HONOLULU -- A routine public hearing on Army expansion in Hawaii erupted into argument and arrests Tuesday night. Four people were handcuffed after they refused to leave the property where the meeting was held.

Tuesday night's meeting was a public hearing, but it was held on private property. Security for the property said no one would be allowed into the meeting if he or she were carrying a sign of protest. This caused an uproar at the entrance to the Honolulu Country Club in Moanalua.

The Army wants public testimony, because bringing a brigade to the islands would require more military occupation of Hawaii land. Many of the protestors never made it into the meeting.

"It's pretty bad. We can't exercise our rights to testify. Supposedly they're here to fight for freedom, and we don't have the freedom to speak out," Kajihiro said.

"I've never been to a public meeting where we can't have our own displays to educate and get out point across," Kajihiro said.

The protestors were set to testify at a hearing regarding the development of a Stryker Brigade at Schofield Barracks on Oahu and Pohakuloa on the Big Island.

The Army wants public testimony, because bringing a brigade to the islands would require more military occupation of Hawaii land. Many of the protestors never made it into the meeting.

Video

Demonstrators Against Army Proposal Handcuffed

"It's pretty bad. We can't exercise our rights to testify. Supposedly they're here to fight for freedom, and we don't have the freedom to speak out," Kajihiro said.

KITV 4 News asked why the public meeting was held on private property. An Army spokeswoman said the country club was chosen because there was no time restriction on how long the meeting could last. The Army said if it held it at a school or public place, there wouldn't be as much flexibility.

Tuesday night's meeting lasted an hour-and-a half. The Army said despite what happened, it will not change its policy of no signs in its hearings.