BY U.S. SENATOR DANIEL INOUYE, D-HAWAII – 9,000 U.S. Marines stationed in Okinawa will be moved to Hawaii, Guam, and other locations in the Western Pacific.
This agreement comes after more than six years of extensive discussions between our government and the leaders of Japan.
I am pleased that this revised plan helps improve relations between our military and the people of Japan while also enhancing our capabilities in the region.
By redistributing our Marines in the Western Pacific we make ourselves less vulnerable and more able to respond anywhere in the area. The dialogue between the U.S. and Japan will continue on this and other critical defense issues.”
The relocation of some of these Marines to Hawaii highlights our islands’ importance as our force posture shifts to account for challenges in the Asia Pacific. The timing and manner of their arrival is still subject to much discussion and there is a lot of work that needs to be done.
We need to work with the counties and the state to provide housing, secure training areas and improve and expand infrastructure to make certain Hawaii is ready for more Marines.
The one thing I am sure of is that the people of Hawaii will welcome these brave men and women and their families with Aloha.