Military exercises fuel anti-war protests

HONOLULU (KHON2) — The world’s largest international maritime exercise, Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC), returned to the islands Thursday for its 29th training.

25,000 military personnel from 29 nations will take part in exercises in the air, at sea and on the ground.

“The goal of the exercise is to build relationships, improve interoperability and capabilities, and ultimately contribute to peace and stability in the vital Indo-Pacific region,” said Vice Admiral John Wade, commander of the U.S. Navy’s Third Fleet.

RIMPAC brings together nations from across the Pacific every two years for joint military exercises to prepare for natural disasters and humanitarian relief operations. But activists from around the world protest RIMPAC’s environmental impact and political implications.

“RIMPAC really represents colonialism, genocide and the destruction of Mother Earth,” said Laulani Teale, coordinator of the Hoopae Pono Peace Project. “You don’t bomb Pohakuloa and sacred land to save anyone. That is not peace. That is not humanity. That is preparation for war.”

Teale joined activists in San Diego from the international campaign “Cancel RIMPAC”.

“They also conduct amphibious landings that destroy turtle nesting sites. They destroy seabird nesting sites. They bomb whales. I don’t know how bombing whales and dolphins can be considered environmentally friendly,” Teale said.

Military officials say they recognize that it is their sacred responsibility to be good stewards of the environment.

“This is a valid criticism. We respect the views of others and will therefore maintain environmental stewardship throughout the exercise, particularly in the handling of hazardous materials and also in our protective measures for marine mammals and Hawaii’s natural environment,” said Vice Admiral Wade.

The theme for 2024 is “Partners: Integrated and Prepared” to emphasize trust and inclusiveness and strengthen the force. The RIMPAC exercises will last until early August.