U.S. Senator Daniel K. Akaka (D-Hawaii), chairman of the Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Readiness and Management Support, issued the following statement in response to the settlement agreement reached between the United States Army and Malama Makua:

"I am very pleased to learn about the settlement between the Army and Malama Makua/Earth Justice. I applaud the efforts of both the Army and the community in reaching this agreement after lengthy discussions and community hearings. I have frequently cited this process as one that should be used as an example by the Department of Defense to address encroachment issues. Throughout this process I have been confident that a resolution which balances the critical need to train with the need to preserve the environment and our cultural resources could be achieved. I welcome this result."