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Date: Fri,  8 Jun 1990 01:30:38 -0400 (EDT)
Subject: SPACE Digest V11 #504

SPACE Digest                                     Volume 11 : Issue 504

Today's Topics:
		    HAWAII/ROCKET very long - 61k

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Date: 5 Jun 90 17:35:00 GMT
From: usc!zaphod.mps.ohio-state.edu!uwm.edu!bionet!arisia!cdp!jhanson@ucsd.edu
Subject: HAWAII/ROCKET very long - 61k


Governor Waihee and the State of Hawaii are proposing to construct
a so-called commercial Rocket Launch Facility at the southern end
of the Big Island of Hawaii.  An Environmental Impact Statement is
due to be completed in the latter part of 1990.  This facility
would have staggering impacts on the Big Island environment and
Big Island way of life.

SOLID ROCKET MOTOR EXHAUST HAZARDS

The State plans to use three different rockets at the proposed
rocket launch facility: the Atlas, Delta and Scout.  The Scout
rocket is the smallest of the three and utilizes only solid rocket
motors (SRM).  The Delta is a liquid-fueled rocket, however, nine
"strap on" SRMs are attached to the first stage for additional
boost.  The Atlas rocket is the largest  of the three
(Atlas-I/Centaur is 140 feet long) and is a liquid-fueled rocket.
A model of the Atlas that utilizes SRMs (the Atlas-IIAS), will be
available in 1992.  SRMs release large amounts of both aluminum
(about 18% by weight) and hydrogen chloride (about 15%) into the
atmosphere.  Hydrogen chloride combines with water to form
hydrochloric acid.  One of the rockets, the Delta, releases
approximately 10 tons of aluminum (as 20 tons of aluminum oxide)
and about 10 tons of hydrogen chloride and chloride-containing
compounds into the environment during each launch.  Larger SRMs
produce larger amounts of toxic materials.  For example, the SRMs
on the Space Shuttle produce approximately 150 tons of aluminum
(as 300 tons of aluminum oxide) and approximately an equal amount
of hydrogen chloride and chloride-containing compounds.

ALUMINUM

A recent study, reported in the British medical journal "LANCET",
Jan. 14, 1989, found a direct relationship between aluminum in the
water supply and Alzheimer's disease.  The report concludes "The
results of the present survey provide evidence of a causal
relation between aluminum and Alzheimer's disease."  In other
words, the more aluminum that was present in the drinking water,
the more cases of Alzheimer's disease that occurred.

This does not mean that aluminum by itself causes Alzheimer's
disease.  What this does mean is that aluminum is one of the key
factors in the development of Alzheimer's disease.  It may be a
combination of four or five things that cause the disease, but if
there is less aluminum in the drinking water, there are fewer
cases of Alzheimer's disease.

Although some researchers have strongly criticized the way the
"LANCET" study was conducted, according to the March 1990 issue of
"VEGETARIAN TIMES", Michael A. Weiner Ph.D., head of the
Alzheimer's Research Institute in Tiburon, Calif., said "It's a
neurotoxin that has been linked to several other diseases, even if
it hasn't been conclusively linked to Alzheimer's.  I don't think
that aluminum has any place in our food and water supply."

"The release of micro-particulate aluminum oxides into our
atmosphere is potentially dangerous.  Research increasingly
implicates lifetime accumulation of ingested or inhaled aluminum
as a component cause of Alzheimer's disease.  I would consign
aluminum fuel to the surface of the moon and forbid earth use,"
Albert Sattin, M.D. associate professor of psychiatry and
neurobiology, Richard L. Roudebush V.A. and Indiana University
Medical Centers, said in a recent issue of "POPULAR SCIENCE"
magazine.

Aluminum has been used for many years in paints, coatings, foil,
toothpaste, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and other products.
Aluminum also occurs naturally in the earth's crust in a
concentration of about 8%.  However, larger amounts of aluminum
are associated with volcanic areas.  Some soils in Hawaii contain
as much as 31.7% aluminum.

The hazards of excessive aluminum in the environment and its
deleterious effect on our health have been studied extensively by
scientists in the last ten years.  The studies of most concern are
the problems of excessive aluminum in the food and water, and the
dangers of inhaling airborne aluminum.

First, how does aluminum gets into the water supply?  Initially,
aluminum in the soil is in a relatively inactive form.  It remains
harmless until acid rain leaches aluminum, along with other toxic
metals (lead, etc.), out of the soil.  In nature, acid rain occurs
when sulphur dioxide from a volcano combines with water to form
sulfuric acid.

Food and water contamination are not the only problems.
Scientists at the Mount Sinai Medical Center have shown in animal
experiments that the metal can enter the central nervous system
through the nose and destroy cells in the brain (UPI, May
1, 1987).  Though further studies need to be done, airborne
aluminum from rocket exhaust may represent a significant health
risk.

