Makua training
resumes Dec. 8The Army announces live-fire
maneuvers are needed for
troops bound for Afghanistan
The 25th Infantry Division will resume live-fire training in Makua Valley starting Dec. 8, the Army announced yesterday.
But Malama Makua, the Waianae Coast group that has a settlement with the Army regarding use of the valley, has not yet approved the training.
The Army is proposing live-fire training on convoy operations, which is not included in an October 2001 settlement on what kinds of training the Army will conduct in the valley, said David Henkin, the EarthJustice attorney who represents Malama Makua.
Henkin called the Army's announcement of training operations yesterday "premature" but added that "we're working in good faith with them."
Live-fire training was banned in Makua Valley for three years, due to a Malama Makua lawsuit seeking an environmental impact statement on the cumulative effect of years of Army training in the 4,190-acre valley.
A month after the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks, Malama Makua dismissed its lawsuit and reached agreement that the Army could resume limited live-fire training in the valley if it completed the detailed environmental study.
Fred Dodge, a member of the Malama Makua board of directors, said the group is "considering the total picture. We're not against the troops -- they need training," but has questions about what the Army is proposing.
"The live-fire training will concentrate on convoy operations and is being conducted in support of the upcoming deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan," the Army said in a news release. "Army units stationed in Hawaii use the Makua Valley for live-fire training to gain and maintain combat proficiency while remaining sensitive to historical, cultural, archeological and environmental concerns."
Army spokeswoman Maj. Stacy Bathrick confirmed yesterday that the Army is in discussions with EarthJustice.
Bathrick said the Army's intent in putting out yesterday's release was to provide public notice for Waianae residents.
Details about how many soldiers will be involved, during what hours and using what weapons have not been decided, Bathrick said. She did say the proposed training would involve soldiers bound for Afghanistan in April.
"The convoy live-fire training is essential to ensure the soldiers are confident in the skills to react to enemy fire while on a convoy," Bathrick said. "One of the most frequent enemy encounters in Afghanistan occurs during convoy operations."
The proposed training would be the first in the valley since a July controlled burn went out of control, scorching 2,100 acres instead of the planned 500 acres.
Bathrick said additional training in the valley has not been scheduled beyond December and that the Army will have "appropriate ground and air firefighting support available while we conduct training in Makua Valley."
