MEDIA RELEASE
Hirono to Bernhardt: Moving Hawaiian Volcano Observatory to Oahu “Doesn’t Seem to Make a Lot of Senseâ€
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Mazie K. Hirono pressed Interior Secretary Nominee David Bernhardt to incorporate feedback from Hawaii’s Congressional Delegation and Big Island stakeholders before making any decision to relocate the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO) to Oahu. Volcanic activity in 2018 damaged HVO’s facility at the summit of Kilauea beyond repair, and will need to be completely rebuilt.
From Senator Hirono’s Questioning:
Senator Hirono:“The USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory was completely destroyed as you know during the eruption. We obviously need to rebuild the facility and there are discussions of building it outside of the island on which actually there are active volcanoes. That doesn’t seem to make a lot of sense. I would want to have your commitment that you will listen to the Congressional delegation as well as local stakeholders to put this observatory where the eruptions will likely occur.â€
Interior Secretary Nominee David Bernhardt: “I have to say, I will absolutely look into that.â€
Senator Hirono:“Let’s do things that make actual common sense.â€
Only time this AC has ever shown common sense, but hey, a broken clock is right twice a day.
The Overall Ignorance of the Administration Amazes me Time and Time again!
Money, money, money instead of being responsible to what the true needs are of the project at hand. This is the negative catalyst used in decision making of some of our politicians. I have to use some as there are some who do not and use intelligence and analysis of what the true needs are of the project at hand. Yes, we have to look at the overall costs. However, if the decision is purely about money and control, well then you are not truly representing the people in making intelligent and wise decisions that will benefit all.