Resolution 20-99: Urging for the Cancellation of RIMPAC 2020

Resolution 20-99: Urging Commander of the U.S. Pacific Fleet to Cancel RIMPAC 2020

City Council Resolution No. 20-99 urges the Commander of the United States Pacific Fleet to cancel RIMPAC 2020 to preserve and protect the health, safety, and welare of the residents of Hawaiʻi. RIMPAC 2020 is a joint military exercise hosted biennially in Hawaiʻi. The Governorʻs proclamations on quarantines for visitors and arrivals to Hawaiʻi, physical distancing, and prohibition of large group gatherings to reduce the spread of covid-19 infections are extended to the RIMPAC 2020 exercises. RIMPAC plans to bring military units from Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Columbia, France, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, the Peopleʻs Republic of China, Peru, the Republic of Korea, the Republic of the Philippines, Singapore, Tonga, the United Kingdom and the United States to Hawaiʻi for exercises. The concern is that if the RIMPAC exercises were to take place, this gathering might foster spread of the infection here in Hawaiʻi because there is evidence of infections on bases and among naval personnel. This item reflects an act of resilience for Hawaiʻi because it challenges how Hawaiʻiʻs lands have been used and damaged by military exercises, such as on Kahoʻolawe. This resolution is one of many strategies used by community peace advocates to urge Hawaiʻiʻs government to be more protective for how our land is used, which impacts residentʻs health.

- Anonymous

May 21, 2020

Resolution 20-99: Urging for the Cancellation of RIMPAC 2020