Question: Years ago, Schofield Barracks used to invite the public to their annual July Fourth celebration, which was always a class act and something we as a family really enjoyed. Why don’t they open the base for this event anymore? We taxpayers should be able to visit our military bases at least once a year. In fact, I understand Army bases are required to hold at least one open house each year. I think they’re missing a great PR opportunity. Can you please look into this for us?
Answer: U.S. Army Garrison-Hawaii last welcomed the general public to Schofield Barracks’ Fourth of July Spectacular in 2012, for a free, daylong celebration that included fun runs, food, rides, games, live music and, of course, nighttime fireworks.
For the 42nd annual event the following year, the Army limited attendance to Department of Defense ID card holders and their authorized guests, citing concerns about safety and capacity. The concerns stemmed in part from the fact that for the first time in 10 years most Hawaii-based service members were home from deployments and able to attend the popular event, according to news reports at the time. The celebration generally attracted 30,000 to 50,000 attendees, the Hawaii Army Weekly reported.
Security concerns persist today and there are no plans to reopen the festivities to the general public, although the Army is considering other, unspecified open-house events, a spokesman said.
“We greatly appreciate the public’s support of the Army in Hawaii over the years. In 2013, due to security concerns, the U.S. Army Hawaii commanding general made the decision that the Schofield Barracks Fourth of July celebration would only be open to Department of Defense ID card holders and their sponsored guests. We regret the inconvenience for our local community members, but increased security has necessitated this change. We are looking into other open-house opportunities for the public,” said Dennis C. Drake, director of public affairs for U.S. Army Garrison-Hawaii.
DOD ID card holders include military service members and their families, military retirees and DOD civilian employees.
Q: You printed the number to call about noise at Schofield Barracks, but what about Kaneohe Bay?
A: To report a noise concern about Marine Corps Base Hawaii, call 257-8832 or fill out an online form at 808ne.ws/25iwQg5. Be as specific as possible in your report. The complaint form is located on a webpage that includes labeled photographs of various aircraft to help you identify the type making the noise.
Auwe
Auwe to irresponsible pet owners who leave their dogs in the car while they go run errands. That’s dangerous! It’s hot inside the car! It’s like summer already! If you can’t bring your dog inside the store, then don’t bring them on the errands in the first place. Leave them safe at home. — Cares about canines
Mahalo
Many angels came to me when I was in need! On May 20 I had stopped on Queen Street, by Ward Avenue, and started to proceed when the green light came on. But at that moment, my car died! In a panic mode, with all the cars behind passing me, I was relieved when a car with many young adults stopped and asked if I was OK. They helped me move my car to a safe place, which was in a parking stall at Central Pacific Bank. A girl with them stayed with me until I was OK and calmed down. Then a nice Filipino lady, who is the parking attendant at CPB, came up from below and told me to sit in her chair in the shade while making calls. Her kind manner was so calming. I didn’t get any names of these angels, but I want to thank them all and wish them a life full of blessings. Other angels were the driver of the tow truck and the person at the repair shop. Most refreshing was the help offered by these many young people, a good indication that our future is in good hands with good people. — Mahalo, from a grateful senior
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