Certainly, the many Big Island residents depending upon rain
catchment are particularly sensitive to atmospheric pollution from
rocket launch activities.  In order to provide an adequate
Environmental Impact Statement, the State needs to examine the
impacts the added burden of rocket launch pollution will have on
drinking water supplies.

ROCKET ACID AND PLANTS

Former admiral Hayward stated on Dec. 18, 1989, that the volcano
releases more acid than the rockets, therefore acid would not be a
problem.  The volcano does exceed the proposed rocket acid in
total volume, but in a different form.  The volcano releases
sulfuric acid, whereas SRMs produce a much more concentrated
hydrochloric acid.

A government report titled "ECOLOGICAL EFFECTS AND ENVIRONMENTAL
FATE OF SOLID ROCKET EXHAUST", Oct. 15, 1974, states: "The basic
hypothesis common to the experiments described here is simply that
exposure to SRM exhaust will reduce the rate of growth." The
results of the experiments indicate a wide range of damage
responses depending upon the type of plant and the concentration
of hydrogen chloride.

Another government report titled "EFFECT OF DESIGNATED POLLUTANTS
ON PLANTS", Nov. 1977, found that a single short exposure to
moderate levels of HCl (hydrogen chloride) gas resulted in a
significant loss in final yield if exposure occurred when the
plant was a certain age.

We were not able to find any data on exposure of macadamia nut
trees or coffee plants to SRM exhaust.  Also, it is not clear how
SRM exhaust contamination of grasses in the Ka'u area will affect
our milk supply.  These important studies need to be undertaken by
the State in order to provide an adequate Environmental Impact
Statement.

ROCKET ACID AND ALUMINUM EFFECTS ON ANIMALS

The previously mentioned report, "ECOLOGICAL EFFECTS AND
ENVIRONMENTAL FATE OF SOLID ROCKET EXHAUST", describes egg
hatchability studies on cattle egrets and domestic chickens.  The
studies described depressed hatchability from exposure to hydrogen
chloride.  In the domestic chicken studies: "The data reported
suggests that the lethal factors of the exhaust cloud are
cumulative since hatchability is reduced both with higher
concentration and with repeated exposure."

This report also cites SRM exhaust toxicity studies on mice
stating: "In all instances, exposure to the exhaust caused signs
of respiratory distress and dyspnea in the mice." Furthermore,
"HCl (hydrogen chloride) is a respiratory irritant in the aqueous
or acid form.  Constriction of the bronchioles after exposure to
low levels of the acid is not an uncommon finding.  Coupled with
the added effects of the particulate AL2O3 (aluminum oxide), the
effects of HCl become more dramatic."  The study concludes: "The
presence of the particulate AL2O3 appears to act synergistically
with HCl in causing acute toxicity to cotton mice."  The study
indicates that the combination of AL2O3 and HCl is ten times more
toxic than HCl alone.

We were not able to find studies concerning the chronic effects of
SRM exhaust.  The State needs to conduct these important studies
on the fauna specific to the Ka'u area in order to provide a
complete Environmental Impact Statement.

PERSISTENCE OF POLLUTION IN WEST HAWAII

A government report titled "HAWAII MESOSCALE ENERGY AND CLIMATE
PROJECT", Nov. 1980, clearly shows how our Kona wind patterns are
presently carrying volcano effluents to West Hawaii.  Therefore,
it is reasonable to expect rocket effluents also will be similarly
transported.

Former admiral Hayward stated on Dec. 18, 1989, that the aluminum
oxide released from the rockets would rapidly fall to earth,
therefore aluminum would not be a problem.  According to a
government report, "ENVIRONMENTAL STUDY OF TOXIC EXHAUSTS", Feb.
1976, 99% of a rocket exhaust aluminum oxide sample consisted of
very fine particles of the submicron sizes (aluminum oxide smoke).
Furthermore, the report describes hydrogen chloride adsorption
experiments showing the aluminum oxide particles were 73% covered
with hydrogen chloride molecules.  The fact that the aluminum
oxide smoke is coated with hydrogen chloride explains why it
"...wipes the paint off structures", according to NASA
Environmental Compliance Officer Lewis Andrews (West Hawaii Today,
April 9, 1987).

According to Jim Morrow of the American Lung Association,
submicron airborne particles are so small that they do not settle
to the ground the way larger particles will.  Particles of this
very small size can only (with minor exceptions such as inhalation
and conglomeration) be removed by rain washing them out of the
atmosphere.  Therefore, one could conclude that there would be a
buildup of aluminum oxide smoke (73% covered with hydrogen
chloride) on the west side of the Big Island until rain cleansed
the atmosphere.

