Comment:
Aloha!
I write to you today with gun fire in my backyard. I'm sure that I am not the first, nor will I be the last to express frustration regarding the Puuloa Rifle Range and Marine Corps training range at the end of Ft Weaver Rd. While I appreciated the warning that gun fire may continue as late as 10PM, I find myself questioning the reason. The range is located on ocean front property and spans over 160 acres which is truly mind boggling to me as a new resident on Popoi PL. I have looked at the facility on google maps and it appears they have several ranges but seem to insist on firing on a range closest to residential property and beach frontage. I am reaching out in hopes to find a way to voice my concerns, they have fallen on deaf ears when corresponding with official military communication outlets. I am baffled that such activity has taken place for decades without the community demanding an explanation for the need of a firing range that is yards away from the shoreline. There must be a rational reason, but I've searched internally and externally with no answer. My hope is to connect with the community as a small business owner and work to relocate the facility. The military has vast land resources on Oahu and I'm sure there must be a more reasonable location for this facility. I have also learned in my research that there is a proposed plan to erect a large steal retaining wall to reinforce the existing structure. Pure lunacy.
Please forgive my rant, I would appreciate any feedback on any available community resources.
Mahalo and Best Regards!
Quieter O'ahu Response:
Aloha,
We receive numerous complaints about the USMC Firing Range at Puuloa. It's an ongoing problem.
You may find another outlet for your complaint by reaching-out directly to the USMC. Here are the email addresses for their Pubic Affairs and Inspector General:
kbaz_commstrat@usmc.mil - Public Affairs
kbaz_hqbn_insp@usmc.mil - Inspector General
And the USMC Kaneohe Base has a page where you can voice your concerns. The link is:
https://www.mcbhawaii.marines.mil/Offices-Staff/Communication-Strategy-Operations/Noise-Concerns/
We have contacted each, but received primarily only lip service. Seems their favorite "passing the buck" spiel is that while they own the range, it is used by numerous organizations which they do not directly control but they will "pass the word" to those groups and ask that they exercise greater concern for neighboring communities. And we know how that's worked out.
This issue is also very well known to the Ewa Neighborhood Board and I think you would find that group being active in trying to find a long term solution. I believe the Ewa Neighborhood Board meets every 2d Thursday of each month at 7:00pm via video teleconference. You can find instructions for joining the teleconference below. Incidentally, there is usually a representative from USMC Kaneohe at each meeting and they provide a report on items of interest to the Board. It is also an opportunity to engage directly with that representative on issues such as Puuloa Range.
https://nextdoor.com/agency-post/hi/honolulu/city-and-county-of-honolulu/ewa-neighborhood-board-no-23-regular-meeting-167047370/
Individuals on the Ewa Board can be found at link following. Perhaps an email to the Chair, Vice Chair, or At-Large Member could provide you an update on the Board's position on the Puuloa Range.
https://www.honolulu.gov/index.php/cms-nco-menu/site-nco-sitearticles/682-test.ht/#NB23
We will post your note to our Noise Blog for the benefit of others.
Mahalo,
Quieter O'ahu
Aloha!
I write to you today with gun fire in my backyard. I'm sure that I am not the first, nor will I be the last to express frustration regarding the Puuloa Rifle Range and Marine Corps training range at the end of Ft Weaver Rd. While I appreciated the warning that gun fire may continue as late as 10PM, I find myself questioning the reason. The range is located on ocean front property and spans over 160 acres which is truly mind boggling to me as a new resident on Popoi PL. I have looked at the facility on google maps and it appears they have several ranges but seem to insist on firing on a range closest to residential property and beach frontage. I am reaching out in hopes to find a way to voice my concerns, they have fallen on deaf ears when corresponding with official military communication outlets. I am baffled that such activity has taken place for decades without the community demanding an explanation for the need of a firing range that is yards away from the shoreline. There must be a rational reason, but I've searched internally and externally with no answer. My hope is to connect with the community as a small business owner and work to relocate the facility. The military has vast land resources on Oahu and I'm sure there must be a more reasonable location for this facility. I have also learned in my research that there is a proposed plan to erect a large steal retaining wall to reinforce the existing structure. Pure lunacy.
Please forgive my rant, I would appreciate any feedback on any available community resources.
Mahalo and Best Regards!
Quieter O'ahu Response:
Aloha,
We receive numerous complaints about the USMC Firing Range at Puuloa. It's an ongoing problem.
You may find another outlet for your complaint by reaching-out directly to the USMC. Here are the email addresses for their Pubic Affairs and Inspector General:
kbaz_commstrat@usmc.mil - Public Affairs
kbaz_hqbn_insp@usmc.mil - Inspector General
And the USMC Kaneohe Base has a page where you can voice your concerns. The link is:
https://www.mcbhawaii.marines.mil/Offices-Staff/Communication-Strategy-Operations/Noise-Concerns/
We have contacted each, but received primarily only lip service. Seems their favorite "passing the buck" spiel is that while they own the range, it is used by numerous organizations which they do not directly control but they will "pass the word" to those groups and ask that they exercise greater concern for neighboring communities. And we know how that's worked out.
This issue is also very well known to the Ewa Neighborhood Board and I think you would find that group being active in trying to find a long term solution. I believe the Ewa Neighborhood Board meets every 2d Thursday of each month at 7:00pm via video teleconference. You can find instructions for joining the teleconference below. Incidentally, there is usually a representative from USMC Kaneohe at each meeting and they provide a report on items of interest to the Board. It is also an opportunity to engage directly with that representative on issues such as Puuloa Range.
https://nextdoor.com/agency-post/hi/honolulu/city-and-county-of-honolulu/ewa-neighborhood-board-no-23-regular-meeting-167047370/
Individuals on the Ewa Board can be found at link following. Perhaps an email to the Chair, Vice Chair, or At-Large Member could provide you an update on the Board's position on the Puuloa Range.
https://www.honolulu.gov/index.php/cms-nco-menu/site-nco-sitearticles/682-test.ht/#NB23
We will post your note to our Noise Blog for the benefit of others.
Mahalo,
Quieter O'ahu