Air Force begins
cleanup of ceded
land at Bellows

The 170 acres are being prepared
for return to the state, probably
in 2000 or 2001

By Harold Morse
Star-Bulletin

The Air Force has started to clean up 139 acres of ceded land at Bellows Air Force Station in preparation for returning the land to the state of Hawaii.

A munitions-clearing company has been contracted for the job, said 1st Lt. Amy Sufak, deputy chief of public affairs, 15th Air Base Wing, Hickam Air Force Base.

"The contractor is currently clearing vegetation on the land to aid in detecting any munitions that may be there," Sufak said. "The area was a military training site for many years."

So far, shell casings from small-arms firing and flares have been found, she said.

"Should the contractor come across any archaeological remains or hazardous waste, the area will be cordoned off and experts will be called in to evaluate the site."

"Cleanup efforts are on schedule," Sufak said. The contractor began work last month and likely will finish the job in November.

The land is part of 170 acres identified in 1996 as excess to the military. It is located in two separate parcels on the Bellows southern boundary.

A surface sweep for debris and trash is under way. Vegetation removal has begun at the 85.1-acre NIKE site and around the Bellows Security Forces dorm and Hawaii Army National Guard Military Academy, which are on a 53.6-acre parcel.

Cleanup will include trimming vegetation to six inches from the ground as well as gathering up small-arms ammunition, smoke grenades and flares.

Scientific Consultants Services Inc., another contractor, will perform the cultural resource monitoring.

Bellows Beach is not affected and will continue to be open for public use weekends and holidays. No work is planned for Fridays, weekends or holidays. Cleanup crews are working 10-hour days Mondays through Thursdays.

Once the land is clear, the Air Force will submit a declaration of excess to the U.S. General Services Administration for review. After acceptance, GSA will negotiate the return of the ceded land to the state, with the transfer expected in 2000 or 2001.