Think long and hard about the radar
Some things for west Kaua‘i residents to think about if the planned Homeland Defense Radar-Hawai‘i goes in next door.
The Department of Defense Missile Defense Agency (MDA) is proposing a $2 Billion, 8 to 9 story radar at PMRF. It, and accompanying structures, would be built on top of a two story platform that looks to be a concrete surface over infill structure covering 27 acres. That’s about a million cubic yards big, and will require approximately 62,000 dump and concrete truck round trip loads to deliver to the site. For how many months will local people be looking at the back end of these slow moving trucks? And what about emergency vehicles and compromised public safety? Who will pay for repair/replacement of the roads? And that’s before construction of the radar even begins.
The MDA estimates 200 to 400 workers will be required to construct, and 130 to operate the radar once completed. MDA says: “Housing for off-island construction workers would be up to their employers. It is expected they would rent or lease on-island accommodations”. We have a housing crisis. That is not acceptable.
MDA says while beach goers and boaters have nothing to worry about from electromagnetic exposure, a disputed proposition, “tour helicopters might be affected” by the 9-mile no fly zone in front of the radar. Helicopter company workers should want an explanation.
MDA says the radar is harmless to people, birds, and ocean life because it will operate in Research Mode, where the main beam dwells on an area for only a fraction of a second. That was promised at the Fort Greely Alaska radar site, but near completion of construction MDA got a redo of the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and switched from Research to Continuous mode, posing a much higher threat of harm.
The rules require MDA to respond to every public comment in the scoping process that precedes their preparation of a draft EIS. That opportunity closes on April 12.
We can ask questions or comment by phone or email: call 1-844-201-3652 or email mda.hdrh.eis@kfs-llc.com, with subject line “MDA-HDR-H EIS”.
Kip Goodwin, Kapa‘a
Mahalo for cleaning up Anahola Beach Park
I drove down to Anahola Beach Park yesterday and to my surprise the entrance to the park was amazing. It was like someone came and fulled out the puka here, puka there, puka everywhere! I couldn’t believe it was the same place that I enjoy during my daily activities. I later found out the County of Kauai transportation crew did the work.
Mahalo guys, for putting this in your work order. You can imagine driving before you guys did the work, because I either had to slow down, zig-zag to avoid the puka. I’m glad that Hawaiian Homes and the County saw the need for patching up the road from the entrance to the beach. I know especially the community of Anahola appreciates what you have done. My only hope is that everyone who drives on this road will remember that you don’t need to drive like it is a raceway; and to several motor bike riders — kokua to keep it in this condition.
Another pleasing site is driving from Kuhio Hwy. down to Kukuihale Road to Kahakai o Anahola that meets the eye. As you approach the guard rail overlooking the beach to your right, you will be amazed that you can actually see the park just below and of course the moana which is why everyone enjoys this park.
Many of you know that this area was overgrown with koa, bougainvillea, with woody vines and shrubs with brilliant purple or red blossoms. You wouldn’t dare walk through this area without proper footwear or something to protect you from getting blisters on any part of your body.
Thanks to the following Braddahs who volunteered their time and effort by clearing whatever opala that needed to be removed. It was sweat, mosquito bites, centipedes all over under this wooden area. Dexter the Hawaiian Braddah who I knew when he lived in Ha‘ena, Derwin Lemn and Keiki Pa who i you remember started the work along with Dexter. Another haole Eddie boy joined these local Braddahs to finish the work. They were able to plant the following: mountain apple, sweet potato, coconut, avocado, chili pepper, lime, lemon, tomatoes, kalo, banana, etc. They ask if anyone have any other plants, fruits and vegetables to drop it off next to the guard rail and that will be greatly appreciated. Mahalo nui loa ai ‘oe!
Gerald Gonsalves, Anahola
