Military could
bring in billionsA number of projects may provide
a boost to Hawaii's economy
U.S. Sen. Daniel Inouye predicts that the military will pump billions of dollars and jobs into the state's economy over the next decade to upgrade Ford Island, build new housing and convert an Army unit here into a mobile fighting force.
Speaking before the Mililani Sunrise Rotary Club, Inouye, the third-ranking member of the Senate, said conversion of one of the 25th Infantry Division's brigades into a Stryker fighting force alone "is anticipated to bring about $750 million over the next decade" to Hawaii.
Although the official decision by the Army is not expected until July, Inouye said he is confident that the 25th Division will get a Stryker brigade, and $16 million is already included in this year's military construction budget to begin the process.
To support this new Army unit, which is built around an eight-wheeled armored vehicle and named after two Medal of Honor recipients, Inouye said Hickam Air Force Base will add eight C-17 jet transport aircraft with $65 million set aside this year to prepare for their arrival.
The Army is expected to award a contract to privatize 7,700 Schofield Barracks homes, believed to be the largest project of its kind in the country, in August, Inouye said.
More than $100 million in housing allowance will be generated annually with this 50-year lease to a private developer who would be required to renovate, remodel and maintain the units, Inouye said.
Also this summer, the Navy will finalize the contract with a private developer to build 600 family units and 1,000 bachelor quarters, a conference center, shops, restaurants, a museum and historic areas on Ford Island.
The $150 million new headquarters for Adm. Thomas Fargo's Pacific Command at Camp Smith is a year away from completion, the Hawaii Democrat added.