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Strykers keep rolling along, despite ruling

Oct-12-2006 » Filed Under: 2/25 SBCT

By William Cole, Honolulu Advertiser

Army training with its 19-ton Stryker vehicles is going forward — at least for now — despite a federal appeals court decision last week that the Army violated environmental law in planning for the arrival of the fast-strike unit.

"Training continues as we continue to evaluate our options in regard to the decision by the 9th Circuit Court (of Appeals)," said Stretch Rodney, a spokesman for U.S. Army Pacific at Fort Shafter.

The legal friction is part of the continuing clash of cultures that exists in Hawai'i between its sizable military and strategic location in the Pacific, and those who oppose the military.

David Henkin, an Earthjustice attorney representing three Hawaiian groups in their suit against the Army, said if negotiations between the groups and the Army fail to produce an agreement soon, he will seek a temporary restraining order or equivalent to halt all Stryker training and work.

"I've been talking with the Army," Henkin said. The attorney said he could not reveal what was discussed, but said it could be "not long" before a stoppage is sought.

Henkin and the Army disagree over whether the service can continue with the project based on an earlier court agreement. Henkin said the Army shouldn't continue, while the Army believes it can, he said.


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