Community voices concern about adding aircraft at MCBH

The Department of the Navy, U.S. Marine Corps, intends to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement for the basing and operation of 24 MV-22 Osprey tiltrotor aircraft as well as H-1 Cobra and Huey helicopters in support of III Marine Expeditionary Force units stationed in Hawaii.   

Thursday night, the public had a chance to weigh in on the proposed plan during an EIS public scoping open house in Kaneohe.

"We're here get feedback from the public to hear their concerns and issues they would like to be addressed within the EIS process," said Maj. Alan Crouch, Public Affairs Office, Marine Corps Base hawaii.The public is invited to participate in two more public scoping open house meetings at the following locations:

     But those who attended the meeting raised issue with the potential increase in noise.

"They are saying it won't be any louder than a helicopter, but the reality is it's much louder than a helicopter," said Don Mapes, Kaneohe resident.

Molokai: August 28, 1 to 4 p.m., Kaunakakai Elementary School Library, Ailoa Street, Kaunakakai.

Oahu: August 30, 5 to 8 p.m., Waimanalo Elementary and Intermediate School cafeteria, 41-1330 Kalanianaole Hwy, Waimanalo.

Public comments can also be on-line at: http://www.mcbh.usmc.mil/mv22h1eis. 

Additionally, written comments on the EIS can also be addressed to: Naval Facilities Engineering Command Pacific, Attn: EV21, MV-22/H-1 EIS Project Manager, 258 Makalapa Drive, Suite 100, Pearl Harbor, HI 96860-3134. Written comments must be postmarked or received by September 7, 2010.


Video of Kaneohe Scoping Mtg.  http://www.kitv.com/video/24780356/?taf=hon