Congresswoman Hirono Praises U.S. Air Force for Timely Decision to Reconsider Low Altitude Training Missions on the Big Island
HONOLULU, HI -- Congresswoman Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawai‘i) today praised the U.S. Air Force for its decision to forgo plans to establish a C-17 cargo jet low altitude Military Training Route (MTR) on the island of Hawai’i.
“I am pleased and impressed that the Air Force took the concerns of the community to heart, and acted so expeditiously to address this situation. They should be commended for their work on this matter,” Hirono said.
Hickam Air Force Base Public Affairs Officer, Phil Breeze explained the decision came in the wake of last Monday’s convening of the Hawai‘i County Council where island residents offered public testimony. After evaluating the community input, U.S. Air Force commanders determined they will be able to satisfy their training needs without using the proposed training route over the Big Island.
The U.S. Air Force notified Congresswoman Hirono of its decision, this morning.
The proposed MTR would have traveled over the communities of Honoka‘a and Waimea, as well as other populated areas.
The planned route raised safety and noise concerns, along with concerns over the potential impact on area livestock.
“This latest move by the U.S. Air Force’s top officials shows their willingness to be sensitive to our community’s needs along with their willingness to live up to their pledge to be ‘good neighbors’ to people of Hawai‘i,” Hirono said.
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