US Military ceases live-fire training, yielding to environmental and Native American groups
The U.S. Military Permanently Ends Live-Fire Training in Makua Valley, Marking a Major Victory for Activists
The U.S. military has officially announced that it will no longer conduct live-fire training in Makua Valley on Oahu, a significant win for Native Hawaiian groups and environmentalists who have been advocating for this change for decades. This decision was confirmed by U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and Secretary of the Army Christine Wormuth in a statement filed with a federal court in Hawaii.
According to Hawaii News Now, the military’s new stance is that they “no longer need to conduct live-fire training at (Makua Military Reservation), now or in the future.” This marks a significant shift in their approach.
Although live-fire training has not taken place in Makua Valley since 2004 due to a 2001 settlement, this court filing ensures that there will never be a threat of it happening again. Environmental nonprofit Earthjustice stated in a news release that this development removes the possibility of future live-fire training in Makua Valley.
Earthjustice has been representing the local activist group Malama Makua in their ongoing legal battle with the Army. Makua Valley has been subjected to decades of live-fire military training, which has caused wildfires and destroyed native forest habitat and sacred cultural sites.
The Significance of Makua Valley
Makua Military Reservation spans nearly 5,000 acres and is home to over 40 endangered and threatened species, as well as numerous sacred and cultural sites, as reported by Earthjustice.
Following the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941, the military took control of Makua Valley for training purposes, promising to clean up and return the land to the Hawaiians. However, this promise has yet to be fulfilled after almost 80 years. Ending live-fire training is seen as a crucial first step in rectifying the past and restoring Makua, which means ”parents” in Hawaiian, according to Sparky Rodrigues, a board member of Malama Makua.
Friday’s court filing comes 25 years after Malama Makua sued the Army to ensure compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act, which mandates the assessment of environmental impacts for proposed federal actions. In 2018, the Army agreed to restore access to cultural sites in the valley.
The state’s lease to the Army for the use of Makua Valley is set to expire in 2029.
Note: The Western Journal has reviewed this Associated Press story and may have made alterations to meet our editorial standards before publication.
The post US Military Confirms End to Live-Fire Training, Handing Victory to Environmental and Native American Groups appeared first on The Western Journal.
How has live-fire training in Makua Valley affected the cultural and historical significance of the area?
To live-fire training for over 70 years, causing significant damage to the environment and cultural sites. The decision to permanently end live-fire training is a major victory for these activists who have long fought for the protection of this sacred and ecologically important area.
Makua Valley holds great cultural and historical significance for Native Hawaiians. It is home to ancient burial grounds, agricultural terraces, and other sacred sites that have been desecrated by military activities. The military’s use of the valley for live-fire training has been a source of deep pain and frustration for the local community.
The environmental impact of live-fire training has also been a cause for concern. Munitions and explosive devices used during training exercises have polluted the soil and water, threatening the delicate ecosystem of the valley. Endangered species, including the Hawaiian hoary bat and the Oahu tree snail, have suffered as a result of military activities.
Activists and environmentalists have been tirelessly advocating for an end to live-fire training in Makua Valley. Their persistence, dedication, and strong community support have led to this significant accomplishment. Through legal battles, protests, and awareness campaigns, they have raised awareness about the detrimental effects of military activities and have fought for the protection of their ancestral lands.
The military’s decision to permanently end live-fire training in Makua Valley reflects a growing recognition of the importance of environmental and cultural preservation. It demonstrates a commitment to rectifying past harm and making more sustainable choices for future generations. This decision aligns with broader efforts to promote environmental justice and Native Hawaiian rights.
In their statement, Secretary Austin and Secretary Wormuth acknowledged the concerns raised by the activists and recognized the need to find alternative solutions for military training. They expressed a commitment to working with the local community to ensure that their training needs are met while also respecting the cultural and environmental values of the area.
This victory in Makua Valley serves as an inspiration and example for other communities facing similar challenges. It shows that grassroots activism, combined with legal strategies and community resilience, can bring about significant change. It is a reminder that when people come together to protect their environment and cultural heritage, they have the power to influence policy decisions and shape a more sustainable future.
While this announcement is a cause for celebration, the work does not end here. The restoration and healing of Makua Valley will require ongoing efforts from the community, government, and military. It will be crucial to ensure that the environmental damage caused by decades of military activities is addressed and that steps are taken to prevent further harm.
The permanent end of live-fire training in Makua Valley is a major milestone in the fight for environmental and cultural justice. It is a testament to the power of activism, advocacy, and community engagement. This victory should serve as a motivation to continue the work of protecting and preserving our natural and cultural heritage for generations to come.
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