In view of studies of mice showing the synergistically deleterious
effects of hydrogen chloride and aluminum oxide, the State needs
to study the chronic impacts of this pollutant on our already poor
air quality.  This is particularly important for residents with
cardiac and respiratory problems.  For example, what will the
effects be on residents in nursing homes?
 Could the additional pollutants increase "general anesthesia"
mortality rates or slow recovery from surgery?

EXCESSIVE HYDROGEN CHLORIDE

A government document titled "PROGRAMMATIC ENVIRONMENTAL
ASSESSMENT OF COMMERCIAL EXPENDABLE LAUNCH VEHICLE PROGRAMS",
Feb. 1986, shows that on-pad catastrophes of both the Scout and
Delta rockets can cause peak aluminum oxide concentrations of 1
mg/m3 as far as 6.2 miles from the launch pad.  My calculations
show that this is approximately equivalent to 7 ppm.  If these
aluminum oxide particles are 73% covered with hydrogen chloride,
then 73% x 7 ppm equals approximately 5 ppm hydrogen chloride.

In the event of an on-pad catastrophe, and if our assumptions are
correct, the 10 minute hydrogen chloride exposure limit of 4 ppm
for bystanders will be exceeded 6.2 miles from the launch pad.
The town of Na'alehu is less than three miles from the nearest
proposed launch pad at Kahilipali Point.  The town of Pahala is
about three miles from nearest proposed launch pad at Palima
Point.

RAINING ACID

A government report titled "STS-5 (SPACE TRANSPORT SYSTEM-5) FISH
KILL, KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLORIDA", Jan. 1983, studied fish
kills that were observed following Space Transport System (STS)
launches. The USAF Occupational and Environmental Health
Laboratory was requested to conduct an on-site investigation of
any possible fish kill associated with STS-5 on 11 November 1982.
Due to the acuteness of the fish kills and close association with
time of launch, STS exhaust products, such as HCl and/or aluminum
oxide were suspected as the cause.  Other potential causes
considered included diseases, parasites, mechanical interference
with respiration, insufficient oxygen, trauma, temperature and pH
changes and exposure to other toxic substances.  The conclusion
was that the fish died from ionic imbalances and fatal anoxia
resulting from severe gill damage caused by a rapid decrease in
the water pH.

The previously mentioned government document titled
"PROGRAMMATIC ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT OF COMMERCIAL EXPENDABLE
LAUNCH VEHICLE PROGRAMS" states: "Modeling of acidic rain
potential from the Titan III ground cloud has resulted in
conclusions that rain acidities of pH less than 1.0 are possible
at distances of up to 12.4 miles from the launch site under
certain meteorological conditions."  (If you read that the same
way we did, you are not chemists either.)  We showed this to a
fellow who has a Ph.D. in chemistry and he said, "That is not acid
rain, that is raining acid."  According to a spokesman from Exide
Battery Company, acid rain with a pH of 1.0 is about the same as
typical battery acid.  (Lemon juice with a pH of about
2.0, is about 10 times less acidic.)

The previously identified government document has a chart that
shows acid rain with a pH of less than 3.0 is possible up to 124
miles from the launch site.  These calculations were based upon a
standard Titan III ground cloud.  The State is not planning to use
the Titan III, however, I do not have these particular
calculations on the Scout or Delta.  It is possible that either
one may be as bad in the event of an on-pad catastrophe.

The State needs to analyze the adverse effects of rain with a pH
of less than 3.0 on flora, fauna and property.  For example, what
happens to various kinds of paint, clothing, marine mammals, sea
turtles, birds, tourists and pets?  If a baby was left unattended
and subsequently sprinkled with raining acid, how serious would
that be?  What effects will fish kills have on our fishing
industry?

MAJOR EXHAUST PRODUCTS

The following is a list of the major rocket launch exhaust
products along with associated health risks:

ALUMINUM OXIDE is an eye and mucous membrane irritant.  Prolonged
exposure may effect the lungs.  Persons with chronic respiratory
disease may be at increased risk from exposure.  High levels of
aluminum in the brain have been associated with senility and
Alzheimer's disease (HAZARDLINE).

