Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center training continues through Oct. 18

Residents near the Hilo airport and Pōhakuloa Training Area on the Big Island might have noticed an increase in military traffic and noise as of late.

That’s because of Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center training underway since the last week of September, which will continue through Oct. 18.

The 25th Infantry Division training — which has increased in size, scope, scale and noise from previous years — is being conducted at U.S. Army Garrison base located in the saddle region between Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa and has an additional presence or personnel and equipment at Hilo International Airport.

Residents can expect:

• More training-related noise during nighttime hours than usual.
• An increase in medium and large sized military vehicle movement, mostly near Pōhakuloa Training Area and the Hilo airport.
• Helicopter and fixed-wing aircraft operating during daytime and nighttime hours.
• An increase in military traffic between Pōhakuloa Training Area and Hilo International Airport, but not expected to affect traffic in other areas.

Pōhakuloa Training Area officials report efforts continue to mitigate any inconvenience the training might have for island residents.

Updated information will be provided to the affected communities via neighborhood boards, email distribution and social media posts.

The community concern line is available for questions, issues or complaints. Call 808-787-1528. You can also email usag.hawaii.comrel@army.mil.