Army Finalizes EIS for Makua Training

FROM THE HONOLULU ADVERTISER:

Army Finalizes EIS for Makua Training

by: Advertiser staff

The Army has completed the final environmental impact statement for
military training activities at Makua Military Reservation on Oahu,
looking at the possibility of resuming live-fire military training
exercises at Makua for Army, Marine Corps and Hawaii Army National
Guard units.

The final EIS analyzed four alternatives to accomplish the proposed
training, as well as a no-action alternative, under which no live-
fire training would be conducted. The Army's preferred alternative
involves full-capacity use with fewer weapons restrictions. The Army
says many of the munitions used would be consistent with the
Endangered Species Act biological opinion established for training at
Makua.

Live-fire training ended in 2004 pending completion of the EIS. The
military says live-fire exercises are critical to maintaining
military readiness and preparing soldiers for combat.

Some of the major potential impacts discusses in the final EIS are
associated with soil, surface water and groundwater quality, air
quality, cultural sites, natural resources, endangered and threatened
species, noise, recreational resources, wildfires and the safety and
transport of munitions through the Waianae community. The Army has
recommended several mitigation measures that would reduce the overall
impacts associated with the training.

The EIS is expected to be published Friday in the Federal Register
and may be available to the general public at that time.

Copies of the final EIS are expected to be available at
http://www.garrison.hawaii.army.mil/makuaeis/
as well as at the U.S. Army Garrison Hawaii Public Affairs Office and select public libraries.