Army announces Programmatic EIS for construction at Pohakuloa Training Area

Classification: UNCLASSIFIED
Caveats: FOUO

FOR MG TERRY / LTC NILES / USARPAC MS. NIELSEN for PTA PEIS NOI notifications

Aloha ‘Okou,

I hope that this email finds you well. Unfortunately time constraints preclude my ability to call all of you today.  Therefore I am sending this email to ensure that you receive this information.

I wanted to personally notify you of the Army’s action to publish a Notice of Intent in the Federal Register this week, stating that the Army will prepare a Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement (PEIS) at Pohakuloa Training Area on the Big Island — which will evaluate the potential environmental effects associated with the modernization of training ranges, infrastructure, and support facilities there.

The PEIS will also specifically evaluate the potential environmental effects associated with the construction and operation of an Infantry Platoon Battle Area at PTA.

The Army is seeking public input to identify community concerns or issues as part of the PEIS process – which is being conducted in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).

The proposed actions at PTA involve upgrading existing ranges to current standards and/or constructing new ranges; upgrading and/or constructing new Soldier support facilities in the cantonment area; and improving or constructing roads and utilities at PTA.  The proposed action would improve the current shortfall in collective live-fire training capabilities for units stationed in Hawaii.

The PEIS will evaluate constructing and operating an Infantry Platoon Battle Area —  which includes an infantry Platoon Battle Course, a live-fire shoot house, and a Military Operations on Urban Terrain (MOUT) facility.  The PEIS will also consider alternate courses of action, including modernizing PTA’s existing training ranges, infrastructure and facilities, or a No Action alternative.

Public scoping meetings to receive community input are scheduled to be held in Hilo on 11 Jan and in Waimea on 12 Jan.

Tues., 11 Jan 2011:
Hilo Intermediate School
5:50 – 6:45 p.m. – Open House       7:00-9:00 p.m. – Open Microphone session

Wed.,  12 Jan 2011
Waimea Elementary & Intermediate School
5:30-6:45 p.m. – Open House         7:00-9:00 p.m. – Open Microphone Session

I will be at both public meetings. I hope that you will be able to attend one or the other of the meetings.

A Public Notice will be advertised in the Hawaii Tribune Herald and West Hawaii Today, and a media release issued to all media.

Section 106 consultation will be conducted on this project, and we have already started the archaeological field work to enable us to do this, as those who have been working for CSH are undoubtedly aware.  Fieldwork will be ongoing into the new year as well using PTA Cultural Resources staff.

For additional information on this effort, please do not hesitate to contact me or our action officer, Mike Egami at 808-656-3152. Unfortunately, I will be on leave from December 21 through December 28, returning on December 29.

However, I do eventually read through all of my emails, so please feel free to send one back, or call me when I return should you have questions or concerns.  And of course, we have our next Cultural Advisory Committee meeting on January 14.

Have a wonderful, safe and enjoyable holiday season, and I look forward to seeing all of you in the new year!

Mahalo nui loa,

Julie

Dr. Julie M. E. Taomia
Archaeologist, Cultural Resources Section
Environmental Division
Directorate of Public Works
Pohakuloa Training Area
US Army Garrison
(808)969-1966
http://ice.disa.mil/index.cfm?fa=card&service_provider_id=83121&site_id=46&service_category_id=5

Classification: UNCLASSIFIED
Caveats: FOUO