DENNIS ODA / DODA@STARBULLETIN.COM
Gov. Linda Lingle greeted Marines yesterday at Marine Corps Base Hawaii in Kaneohe.
Lingle spreads
aloha to MarinesThe governor says
the military deserves
state land for training
Amid continued debate over how much island military installations should be able to use state lands for live-fire training exercises, Gov. Linda Lingle said yesterday that such use is part of the state's responsibility for ensuring the safety of Hawaii's troops.
"Any time you involve land area and training, there are always some points of tension with the civilian population," Lingle said, after addressing some 500 sailors and Marines on Marine Corps Base Hawaii at Kaneohe Bay.
"Yet, I think the bottom line is, if we expect people to risk their lives and go into combat for us around the world, we owe them an obligation to make certain that they have the ability to train to a level that gives them the best odds when they get into that kind of a situation."
DENNIS ODA / DODA@STARBULLETIN.COM
Sgt. Justin Taylor struck an intimidating pose in his camouflaged "ghillie" suit before Lingle arrived.
Lingle thanked troops for their sacrifices and efforts to protect the country. "I wanted to thank you on behalf of the people of the state of Hawaii for being willing to risk your lives to maintain our way of life here at home in America," she told the troops.
Earlier yesterday, Lingle attended a briefing on base activities with Brig. Gen. Jerry McAbee, commanding general of the Kaneohe base.
"I think it certainly means a lot to our Marines and our sailors," McAbee said of Lingle's visit. "It certainly meant a lot to me to have the governor of the ohana family come out and spend some time and say to the Marines and sailors how much she appreciates all they do to preserve our freedom."
Lingle's visit to Kaneohe came a day after she observed training exercises and met with troops at Schofield Barracks.
DENNIS ODA / DODA@STARBULLETIN.COM
Lance Cpl. Gregg Esposito and Pfc. Nicholas West aimed a M-240G medium machine gun as part of the demonstration.
Both Kaneohe and Schofield have been under pressure to maintain the quality of lands used for military training.
The Marines are completing an environmental impact assessment on a proposal to resume jungle warfare training in Waikane Valley or on Kualoa Ranch land. Marines used Waikane Valley for live-fire training between 1944 and 1976.
The Army has faced legal challenges over Schofield soldiers' use of Makua Valley for live-fire training exercises. The dispute halted training in the 4,200-acre West Oahu valley for three years before the dispute ended in October 2001.
