Missile study misses
cultural impacts

—Critics

Only one of the people who
took part in the environmental study
is a cultural resources expert

By Trish Moore
Star-Bulletin

LIHUE -- Opponents of the Navy's upgrading of missile-testing capabilities at the Pacific Missile Range Facility on Kauai say the cultural effect on native Hawaiians isn't adequately addressed by the draft environmental study released this week.

Community activist Carol Bain said it is "an indicative flaw" that out of 25 contributors to the study, only one person, Tirzo Gonzalez of San Diego, was identified as a cultural resources expert.

"If you're going to honestly look at this issue, it seems strange to not have anyone from Hawaii look at the cultural impact," Bain said.

Activist Puanani Rogers received her copy of the 600-page draft environmental impact statement in the mail yesterday.

"I think it's ridiculous for them to expect us to read this thing and then say yes or no," Rogers said.

She called the study's finding of no adverse impact of the proposal on Hawaiian culture "bogus."

The Navy is seeking to upgrade the west Kauai facility to test its Theater Ballistic Missile Defense program.

The program will test techniques for intercepting enemy missiles, such as the SCUD missiles used by Iraq during the Gulf War. The base, which employs about 850 people, is touted as the world's largest ocean range for testing and evaluating weapons systems.

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

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.

The study concluded that the project would provide an overall benefit to the island's 190 native Hawaiian residents.

The economic benefits to both the Niihau and Kauai economies would balance any adverse environmental impacts.

Avereit Soto, who manages the missile program at the base, said the Navy's proposal takes into account input from Niihau residents.

Public hearings on the study are set for 10 a.m. April 25 at the Waimea United Church of Christ Education Hall on Kauai; and 5 p.m. April 28 at the Disabled American Veterans Hall, 2685 N. Nimitz Highway.