Monthly Archives: June 2009

Palau mourns soldier’s death and opposes Guantanamo detainees

http://wire.antiwar.com/2009/06/16/soldiers-death-guantanamo-detainees-rattle-palau-2/ Soldier’s death, Guantanamo detainees rattle Palau Palau mourns countryman killed in Afghanistan while serving in US Army TOMOKO A. HOSAKA AP News Jun 16, 2009 10:33 EST The war in Afghanistan hit too close to home for the tiny village of Ngardmau in this remote, close-knit Pacific nation. Hundreds throughout Palau, from children to… Read more »

Marines train for Afghanistan war in Waimanalo

Marines prepare for Afghanistan in Waimanalo “village” By Gregg K. Kakesako POSTED: 01:30 a.m. HST, Jun 15, 2009 Sgt. Michael Osburn cautiously led his squad of Kaneohe Marines into the remote village. With him was Lance Cpl. Robert Bacigalupo. Like many in his squad of 14 Marines, this was Bacigalupo’s first time in a combat… Read more »

The Impact of the Military Presence in Hawai’i on the Health of Na Kānaka Maoli

Mahalo nui to Kalama Niheu, Laurel Turbin and Seiji Yamada for writing this important article U.S. military’s impacts on the health of Kanaka Maoli (Native Hawaiians). “The Impact of the Military Presence in Hawai’i on the Health of Na Kānaka Maoli “, by Kalamaoka‘aina Niheu, MD, Laurel Mei Turbin, MPH, Seiji Yamada, MD, MPH, Developing… Read more »

Main Charge Disruptor

This manual was posted on wikileaks. It explains procedures for disposing of unexploded ordnance using shaped charge Main Charge Disruptor that is designed to penetrate the ordnance and burn out the explosive material with minimal detonation. This means that they could use this method to minimize dispersal of contaminated soil or damage to sites. Are… Read more »

New expanded critical habitat proposed for Hawaiian Monk Seal

This AP story in today’s Honolulu Star Bulletin discusses a new proposed critical habitat designation for the Hawaiian Monk Seal.  This would be the first modification of the critical habitat in 12 years and would likely include new areas within the main Hawaiian islands. I wonder if the military will seek an exemption from these… Read more »

Army lists 22 Makua cleanup areas

Posted on: Saturday, June 13, 2009 Army lists Makua cleanup areas Ordnance removal at 22 cultural sites will increase access By Will Hoover Advertiser Staff Writer The Army yesterday released a final list of 22 cultural sites on Makua Military Reservation deemed “high priority” for clearance of unexploded ordnance. The purpose of removing potentially dangerous… Read more »

Cyberdefense blurs borders

June 13, 2009 Cyberwar Privacy May Be a Victim in Cyberdefense Plan By THOM SHANKER and DAVID E. SANGER WASHINGTON – A plan to create a new Pentagon cybercommand is raising significant privacy and diplomatic concerns, as the Obama administration moves ahead on efforts to protect the nation from cyberattack and to prepare for possible… Read more »

Study says sonar harmful to whales

According to the following article in the AP, a new study that was partially funded by the Office of Naval Research supports the theory that sonar has negative effects on beaked whales.  This has been a major contention against the powerful Navy sonar exercises that are conducted in Hawaiian waters several times a year. Whale… Read more »

Fighting Militarism’s Toxic Legacy

Fighting Militarism’s Toxic Legacy By Elizabeth DiNovella, June 5, 2009 One of the most pernicious effects of the U.S. government’s commitment to militarism is a toxic landscape. Current legislation pending in the House, H.R. 672, the Military Environmental Responsibility Act, would force the military to comply with environmental and public safety laws. “The Department of… Read more »

Sen. Inouye weighs in on Makua

Predictably, Sen. Inouye has penned an editorial supporting the Army’s proposed expanded training in Makua valley. Let’s analyze his argument: 1. Army is a “good neighbor”. The US military was the force that overthrew the Hawaiian Kingdom and occupied Hawai’i. Capt. Alfred Thayer Mahan to Teddy Roosevelt (1897): “take (Hawaii) first and solve (political questions)… Read more »