Pohakuloa Training Area, Hawaii -- Pohakuloa Training Area (PTA) recently hosted three different groups: the Kona Hongwangi Cub Scout Troup, the Hawaii Island Youth Corp and the Waiakea Elementary School.
After a quick welcome brief from the garrison commander, Lt. Col. Eric P. Shwedo, the groups were shown into a facility with static displays of animal control equipment, specialized protective gear, mock mapping of archeological sites and pictures of endemic and endangered Hawaiian plant and animal species.
Several Cub Scouts donned protective gear that was on display to get the feel of how PTA's environmental crew performs its tasks out in select areas.
"I didn't think this existed (indicating facilities and staff) … that there is a whole department of Natural/Cultural Resources," said Lynn Gusman, one of Hongwangi's coordinators.
While in PTA's interpretive gardens, the Cub Scouts were introduced to some of Hawaii's endangered plant species.
"If you smell it, it smells like fish" said Paul Martin, PTA staff and Natural Resources specialist who introduced a rare plant relative to the sage family.
"We thought PTA had (only) guns and tanks as a training facility," said Glenn Hirowatari, Cub Scout headmaster. "I think it's wonderful; I wish we can keep coming all the time.
"He's (Shwedo) doing a lot with us," continued Hirowatari. "He hopes that (future) PTA commanders will continue to work with youth groups."
On the same day, a group of young men with the Kona Youth Challenge Corps visited PTA. They received the same itinerary: touring facilities, checking out military equipment and walking through both Natural/Cultural Resources areas and displays.
"It was the entire day. We were welcomed warmly and greeted with positivity that made the boys feel at ease," said Anthony Savvis, Kona Youth Challenge Corps. "From all the different stations we went through -- the wildlife, (the) EMT crew at the fire station -- (they) let the boys know there are different aspects to (the whole of) PTA."
The young men, observers noticed, took on the static displays with as much enthusiasm as the Cub Scouts.
On a separate day, Waiakea Elementary School students visited the base and were greeted by the Environmental, Cultural and Fire departments.
"I think it is well organized, plenty of hands-on activities with the kids. I think it's great," said Leanne Silva, a teacher, about the field trip to PTA. "The content matches the curriculum we teach!"
The goal of PTA's tours and programs visits (to Natural/ Cultural Resources) is to bring a new perspective to visitors and provide them with ways the military is working to be good stewards to the land.
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