1. United States
2. Colo.
3. Letter

I am writing to express my profound concern regarding the United States' participation in the Rim of the Pacific Exercise (RIMPAC). I urge you to oppose these "war games" and take a stand against their continuation. RIMPAC, as the largest maritime war exercise globally, involves 26 nations and has severe detrimental effects, particularly in Hawai‘i. The environmental impacts are significant, exacerbating the challenges faced by indigenous Hawaiians due to ongoing military occupation. The exercises also contribute to violence against women and undermine the basic needs of local communities, including access to clean drinking water. Additional information from reputable sources underscores these concerns. According to a recent article from Foreign Policy in Focus, RIMPAC exacerbates Hawai‘i's environmental vulnerabilities, including damage to coral reefs and disruption of marine ecosystems, which are crucial for local economies and indigenous Hawaiian culture. Moreover, the presence of U.S. and international military forces during RIMPAC heightens tensions and contributes to social injustices, undermining community well-being. (See: https://fpif.org/a-call-to-cancel-rimpac-in-hawai%CA%BBi/) Furthermore, Israel has participated in RIMPAC exercises since 2018, using US Naval trainings to strengthen its genocidal capabilities amidst ongoing atrocities in Gaza. Any country that supports RIMPAC 2024 would endorse and enable Israel’s harmful military operations against Palestinians under US protection. I implore you to take a firm stance against RIMPAC and advocate for its cancellation. Our tax dollars should not fund exercises that prioritize war and profit over environmental stewardship, human rights, and true global security. As your constituent, I urge you to act swiftly to halt U.S. participation in RIMPAC and to work towards a foreign policy that promotes peace, environmental sustainability, and respect for human rights. Thank you for considering my views on this critical issue.