CARBON MONOXIDE is a chemical asphyxiant.  No adverse effects are
observed at concentrations of 100-200 ppm over 8 hours.  At
400-500 ppm for one hour, headache and dyspnea may occur.  If
activity is increased, symptoms will include nausea, irritability,
increased respiration, tinnitus, sweating, chest pain, confusion,
impaired judgement, dizziness, weakness, drowsiness, cyanosis and
pallor.  Concentrations in excess of 1000 ppm will cause collapse,
unconsciousness, respiratory failure, and death if exposure lasts
over an hour.  Following recovery, there may be neurologic
disturbances, with hyperactivity, psychotic behavior, visual
disturbances and convulsions.  At a level of 12,800 PPM, immediate
unconsciousness and death will occur in 1-3 minutes.  Symptoms are
myonecrosis, neuropathy, thrombocytopenic purpura, retrobulbar
neuritis, and neuroretinal edema.  Repeated anoxia can lead to
central nervous system damage, with loss of sensation in the
fingers, amnesia and mental deterioration.  Damage may also occur
to the lungs, liver, kidneys, spleen and other organs.  Chronic
cardiovascular disease increases the damage by carbon monoxide.
Carbon monoxide has no warning signs.  The threshold limit value
was set to prevent systemic intoxication.  The NIOSH values are
recommended to prevent acute poisoning, myocardial changes, and
adverse behavioral effects (HAZARDLINE).

CHLORINE is a severe pulmonary irritant and skin irritant.  Acute
exposure effects both the upper and lower respiratory tract.
Symptoms of exposure are severe eye, nose, and oral irritation,
with lacrimation, cyanosis, rhinorrhea, choking and substernal
pain.  Other symptoms may be nausea, vomiting, headache, dizziness
and unconsciousness.  Tracheobronchitis may progress to pulmonary
edema and pneumonitis.  Chronic exposure may irritate the skin and
erode the teeth.  Direct contact causes serious eye and skin
burns.  The distinctive odor of chlorine is a good warning sign.
Although it can be detected below the permissible exposure limit,
olfactory fatigue can occur.  The threshold limit value was set to
minimize chronic lung changes and dental erosion.  Chlorine is
mutagenic (causes genetic mutations) (HAZARDLINE).

HYDROGEN CHLORIDE is a severe pulmonary and skin irritant.  Acute
exposure causes irritation of the throat, with coughing and
choking.  Intense exposure produces delayed pulmonary edema.
 Direct contact produces serious corneal and skin burns.  Chronic
contact may cause nasal ulceration, dental erosion and dermatitis.
Hydrogen chloride is mutagenic (HAZARDLINE).

NITRIC OXIDE exposure causes fatigue and gastrointestinal upset.
 Acute exposure also effects the nervous system, with symptoms of
headache, loss of appetite, cyanosis, drowsiness, unconsciousness
and death.  The odor of nitric oxide is detectable well below the
permissible exposure limit, and is rated as a good warning sign
(HAZARDLINE).

The State needs to compute worst-case scenarios to determine peak
exposures for these dangerous chemicals.  Studies need to be done
on the impacts of long-term exposures.

MAJOR FLUIDS AND GASES USED FOR LAUNCHING

The potentially hazardous fluids used in the Atlas and Delta
rockets are liquid oxygen (LO2), liquid nitrogen (LN2), liquid
hydrogen (LH2), Aerozine-50 (an equal blend of dimethylhydrazine
and hydrazine), nitrogen tetroxide (N2O4) and RP-1 (a highly
refined kerosene).

If large quantities were spilled, either liquid oxygen or liquid
nitrogen could cause local damage because of the intense cold,
-297 and -320 degrees Fahrenheit, respectively.  If liquid oxygen
is mixed with finely divided combustible material (dust), it forms
explosive mixtures.  The evaporation of gaseous oxygen from liquid
oxygen will also intensify any pre-existing fire.  The evaporation
of gaseous nitrogen from a liquid nitrogen spill is inert, but in
high concentrations, it is an asphyxiant.

DIMETHYLHYDRAZINE (UDMH) is corrosive to the eyes, skin and
respiratory system.  It is readily absorbed through the skin,
lungs and gastrointestinal system, causing choking, angina,
dyspnea, lethargy, nausea, anoxia and convulsions.  Liver and
kidney damage may occur.  Chronic exposure may cause hemolytic
anemia and convulsions.  Dimethylhydrazine is carcinogenic (causes
cancer) in mice following oral administration.  Eighty-one percent
of mice subcutaneously injected with dimethylhydrazine developed
colon cancer and 76% developed squamous cell carcinoma
(HAZARDLINE).

HYDRAZINE is an eye and mucous membrane irritant, severe skin
irritant and convulsant.  Acute poisoning by all routes causes
irritation, dizziness, nausea and convulsions.  Hemolysis,
bronchitis and pulmonary edema may occur.  Direct contact results
in serious corneal and skin burns.  There is sufficient evidence
of carcinogenicity in experimental animals.  Administered orally,
mainly as hydrazine sulfate,  a high incidence of multiple
pulmonary adenomas and adenocarcinomas, hepatomas and
hepatocarcinomas of several strains were produced in mice.
Low-level exposure to hydrazine caused lung tumors in a small
number of mice.  Intraperitoneal injection of hydrazine in saline
to several strains of mice produced sarcomas of the mediastinum,
leukemias and lung tumors.  Administration of the sulfate to rats
caused lung adenomas and adenocarcinomas, liver adenocarcinomas
and mammary fibroadenomas (HAZARDLINE).

