Some have questioned the viability of the military’s forward presence in Hawaii, reflecting on the negative environmental impacts caused by military training exercises during the 1900s. While the environmental damage is undeniable, it was not foreseen and is most regrettable.

Nonetheless, we must understand that the military’s presence is critical to achieving political and economic stability in the Asian Pacific.

Basing fully trained combat forces in Hawaii and other parts of the Pacific Command is a proven national strategy that has contributed to achieving political stability among Asia-Pacific nations and deterring enemy aggression. Equally important, it has kept the economic sea lanes and airways free and open for global commerce to thrive.

The negative spin posed by the Star-Advertiser’s editorial on the Army’s proposal to end live-fire maneuvers at its training range on Makua Valley ("Army’s Makua move welcome," Jan. 14) could force the military to relocate to an area where training ranges are more accessible, thus compromising the gains made to restore stability in the region.

In looking at the Army and Marine Corps units based in Hawaii, legal actions temporarily closed the training range at Makua Valley and left the commanders, including Hawaii’s Army National Guard, with no choice but to send their units to training centers on the mainland. This option is not financially sustainable because it adds hundreds of millions of dollars to training costs and has had heavy negative impacts on the welfare of military families.

Furthermore, in the post-Iraq/Afghanistan era, the troops based in Hawaii must be certified as combat ready at all times as armed conflicts or military actions could arise with little or no notice, leaving the military with insufficient time to train up its troops.

For Hawaii, the relocation of Army and Marine Corps units outside Hawaii would have a shattering effect on Hawaii’s second major source of revenues. Defense expenditures have boosted Hawaii’s economy by $10.2 billion annually and accounted for some 92,000 jobs that report annual household earnings of $6.4 billion.

The military’s continued presence promises even greater economic and job growth by diversifying the economy with technology research and development. It has attracted to Hawaii the nation’s top defense contractors such as BAE Systems, Boeing, Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman. BAE alone employs more than 1,000 residents. These contractors mentor and provide incentives for our emerging research and development businesses such as Oceanit, Pukoa Scientific, Terasys Technologies, Archinotechs, and Williams Aerospace.

But clearly, and of foremost concern, a departure of the military commands would likely compromise a national security strategy that has succeeded in helping to maintain political and economic stability in the Asia Pacific.

In reference to environmental concerns, the Army has responded admirably. U.S. Army Garrison Hawaii has a professional environmental staff and spends upwards of $8 million annually to protect and preserve endangered species and cultural sites. This includes actions such as propagating endangered species and implementing measures to mitigate any threats to Makua’s ecosystem.

We encourage the military to continue its collaboration with the state and local communities in complying with existing environmental laws. The state and local communities, likewise, should continue partnering with the military to better Hawaii’s future.