House Veterans Caucus Joins with Navy League to hold missile defense briefing and the importance of PMRF on Kauai

The State House of Representatives Veterans Caucus has joined up with the Navy League of Hawaii to jointly sponsor with Kauai Representative, Roland Sagum an informational briefing on our nation's missile defense system and the important role that the Pacific Missile Range Facility (PMRF) on Kauai plays in our national defense.

The briefing will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2009 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Hawaii State Capitol, Room 325.

"This is a rare opportunity for the people of Hawaii to hear the latest about "Star Wars" technology and the vital role the Pacific Missile Range Facility plays in keeping Hawaii and the country safe," Acting Veteran's Caucus Chair, Rep. Gene Ward (Vietnam Veteran, R-Hawaii Kai-Kalama Valley).

The event will feature a presentation by national spokesman and former NFL football star, Riki Ellison, Founder and Chairman of the Missile Defense Advocacy Alliance (MDAA) a non-profit organization which advocates the deployment and development of a missile defense system.  Mr. Ellison has is an expert in the field of missile defense.

RELATED: http://www.missiledefenseadvocacy.org/

Kauai State Representative Roland Sagum (D) said, "PMRF is a significant part of my district on Kauai, and it is a pleasure and honor to be a co-sponsor with the House Veteran's Caucus and the Navy League of Hawaii.  I'm also looking forward to meeting Mr. Ellison who has long been one of my football heroes."

The PMRF is the third largest employer on Kauai and the estimated annual impact of the facility is $135 million. Each large missile intercept test generates an additional $3 million to the visitor industry. The PMRF buys locally produced goods when possible and sponsored the agricultural preservation initiative to protect lands adjacent to the base.

The event is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be provided.  For more information, contact Navy League Executive Director, Bob McDermott, 422-9404 or membership@hawaii.rr.com, or Representative Gene Ward, 586-6420, repward@capitol.hawaii.gov.                                                                                   

Gene Ward, Ph.D.

State Representative, District 17

Minority Policy Leader

Phone: (808) 586-6420 / Fax: (808) 586-6421

Email: repward@capitol.hawaii.gov