NITROGEN DIOXIDE (nitrogen tetroxide) is a severe pulmonary
irritant.  Acute exposure to nitrogen dioxide causes progressive
weakness, coughing, dyspnea, asthma, cyanosis and fever several
hours or even a few days following one or repeated exposures to
50-300 ppm.  Exposure to concentrations above 300 ppm leads to
pulmonary edema, bronchitis, and  pneumonitis.  The nervous system
may be effected, with signs of headache, dizziness, weakness,
ataxia, delirium, unconsciousness and convulsions.  If the
circulatory system is involved, symptoms are rapid pulse,
hypotension, cardiac arrhythmias and tachycardia.  Pure nitrogen
dioxide produces methemoglobinemia.  Eye contact with nitrogen
dioxide may produce conjunctivitis, edema of the eyelids and
corneal ulceration.  Skin contact may cause yellowish
discoloration.  Symptoms arising from chronic exposure are
insomnia, headache, nasal and oral ulcerations, anorexia,
indigestion, dental erosion, weakness, bronchitis and emphysema.
 Nitrogen dioxide is teratogenic (causes birth defects), mutagenic
(causes genetic mutations), and tumorigenic (causes tumors)
(HAZARDLINE).

The Atlas-I/Centaur requires a monthly supply of the following
fluids and gases regardless of launch schedules: 235,031 m3 (1
cubic meter = 35.314 cubic feet) of gaseous nitrogen, 16,990 m3 of
gaseous helium, 4,436 kg (1 kilogram = 2.2046 pounds) of liquid
hydrogen, 14 metric tons (1 metric ton = 2,204.6 pounds) of liquid
nitrogen, 45 metric tons of liquid oxygen and 408 kg (kilogram =
2.2046 pounds) of hydrogen peroxide.  Each launch requires an
additional 566,340 m3 of gaseous nitrogen, 33,980 m3 of gaseous
helium, 7,257 kg of liquid hydrogen, 82 metric tons of liquid
nitrogen, 272 metric tons of liquid oxygen, and 57 kl (1 kiloliter
= 264.18 gallons) of RP-1 (ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT FOR THE
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER or EISKSC).

The Delta requires a monthly minimum of the following: 1,416 m3 of
gaseous nitrogen, 1,416 m3 of gaseous helium, 45 metric tons of
liquid nitrogen and 18 metric tons of liquid oxygen.  Each launch
requires: 1,814 kg of Aerozine-50,  2,858 kg of nitrogen
tetroxide, 2,832 m3 of gaseous nitrogen, 4,248 m3 of gaseous
helium, 73 metric tons of liquid nitrogen, 91 metric tons of
liquid oxygen, and 32 kl of RP-1 (EISKSC).

Kennedy Space Center releases 0.65 metric tons of ammonia, UDMH,
MMH, and hydrazine each year through venting and evaporation
alone.  Additionally, thousands of tons of other material are
released into the atmosphere each year (EISKSC).

HOW LETHAL IS NITROGEN TETROXIDE?

The following information concerning nitrogen tetroxide was
published by the International Fire Service Training Association,
an affiliation of Oklahoma State University.

Doctor Fred Miller of the Environmental Policy Institute has said,
and other experts agree, that nitrogen tetroxide is as toxic as
methyl isocyanate.  Methyl isocyanate is the chemical that escaped
from the Union Carbide plant in Bhopal, India in Dec., 1984.
According to the Indian government, 2,500 people were killed and
100,000 injured.  A lethal concentration of this gas lingered in
the city throughout the night and into the next day.  It has been
estimated that approximately 8,000 people have died or will die as
a result of inhaling unacceptable concentrations of methyl
isocyanate during this incident.

NITROGEN TETROXIDE - A DELAYED KILLER

If nitrogen tetroxide (N2O4) is accidentally released into the
environment, the vapors, which are heavier than air, will form a
nitric acid mist in the immediate spill area.  As it moves
downwind and  downhill, it dissociates to nitrogen dioxide (NO2),
which has an OSHA TLV (threshold limit value) of 5 ppm.  Very
short exposures to vapor concentrations above 200 ppm may cause
death despite medical treatment.  (As a point of comparison, 200
ppm is about the same as releasing the volume of a party balloon
into a three-bedroom house).

