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EXPERIENCING PTA DAY

By U.S. Army Public Affairs Hawai'iApril 30, 2024

Annually, the U.S. Army Garrison at Pohakuloa Training Area invites the public on-base to have a "look-see" at Army, Air Force and Marine aircraft, enjoy the "Tropic Lightning Band" band performance from the 25th Infantry Division on Schofield Barracks, and learn about all the important management aspects for cultural and natural resource efforts on the premier training base for the military in Hawaii. Today's event brought hundreds of guests from school aged children to kupuna from all parts of the island, along with visitors to the Big Island, who enjoyed the festive day. While it was a little windy, the crowd especially enjoyed PTA first responders, who gave everybody a hands-on demonstration of their airfield crash truck and other fire engines and ambulances. Vendors for the event included: local Hawaii State library, Firewise Wildfire Community Outreach, Rubicon rescue, military recruiters, State DLNR, Hawaii County Police, and the Girl Scouts of America.  Overall, a very fun day in the Saddle Region of the Big Island. 
1 / 4 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Annually, the U.S. Army Garrison at Pohakuloa Training Area invites the public on-base to have a "look-see" at Army, Air Force and Marine aircraft, enjoy the "Tropic Lightning Band" band performance from the 25th Infantry Division on Schofield Barracks, and learn about all the important management aspects for cultural and natural resource efforts on the premier training base for the military in Hawaii. Today's event brought hundreds of guests from school aged children to kupuna from all parts of the island, along with visitors to the Big Island, who enjoyed the festive day. While it was a little windy, the crowd especially enjoyed PTA first responders, who gave everybody a hands-on demonstration of their airfield crash truck and other fire engines and ambulances. Vendors for the event included: local Hawaii State library, Firewise Wildfire Community Outreach, Rubicon rescue, military recruiters, State DLNR, Hawaii County Police, and the Girl Scouts of America.  Overall, a very fun day in the Saddle Region of the Big Island.  (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
2 / 4 Show Caption + Hide Caption – (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
3 / 4 Show Caption + Hide Caption – (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
Annually, the U.S. Army Garrison at Pohakuloa Training Area invites the public on-base to have a "look-see" at Army, Air Force and Marine aircraft, enjoy the "Tropic Lightning Band" band performance from the 25th Infantry Division on Schofield Barracks, and learn about all the important management aspects for cultural and natural resource efforts on the premier training base for the military in Hawaii. Today's event brought hundreds of guests from school aged children to kupuna from all parts of the island, along with visitors to the Big Island, who enjoyed the festive day. While it was a little windy, the crowd especially enjoyed PTA first responders, who gave everybody a hands-on demonstration of their airfield crash truck and other fire engines and ambulances. Vendors for the event included: local Hawaii State library, Firewise Wildfire Community Outreach, Rubicon rescue, military recruiters, State DLNR, Hawaii County Police, and the Girl Scouts of America.  Overall, a very fun day in the Saddle Region of the Big Island. 
4 / 4 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Annually, the U.S. Army Garrison at Pohakuloa Training Area invites the public on-base to have a "look-see" at Army, Air Force and Marine aircraft, enjoy the "Tropic Lightning Band" band performance from the 25th Infantry Division on Schofield Barracks, and learn about all the important management aspects for cultural and natural resource efforts on the premier training base for the military in Hawaii. Today's event brought hundreds of guests from school aged children to kupuna from all parts of the island, along with visitors to the Big Island, who enjoyed the festive day. While it was a little windy, the crowd especially enjoyed PTA first responders, who gave everybody a hands-on demonstration of their airfield crash truck and other fire engines and ambulances. Vendors for the event included: local Hawaii State library, Firewise Wildfire Community Outreach, Rubicon rescue, military recruiters, State DLNR, Hawaii County Police, and the Girl Scouts of America.  Overall, a very fun day in the Saddle Region of the Big Island.  (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

PŌHAKULOA TRAINING AREA, Hawai’i — The Pōhakuloa Training Area (PTA) opened its gates to the public on Thursday, April 25 for its annual Experience PTA day, offering community members a closer look at military operations and partnerships that extend across Hawai'i. The event showcased contributions from the Hawai’i National Guard, local Marine units from Oahu, and various other military and civilian groups, emphasizing the facility’s broad reach and impact.

The open house featured interactive displays and live demonstrations, highlighting the military's efforts in natural resource conservation and cultural preservation. “It’s a chance for the community to see what we do behind the scenes, not just military training but also how we integrate and support local and environmental initiatives,” U.S. Army Garrison Commander, Pōhakuloa Training Area, Hawai'i, Lt. Col. Tim Alvarado said.

Visitors had the opportunity to learn about the PTA’s ongoing projects, including multimillion-dollar environmental conservation efforts aimed at preserving Hawai’i’s endangered species and habitats. These initiatives are part of a larger effort to maintain the ecological balance while conducting military training on the islands.

The day also served as a platform to strengthen community ties, with military officials discussing how the base works closely with local fire departments and other agencies to provide mutual aid and support across the state. “Our partnerships go beyond just the military; they are about supporting and enhancing our local communities,” Alvarado added.

Experience PTA is part of the base's annual initiative to maintain transparency and open lines of communication with the public, ensuring that locals understand and support the base’s multifaceted role in the state. The event concluded with assurances of continued commitment to ecological stewardship and community integration, underscoring the base’s role as a key player in both state defense and local conservation efforts.

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