HONOLULU -- The Army's Stryker vehicles will arrive at Ford Island on Oahu Monday morning as Army officials prepare for Tuesday's first public viewing on Oahu.
This weekend, Big Island residents got the state's first look at the controversial equipment that the military plans to bring to the islands in 2006.
Protesters lined up outside the exhibition at the Hilo Airport to voice their concerns on the Stryker's environmental impact, which include fears that combat vehicles will damage training area land.
Army officials said they're displaying the Strykers on the Big Island and Oahu to give people a chance to see them up close. They hope to ease some of the fears residents have about the fleet.
Oahu Stryker Viewing Times: Tuesday - Alii Beach Park, 5 p.m.-7 p.m. Wednesday - Wahiawa District Park, 5 p.m.-7 p.m. Thursday - Waianae Intermediate School, 5 p.m.-7 p.m.Hawaii's brigade will consist of nearly 300 Stryker vehicles, some of which will be used at the Pohakuloa training area on the Big Island.
The 19-ton vehicles are also set for use at the Kahuku training area on Oahu. The Strykers will not be used at Makua Valley, according to Army officials.
The eight-wheeled vehicles can carry up to nine soldiers and travel faster than 60 mph.
After months of protest, the Stryker Brigade was approved for training in Hawaii earlier this month.
Copyright 2005 by
TheHawaiiChannel.com
All rights reserved.
This material may not be published,
broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
WATCH REPORT
