Molokini and its inhabitants need your continued help.
When we learned of Hawaii Dept. of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) and the US Navy plans to detonate old WWII ordnance at Molokini … AGAIN?! ... We were left with so many questions. Who would be authorizing this to take place? Why had the public not been given a chance to have input? Why hadn’t federal and/or state environmental assessments been conducted? What is required under the Endangered Species Act and the Marine Mammal Protection Act? Were the endangered and protected species known to inhabit Molokini even being considered? Was Molokini as a natural resource and living organism in its own right being considered? And the biggest question: WHY? Why not find a better way, as is clearly possible through past experience. Was it a budget issue? Sure, robotics or special teams who are skilled at this type of work at depth would be more expensive than strapping some C4 explosives on it, but Molokini is worth it!
Urgent action was taken to bring this issue to light, apply public pressure through petitions and email and call-in campaigns. Combined over 170,000 people voiced their outrage to DLNR Chair Suzanne Case and Hawaii Gov. David Ige. And in the span of 7 days, our grassroots movement created CHANGE! According to an announcement from Representative Tina Wildberger, plans to detonate the UXOs at Molokini are on hold.
That is a monumental change in a short 7 days! And that is because of Each.And.Every.One of You!
Representative Wildberger reminded us that there is more work to be done. She says, "Advocates and conservationists are still working toward alternative solutions."
And she's right; 'on hold' isn't a guarantee.
If you haven't yet filled out the petition, please help us keep auditing to the overwhelming voice to speak up for Molokini. Urge the agencies to stop any plans to detonate ordnance at Molokini. Let them know that non-destructive and safe removal is the only acceptable option. Public input and participation in the process is crucial. Answers to the above and other important questions must be provided along with assurances that safe and non-destructive options will be prioritized.
Your voice will help make the difference. Because we are in this for the long haul. Please act now.
SIGN THIS PETITION URGING CHAIR SUZANNE CASE TO STOP THE PLAN TO DETONATE ORDNANCE AT MOLOKINI. SAFE, NON-DESTRUCTIVE REMOVAL IS THE ONLY OPTION.