Nitrogen tetroxide can be inhaled in lethal concentrations with
very little warning or serious irritation. It is very corrosive to
the upper respiratory system.  Exposure can occur with no
indication or obvious need for medical attention.  Breathing even
a small amount of the gas can cause death in as little as four to
six hours.  However, death can also occur after four to six days.
Death is usually due to pulmonary edema (chemical pneumonia) or
associated complications.

ON-SITE INCINERATION OF HAZARDOUS WASTES

The facility will probably include diesel fuel-fired incinerators
for certain chemical wastes.  Kennedy Space Center presently
incinerates about 2,600 kl of material contaminated with
hypergolic (UDMH, MMH, and hydrazine) fuels annually
(EISKSC).

Recently, the incineration of hazardous wastes has been the
subject of much criticism by environmental groups.  The major
problem is the "products of incomplete combustion" (PIC).  Among
the more notoriously toxic PICs that were identified in a study by
the EPA of eight hazardous waste incinerators, were benzine,
chloroform, tetrachloroethylene and naphthalene, as well as
formaldehyde, phosgene, dioxins and furans, and these were only a
fraction of the chemicals that are actually present in stack
gases.  Another EPA study questions "...whether the 90-99 percent
of the hydrocarbons which have not been identified could result in
a significant risk to human health."

Additionally, thousands of tons of hazardous waste generated each
year at Kennedy Space Center are shipped to off-site contractors
for disposal (EISKSC).

State Health Director John Lewin recently went on record against a
toxic waste incinerator proposed for Oahu.  He reportedly said
that he wants no part of a toxic waste incinerator because of
"nightmarish" reports of health-related problems on the mainland.

The State's Environmental Impact Statement must address these
important aspects of waste disposal.  If the operators of the
proposed facility intend to incinerate hazardous waste, this
clearly constitutes yet another magnitude of risk for the
residents of the Big Island.  If there are no plans to operate an
incinerator, what are the alternatives?  Where will the hazardous
waste be shipped?

Most importantly, the State's Environmental Impact Statement must
study the impacts of habitually exposing residents to teratogenic,
mutagenic, and tumorigenic chemicals.

FUEL AND PAYLOAD TRANSPORT

Additional problems associated with launching satellites include
transport of vast quantities of toxic and/or carcinogenic fuels
such as liquid hydrogen, nitrogen tetroxide and hydrazine.  Of
greater concern are the very deadly payloads such as plutonium and
beryllium.  It is expected that most of this deadly material will
be transported through Hilo.  If an accident occurs while
transporting or handling these materials, it could kill or injure
a large number of residents or tourists.

Class A poisons, such as nitrogen tetroxide, phosgene, cyanide and
arsine, usually must be transported in special containers weighing
up to one ton each.  The Department of Transportation, in
accordance with a risk assessment provided by the Department of
Defense, has authorized an exemption to this regulation.  This
exemption allows nitrogen tetroxide to be transported by tank
trucks in 3,000- to 4,000-gallon loads.  Damage to a tank trailer
in a shipment of this size can mean total release and a very long
downwind vapor cloud.  A release involving 3,000 gallons of
nitrogen tetroxide could create lethal concentrations of these
heavier-than-air toxic gases as far as two miles upwind and 12
miles downwind (International Fire Service Training Association).

"If, during the transportation of a module to or from the HMF
(Hypergol Maintenance Facility), an accident occurred causing
rupture of one or both tanks containing fuel and oxidizer, release
of toxic fumes and fire could take place in an open-air,
uncontrolled environment.  Fire, rescue and safety personnel
accompanying the convoy would take immediate action to flood the
area with water and to obtain real-time predictions of downwind
concentrations and transport direction of the pollutants.
Personnel within the predicted hazardous zones would be evacuated
until a sweep of the area, using detectors for hazardous
substances, confirmed acceptable levels have been reached.  Such
an event could cause damage or death to local flora and fauna
within the path of the resultant cloud, depending on its
concentration and the speed of its passage."
(EISKSC).

If there is an accident involving plutonium, it may take 50,000
years before humans would be allowed to move back!

California cities are fighting against the transportation of toxic
rocket fuels through their communities ("TOXIC MATERIALS
TRANSPORT", Dec. 15, 1987).  Vandenberg Air Force Base gets about
50 shipments of rocket fuel each year (about one per week) and
local officials were concerned because notification was not always
given, and that accurate assessments of risk had not been done.
At least, California HAS alternate routes it can use.  On the Big
Island, there are NO alternate routes.

Residents unacquainted with the rocket launching process will have
difficulty visualizing the enormous amounts of materials that are
required to launch a rocket.  The State's Environmental Impact
Statement must address issues such as how many truckloads of
chemicals are required to launch each rocket.  Will residents
living within 12 miles of the roadway have to be evacuated during
a nitrogen tetroxide shipment?  How many times will the roads,
airports, and harbors have to be closed in order to transport
hazardous materials?

