The Army says Makua is critical to readiness. Others aren't so sure. The Army has announced its intent to resume live-fire training at the Makua Military Reservation, as soon as July. The Army will conduct cultural and environmental training for officers in preparation for resuming live-fire training. Earthjustice Legal Defense Fund plans to challenge the Army findings in court and pledges to seek an injunction barring live-fire training.
Opponents continue to call for an environmental impact statement.
The Army suspended live-fire training at Makua in 1998. The current plan would eliminate tracer and incendiary ammunition, aerial rockets and anti-tank missiles, once used in the valley. The valley, which has 54 recorded archaeological sites, some of which predate Kamehameha I, has long been considered sacred by Hawaiians. Some say military training of any kind in the valley is inappropriate. The Army has said troop readiness has suffered since training was suspended in 1998.