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Tropic Lightning -- 12 September 2002
 Photo(s) by Sgt. Frank Magni A machine gunner from Co. C, 1st Bn., 27th Inf. Rgt. lays down suppressive fire during a live-fire exercise at Pilia’au Range, Makua Valley Oct. 19, 2001. This was the first company-level live-fire exercise held in Makua Valley in three years, and was made possible due to the agreement the Army reached with Malama Makua and Earthjustice Legal Defense. | Army resumes live-fire training in Makua Valley in light of 9/11 By Sgt. Frank Magni 17th Public Affairs Det. For several years, the 25th Infantry Division (Light) and U.S. Army, Hawaii were locked in a dispute with environmental groups over training at Pilila’au Range Complex in Makua Valley. But just weeks after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, the 25th ID (L) and USARHAW resumed limited training in Makua Valley after an agreement was reached with Malama Makua and Earthjustice Legal Defense Oct. 4. The agreement allowed live-fire training to begin immediately in exchange for a comprehensive environmental study of the air, soil and groundwater within three years. It also allocated $50,000 in a technical assistance fund to facilitate public participation in the National Environmental Policy Act. Under the new agreement, the Army was permitted to conduct 16 company-level combined-arms live fire exercises within the first year, nine the second year and 12 the third year on 457 of the valley’s 4,190 acres. "This agreement permits the Army to prepare for any mission our leaders may give us, while at the same time reaffirming our commitment to preserve the lands entrusted to our care," said Maj. Gen. James M. Dubik, former 25th ID (L) and USARHAW commander. The Army had not used Makua Valley, the only place on Oahu for a company-level CALFEX, since September 1998. "Our president gave the U.S. military a two-word order, ‘be ready,’" Dubik said. "Our need to train at Makua is urgent and immediate." The agreement also outlined airlifting explosives, artillery, mortar and anti-tank rounds to the valley instead of transporting the ammunition through the community. If weather prevents air transportation, military vehicles are restricted to certain travel times by way of Farrington Highway to avoid peak travel hours and times when children are going to and from school. Use of rockets, tube-launched, optically tracked and wire guided missiles and other incendiary devices would also be prohibited. The Army had also agreed to allow at least one observer to attend all training and has allowed access of the valley to community members twice a month and overnight access twice a year. The agreement brings a dismissal of the lawsuit and lifts a preliminary injunction ordered in July. "The barbaric attacks on New York and the Pentagon have given us a tragic illustration of the importance of combat readiness," Dubik said. "Three weeks ago, the possibility of war seemed remote. Since the day of the attack, we have been a nation at war." |