HUMAN EVICTION

At the Dec. 1, 1989 public meeting in Na'alehu concerning the
proposed Rocket Launch Facility at Kahilipali Point, one of the
major issues was that so many residents will be forced to leave
their homes during a launch.  Using 35 launches per year and two
days eviction for each one, it was originally estimated that
eviction could amount to a total of 70 days per year.  However, a
Titan III launch originally scheduled from Cape Canaveral on Dec.
7, 1989 was postponed nine times for a total of 21 days!
Therefore, it would appear 70 days would be the minimum estimate
and no reliable maximum estimate can be made as to how long
residents would be evicted from their homes each year.

In response to those concerns, former admiral Hayward stated that
he was going to move the population control zone closer to the
launch pads.  He stated that he was "...placing the burden on the
rockets instead of the residents".  The good news was, the police
would be forcing fewer residents to leave their homes during a
launch (although who would choose to stay that close even if they
could).  The bad news was, rockets would be allowed less deviation
from their programmed course before being blown up.

The State must first determine a realistic population control
zone, then admit that all those who live within that zone will
have to leave their homes permanently.  The population control
zone must allow for reasonable changes in safety standards.  For
example, if hydrogen chloride is acceptable at four ppm today and
five years from now scientists discover two ppm is the maximum
allowed for safe health, then the State must use its best efforts
to foresee this eventuality.  In order to accurately assess the
risks, the State must also examine classified military documents
to see what types of deadly material would be launched here.
Finally, the growth of the facility must be taken into account.
If an honest evaluation were done, it would probably conclude that
it would be necessary to relocate the towns of Na'alehu, Pahala
and all those who live nearby.

ROCKET RELIABILITY AND FREE-FLYING SRMs

A Federal Government publication entitled "REDUCING LAUNCH
OPERATING COSTS", Sept. 1988,  states that the minimum reliability
for the Delta rocket is 90%, for the Atlas rocket, it is 81%.
This means if the operators of the facility have bad luck, one out
every ten Delta rockets and one out of every five Atlas rockets
will explode.  This number of failures is considered acceptable to
those who launch rockets.

These official estimates are based on a normal population control
zone and do not account for any additional burdens on the rockets
due to bystanders being so close during a launch.  Therefore, one
might assume that a higher-than-average number of explosions could
be expected at Kahilipali Point.  If a smaller than average
population control zone is actually used, the State will have to
compute new figures for rocket reliability.

A recently completed Air Force study concludes that in the case of
launch vehicle breakup, solid rocket boosters may detach
themselves and fly a considerable distance on their own.  This may
pose a significant safety hazard to residents living within 2.5
miles of the launch pads.  The EIS must carefully study this
hazard for the Atlas-IIAS and Delta rockets.

The State must also examine all aspects of insurance coverage,
particularly with a smaller-than-normal population control zone.

MILITARY AND ECONOMICS

How can a commercial launch facility with a higher-than-average
number of explosions be economically viable?  The August 1987
A.D. Little report concerning projected satellite launches and
present world-wide launch capacity concludes commercial launch
demand based on the most optimistic scenario is about 50% of
present world-wide launch capacity.  Adding 15 launches per year
for NASA and the Department of Defense, it is still only about 75%
of present launch capacity.  Why build a new rocket launch
facility?  What is wrong with this picture?  STAR WARS!  This is
what John Pike of the Federation of American Scientists in
Washington, D.C. says: "Presently, there is not enough commercial
business to fully utilize existing launch facilities.
 Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI) or Star Wars is the only
reason to build the proposed Rocket Launch Facility in Hawaii.
SDI is presently the only game in town."  This explains why former
admiral Hayward appears to be having difficulty delivering a list
of commercial customers.  However, there will be plenty of
military business, including military payloads from foreign
governments.  For example, the Dec. 31, 1989 launch from Cape
Canaveral included payloads from the British Defense Ministry.

The State's Environmental Impact Statement must address exactly
who will be launching here and what they will be launching.

JAPANESE INVOLVEMENT

According to an article that appeared in the Asahi News Service,
July 21, 1989, Governor Waihee is actively courting Japanese
partners in his rocket launching venture.  Interested parties are
thought to include Shimizu Construction, Taisei Engineering,
Ohbayashi Construction and possibly NEC (private correspondence).
According to the article, a Japanese spokesman said U.S. defense
contractors, such as General Dynamics, McDonnell Douglas and
Martin Marietta, would likely put up the estimated $500,000,000
needed for construction.

With Star Wars money paying the lion's share of the cost of the
facility, the Japanese could use Hawaii at bargain prices.  Other
than bargain prices, one of the reasons that Japan might want to
launch here is that their own principal launch facility is limited
to two launches per year to protect their fishing industry from
harm (A.D. Little, 1987).

