More data on Stryker unit is sought

The Army will have to wait a little longer for a decision on whether it can proceed with Stryker Combat Brigade training and construction here while working on a new environmental impact statement.

The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals issued a temporary injunction last month halting all Stryker activities here after finding that the Army failed to consider other locations outside Schofield Barracks, a violation of the National Environmental Policy Act.

The Army believes it can proceed with at least six construction projects during the review, a move strongly opposed by three community groups that object to the presence of a Stryker brigade here.

U.S. District Judge David Ezra granted a request yesterday by Earthjustice, which represents Ilioulaokalani Coalition, Na Imi Pono and Kipuka, for more information on the Army's proposed projects. But he will not issue a ruling until after he hears from the parties at a Dec. 18 hearing.

Earthjustice attorney David Henkin said they will make the best use of the limited evidence to show Ezra why he should not lift the 9th Circuit's injunction.

"The issue is not about whether soldiers will be trained; they will be trained," Henkin said. "The question is where, and we believe the facts will show the Army has ample training opportunities elsewhere, including other Schofield ranges."

He said they are confident the evidence will show that the Army can comply with environmental law and still keep the soldiers safe.

The Army understands and will abide by the court's request to provide more information, said Lt. Col. John Williams, chief of public affairs for the U.S. Army Pacific.

He noted that the Army's goal is to ensure the soldiers get the best training and the best equipment possible before they are deployed to the Middle East or elsewhere.

Henkin said the Army's failure to comply with an agreement to protect cultural sites has led to cultural monitors being excluded from oversight of the Army's activities and damage to petroglyphs and a portion of a recently rediscovered heiau.

"There has been damage there, and if they're allowed to do Stryker training, not only cultural sites, but endangered species and native habitats will be destroyed irreparably," he said.

Ezra said the greatest irreparable harm would be to knowingly endanger the lives of American soldiers. "If it's clear to me the environmental danger will not risk the lives of American servicemen and women, I will issue an injunction accordingly," he said.