Kauai, was released yesterday.

Elements of the proposal include upgrading instrument, storage and launch facilities at the Navy base and constructing alternative launch and instrumentation facilities on Niihau, Johnston Atoll and Tern Island at French Frigate Shoals.

Launching missiles from Niihau, Johnston or Tern will be considered alternatives if ship and air launches are not practical, the study said.

Proposed for Niihau are one or two launch sites on the north and south points of the island, an instrumentation site, and infrastructure improvements such as roads and a 6,000-foot airstrip.

Both sites would be well away from the village of Puuwai, and residents' lifestyle could be protected by giving off-island personnel cultural sensitivity training, the study said.

Increased activity would be accompanied by strengthening the cultural protection protocols agreed upon by the island's owners, the Robinson family, and the Navy.

Transportation to and from the island would be conducted exclusively by Robinson-owned Niihau Helicopters.

Also, no activities would be conducted on Sunday, and no alcohol, tobacco or firearms would be allowed on the island.

The economic benefit to residents includes construction and support jobs during the installation and during launch times.

Adverse effects identified by the study could include disturbing endangered monk seals on the coastal beaches and nesting areas for green sea turtles.