In coordination with the U.S. Space Force, 15^th Space Surveillance Squadron, Mayor Richard Bissen, Jr. on Thursday visited the site of a diesel oil spill at the summit of Haleakalā to view the impacted site and receive an overview of the incident from Space Force personnel.

“My administration has been in contact with representatives of the Space Force and were able to see firsthand the area of the oil spill. I’ve spoken with Brigadier General Anthony Mastalir, commander, U.S. Space Forces Indo-Pacific, who has conveyed that the Space Force understands its responsibility to our community and is committed to full accountability for remediation and repair. I have made it clear to General Mastalir and his team that the sacredness of Haleakalā cannot be minimized and that the reverence of this wahi pana requires respectful, thorough and complete attention. I’ve also communicated that it’s important that the Space Force engages with organizations with longstanding kuleana to Haleakalā such as Friends of Haleakalā, Kila Kila `O Haleakalā and Kākoʻo O Haleakalā. The assurances I’ve received indicate that they fully intend to address the impacts of the oil spill, and we will be closely monitoring and expecting regular status reports,” said Mayor Richard Bissen, Jr.

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