OFFICE OF HAWAIIAN AFFAIRS URGED TO SUE ARMY TO STOP DESTRUCTION OF SACRED SITES
Will OHA Act To Protect Hawaiians Or Continue Its Protection Of The State?
Groups concerned about the protection of Native Hawaiian sacred sites called on Office of Hawaiian Affairs and the State of Hawai`i to take legal action to halt the destruction and desecration of an ancient Hawaiian religious and cultural complex on O`ahu - location of the Schofield South Range and several Stryker Brigade expansion projects.
Since 2003, the U.S. Army has pursued the expansion of training areas on O`ahu and Hawai`i Island for the stationing of a Stryker Brigade.
At public hearings testimony was overwhelmingly opposed to the proposed expansion.
Along with concerns about military impacts to health, endangered species and Native Hawaiian land rights, one of the top issues raised was protection of Native Hawaiian cultural and sacred sites in proposed Stryker expansion areas.
DMZ-Hawai`i / Aloha `Aina has obtained information that the Army allegedly violated federal cultural preservation laws and agreements and as a result, has damaged sacred sites on O'ahu including the recently rediscovered Hale`au`au Heiau.
The Army's cultural monitors have called for a halt to ground disturbing activities in the Battle Area Complex.
Ikaika Hussey said "The community has spoken loud and clear in opposition to the Stryker expansion. So OHA should stand with the community and protect our heritage."
