Makua fire risk limits
some Marine training
For the first time in six years, Kaneohe Marines are firing their weapons in Makua Valley, under a court-approved settlement.
CORRECTION
Sunday, April 11, 2003>> Issac Moriwake is an attorney for Earthjustice. His last name was misspelled in a Page A6 article Friday.
The Honolulu Star-Bulletin strives to make its news report fair and accurate. If you have a question or comment about news coverage, call Editor Frank Bridgewater at 529-4791 or email him at fbridgewater@starbulletin.com.However, the 100 Marines are limited in munitions they can use, especially when it comes to mortars, rockets and other weapons that could cause wildfires.
The Marines, members of India Company, 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, will conclude their week-long exercise today.
Yesterday, some of the training had to be called off because of the risk of fires caused by shifting winds and rising temperatures, said Isaac Moriwaki, an Earthjustice attorney who represents Malama Makua.
Malama Makua, a Leeward Coast citizens group, filed a federal lawsuit March 15, contending the live-fire training exercises proposed by the Marines went far beyond a 2001 federal court settlement with the Army, which controls the 4,190-acre range.
On March 31, Malama Makua and the military reached a settlement that allowed this week's exercise, but with restrictions on the number of mortar rounds that could be used.
Moriwaki, who observed yesterday's training, said four mortar rounds were fired before possible fire hazards forced the Marines to stop.
"The only live fire that took place," Moriwaki said, "was in the trench system where the Marines only used their rifles."
Told what occurred in Makua, Maj. Chris Hughes, Marine Corps spokesman, said: "If that was the case, that's a shame. The Marines need as much training with all the commitments that are facing them."
The last time the Marines trained in Makua was in September 1998. A misfired mortar landed outside a firebreak road and started a fire that burned 800 acres.
