Urgent Call to Cancel the 2024 RIMPAC Exercises

I am writing to express my strong opposition to the upcoming Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercises and to urge you to advocate for their cancellation. RIMPAC, the largest joint war exercise in the world, is conducted biannually in Hawai'i and involves 26 allied nations, including Israel. These exercises, which are primarily orchestrated by the United States, serve to bolster the military capabilities of these nations to engage in aggressive conflicts globally. The primary beneficiaries of RIMPAC are defense contractors and fossil fuel corporations, who profit immensely from weapons testing and war preparations. This comes at a significant cost to both the environment and local communities. The exercises result in extensive environmental degradation, further threatening the fragile ecosystems of Hawai'i. Additionally, there is a documented increase in violence against women and a notable neglect of pressing social needs as resources are diverted towards military activities. Furthermore, the ongoing US military presence in Hawai'i represents a blatant violation of native Hawaiian sovereignty. The islands are being utilized as a testing ground for future conflicts, disregarding the cultural and environmental sanctity of the land and its people. A recent protest organized by Anakbayan Hawai'i, along with other local and international groups, highlights the growing resistance against RIMPAC. These organizations emphasize that the perpetual state of war readiness promoted by RIMPAC is incongruent with the true needs and desires of the Indo-Pacific region’s inhabitants (Hawaii Public Radio (https://www.hawaiipublicradio.org/the-conversation/2024-06-18/organizations-call-on-us-military-to-cancel-2024-rimpac-games)). The coalition opposing RIMPAC includes Veterans for Peace-Hawaii and Kona for Palestine. These organizations emphasize the need for a paradigm shift towards genuine peace and environmental stewardship. “I've stood here with comrades, some who are here for many, many years,” said Carolyn Hadfield, representing Veterans For Peace-Hawaii. “The numbers go on and on. The Iraq war. The Gulf War. Today we stand with our brothers and sisters in Palestine who are fighting yet more aggression, death, and destruction.” It is imperative that we heed these calls and prioritize the well-being of our communities and the planet over the interests of the military-industrial complex. https://www.kitv.com/news/ahead-of-rimpac-protesters-gather-out-fleet-commander/article_55778cc6-2d1c-11ef-975c-0f31bf9b1e73.html I urge you to take a stand against the 2024 RIMPAC exercises and support initiatives that foster peace, respect native sovereignty, and protect our environment.