Navy cuts base services

Navy officials say military members stationed at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam are starting to see changes in base services and facilities as a result of automatic federal budget cuts.

The Navy said Monday that beginning immediately, operating hours were changing at gyms, libraries and arts centers, while cable television was canceled in common areas such as lounges and offices.

The water taxi service for military members and families between Iroquois Point housing and the Pearl Harbor Navy base has been canceled. An official said 150 to 200 people used the service daily.

“Our Navy has been required to make tough choices in the face of the continuing resolution and effects of sequestration,” Rear Adm. Frank Ponds, commander of Navy Region Hawaii and Naval Surface Group Middle Pacific, said in a news release.

Ponds added that as the Navy evaluates priorities and makes adjustments, “we do so with a full and unwavering commitment to readiness, support to warfighters and families, and our ability to operate forward.”

The Navy said hours at the joint base’s three fitness centers have been cut to 270 hours a week from 311.

A library will be open 40 hours a week instead of 51. Operations at three “liberty center” lounges and snack areas went to 150 hours a week from 266, the Navy said.

Three of five swimming pools have been closed. 

The Navy says it is also implementing changes at Pacific Missile Range Facility on Kauai because of the budget cuts.

“Our focus is on executing the changes in the smartest manner possible with the least impact to customers,” said Capt. Jeff James, joint base commander.