SBCT Final EIS - Govsupport.us

Appendix D ⎯ Responses to Comments on the Draft Environmental Impact Statementnizes that the Hawaiian Kingdom still exists. The Army must provide proof of a lawful treatythat transfers sovereignty from the Kingdom of Hawaii to the U.S. The DEIS must analyzethe legality of military use of ceded lands in Hawaii, as well as ceded lands in Alaska andColorado.Response: We thank you for your comment and participation in this public process. Yourcomment has been considered and included in the administrative record forthis process. Issues of statehood and Hawaiian Sovereignty are outside of thescope of the NEPA process. Additionally, the return and abandonment of militaryfacilities in Hawaii does not meet the Purpose and Need for the ProposedAction. No changes have been made in the Final EIS, but your comments andparticipation are appreciated.71. The DEIS does not address the United Nation’s Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.This declaration emphasizes the need for the demilitarization of lands and territories ofindigenous peoples. The DEIS does not document any request made or any approval receivedfrom the Native Indigenous Hawaiians for the occupying and use of their most sacred placeand lands for military training.Response: We thank you for your comment and participation in this public process. Yourcomment has been considered and included in the administrative record forthis process. The United Nation’s Declaration of Rights of Indigenous Peoplesand demilitarization are issues that are not within the scope of this EIS formeeting the Purpose and Need of the Army’s Proposed Action. No changeshave been made in the Final EIS, but your comments and participation are appreciated.72. The Army has failed to analyze the increased military threat that the SBCT poses to the residentsof the Hawaiian Islands. What is the Army’s emergency evacuation plan for the Islandsof Oahu and Hawaii in the event of an attack because of the increased vulnerability of stationingthe 2/25 th SBCT in Hawaii?Response: There is no basis to support the belief that stationing a Stryker brigade in Hawaiiincreases the probability of a foreign attack on Hawaii. In the event of astate emergency, the Army and Army National Guard in Hawaii would coordinatewith state and federal emergency management officials to respond andassist residents of Hawaii in the most effective way possible. Thank you foryour comment and participation in this public process. Your comment hasbeen considered and included in the administrative record for this process.73. I will never visit the Hawaiian Islands again.Response: We thank you for your comment and participation in this public process. Yourcomment has been considered and included in the administrative record forthis process.74. What is the Army’s emergency evacuation plan for the Islands of Oahu and Hawaii in theevent of an emergency caused by the Army?Response: The Army does not engage in activities that would require the evacuation ofHawaiian residents. In the event of a natural disaster or event leading to aFebruary 2008 D–25 2/25th SBCT Final EIS