FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                             November 25, 2005 Release M-105

 PACIFIC COMMAND BRIEFS HANNEMANN ADMINISTRATION ON DISCARDED CHEMICAL MUNITIONS

            Officials from the Headquarters of the United States Pacific Command (USPACOM) assured Mayor Mufi Hannemann this week that the military’s top brass and the Office of the Secretary of Defense consider chemical munitions dumped into the ocean off Oahu to be a top priority.

“I asked for a briefing when the chemical weapons dumping issue first came to light,” Hannemann said, “and I want to express my appreciation to the Pacific Command for taking the time to meet with us and brief us that the military is aggressively looking into the problem.”

USPACOM officials said the military is checking all available ocean-dumping records.  They said the military would then compile data to determine the extent of chemical weapons dumping and possible environmental ramifications.

“I have asked for, and been assured we will receive, timely progress reports from USPACOM as the military’s investigation into the matter proceeds,” said Hannemann.  “As mayor, the health and safety of the people of Honolulu is my administration’s highest priority.  We plan to stay on top of this issue along with the members of our congressional delegation, and appreciate the strong working relationship the City has with the military here in Honolulu. This is just one of the reasons we formed the Mayor’s Armed Forces Committee to ensure an open dialogue with the military here on Oahu.  We held our first meeting earlier this month.”

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Contact:

              Bill Brennan, 527-6928

              Mark Matsunaga, 527-5767