STAR-BULLETIN / JULY 2004 The 19-ton Stryker combat vehicle, shown on a demonstration drive on Ford Island last year, will join the 25th Division's 2nd Brigade, with an operational date of May 2007.

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U.S. court ruling allows
Army’s Stryker plans
in isles to proceed

The Army can now seriously begin talks to buy 23,000 acres of Big Island Parker Ranch land to support the training of its 19-ton Stryker combat vehicles, following yesterday's decision by a federal court judge.

Chief U.S. District Judge David Ezra ruled in the Army's favor, removing a major obstacle to the formation of a 3,850-member Stryker combat brigade at Schofield Barracks.

In a 24-page decision, Ezra rejected claims from Earthjustice, which represents Ilioulaokalani Coalition, Na Imi Pono and Kipuka, and said the Army followed all requirements of existing federal environmental laws.

On Aug. 17, Earthjustice sued the Army, claiming that it violated environmental laws by refusing to consider locations outside Hawaii. David Henkin, attorney for Earthjustice, said his clients were reviewing Ezra's ruling. Henkin said there are several options available, including asking the federal court to reconsider Ezra's decision or appealing it to the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.

Ron Borne, head of the Army's transformation plans, said the negotiations with the Smart Estate were placed on hold because of the legal challenges involving the Army's environmental impact statement.

The Parker Ranch land would be used for maneuvers only and not any type of live-fire operations.

Army Stryker-related plans also call for the acquisition of 1,400 acres adjacent to the 27,000 acres Schofield now occupies in Wahiawa.

The Army plans to spend $693 million on Oahu and the Big Island on 28 Stryker-related military construction projects.

Borne said the Army has only begun construction of a $14 million rifle and machine-gun qualification range at Schofield Barracks.

But following Ezra's ruling, Borne said bids now will be sought for the construction of a $34 million battle area complex and $7 million vehicle wash facility and motor pool.

In a written statement the Army said it is "pleased with Judge Ezra's ruling and appreciates the court's thoughtful consideration of this very important matter."

Hawaii Chamber of Commerce President Jim Tollefson said Ezra's decision means that "transformation will go forward in Hawaii.

"It's good for the Army, and it's good for the security of the country," Tollefson added.

The first two dozen eight-wheeled vehicles should arrive at Schofield Barracks in May 2006. Eventually, the 25th Division will have 300 Stryker vehicles. Each Stryker costs about $1.5 million.