USAF Changes Plans to Release Land Parcel in Hawaii

The Air Force says that it now plans to retain a 138-acre training site at Bellows Air Force Station in Waimanalo, Hawaii, reversing earlier plans to relinquish it, due to “changes in operational requirements,” according to Hawaii News Now. There are efforts underway to rid the land of old explosives, although some community members had hoped the land, once cleaned up, could be converted to housing.

PFAS Impacts Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst Neighbors

Previous firefighting drills at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst used foams containing PFAS, contaminating soil and water in nearby towns, according to Ashbury Park Press. Manchester and Pemberton townships face challenges meeting water needs due to the contamination. Efforts include temporary PFAS filters, new water systems, and collaborations with military and local governments. Manchester plans to join a lawsuit against 3M, which has settled to pay for PFAS filtration.

Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Teri Eicher