Essential Training Scheduled at PTA This Month

Military units are scheduled to conduct essential training activities at Pōhakuloa Training Area (PTA) in November that may be heard by surrounding communities, officials announced Tuesday.

Essential training is subject to change based on safety, weather and other environmental factors. Weather, such as overcast conditions can increase noise and vibrations. Should individuals hear noise, there is no immediate danger.

For the community’s awareness, the planned training is as follows:

• Nov. 6-7 Hawaii Army National Guard Artillery training.
• Nov. 2-19 Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) training.
• Nov. 23 Marine Osprey aircraft aerial gunnery training.

UAS training can occur 24 hours a day, seven days a week on PTA in the restricted airspace.

There are no military convoys planned during November; however, residents can expect to see a limited number of Hawaiʻi Army National Guard vehicles commuting to and from Hilo on Nov. 6 and 7.

There are no hunting opportunities currently during November. PTA will inform the public if the situation changes.

“Protecting the health of the force and the community continues to be the Army’s top priority as Hawaiʻi service members maintain mission readiness,” PTA stated in a press release. “All mission essential training requires adherence to Department of Defense and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines regarding safety and physical distancing, to include the wearing of masks and frequent sanitization.”

To report concerns related to noise or training, contact US Army Hawaiʻi’s Community Concern Line at 808-656-3487 or send an email to usarmy.hawaii.comrel@mail.mil.

Concerns are responded to during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.