According to an article that appeared in the Honolulu
Star-Bulletin on Dec. 12, 1989, Japan is importing up to 45 tons
of plutonium.  It seems likely that much of this plutonium will
find its way into their space program.  Since they have first-hand
experience in radiation cancers and deaths, it is NOT likely that
they will launch rockets containing plutonium from their own
country.  Governor Waihee killed legislation that would have
prohibited launching nuclear and military payloads from Hawaii,
thus giving tacit approval to Japanese using the
Big Island as a dumping ground to protect their own environment.

The State's Environmental Impact Statement must examine exactly
what damage occurs to the Japanese fishing industry when Japan
launches rockets.  If Japan intends to launch plutonium payloads
here, we need to address that issue in the Environmental Impact
Statement.  One possible way for the State to mitigate the
plutonium issue would be to require that whoever launches
plutonium set up a trust fund.  The trust fund would be used to
pay the costs of cancer treatment.  Additionally, if the victims
are breadwinners, the trust fund could support their survivors.

DANGERS TO TOURISM AND JAPANESE INVESTMENT

If Governor Waihee's proposed Rocket Launch Facility becomes a
reality, many residents will be forced to leave their homes either
because they are too close to the launch site, they are no longer
able to make a living in Ka'u due to increases in the cost of
living or other economic dislocations, they can no longer breathe
due to degradation in air quality or they simply do not want to
live in the shadow of Star Wars and the military.

Forcing residents out of their homes, for any reason, certainly
will generate a lot of RAGE.  If the Japanese take the Governor up
on his offer and use the Big Island as a dumping ground to protect
their own environment, it is likely we would see a
nationalistic-backlash-rage against Japanese-owned business here
on the Big Island.  I have personally heard a lot of evidence to
support this in both Ka'u and Kona, and have already seen some of
it in action.  Exactly what form this rage would take as the
prospect of the proposed Rocket Launch Facility comes nearer, one
can only speculate.  Needless to say, if a Japanese tourist were
killed or injured, it would be very bad for tourist businesses and
Japanese tourist-related investment in Hawaii.

It is fair to assume that once we begin launching military
payloads, we will be targeted by Soviet nuclear Intercontinental
Ballistic Missiles and even more anger will result.

The State's Environmental Impact Statement must examine the
potentially disastrous impacts that anti-Japanese riots would have
on our economy.  Perhaps even greater issues of international
trade and world peace should also be addressed.

PLUTONIUM 238 AND OTHER IONIZING RADIATION

"Materials and machinery which produce radiated energy of high
enough potential to ionize air (33 electron-volts and up) are
termed ionizing radiation sources.  They present the greatest
potential radiation hazard to the environment because of their
ability to cause physiological damage to living organisms and, for
radioactive materials, the potential for long-term contamination
to irradiated zones.  Major sources of ionizing radiation include:
Californium 252, Iridium 192, Cobalt 60, Plutonium 238, and
numerous machine sources." (EISKSC).

Radioactive materials will be launched in both military and
civilian satellites.  A space-related newsletter entitled
"SPACELINE", dated Sept. 1989,  states that radioisotope
thermoelectric generators (RTGs) are quite common in the U.S.
space program.  RTGs are used in satellites to provide power for
instruments and experiments.  The recent Galileo satellite carried
more than 40 pounds of plutonium 238, one of the most toxic
substances known.  The U.S. has launched more than 30 RTGs with a
significant failure rate of 10-15%.

Additionally, many of the space-based weapons systems and sensors
envisioned by SDI and Governor Waihee would require orbiting
nuclear power plants presently under development by the SP 100
Space Reactor Program.  An accident that dusted the Big Island
with plutonium would be devastating.  Plutonium remains deadly for
thousands of years.

Just how bad could it be if 40 pounds of plutonium landed on Hilo?
Here is some data supplied by the Rocky Mountain Institute. 25
milligrams of plutonium would be enough for about 2,000
cancer-causing doses if it were uniformly distributed into lungs.
Therefore, 40 pounds of plutonium would be enough to give cancer
to about 1,449,600,000 people.

Of course, the plutonium would not be uniformly distributed into
lungs.  Nevertheless, it gives readers a sense of just how bad
things could be if there were an accident either while flying
plutonium into Hilo or moving plutonium from Hilo to the launch
site.  Certainly, if we were unlucky enough to have an
experimental Space Reactor aboard one of the rockets that will
explode, (statistically one out every ten Delta rockets and one
out of every five Atlas rockets) it would be a disaster of the
first magnitude.

Other radioactive wastes produced during routine operation of the
proposed rocket launch facility will be collected in barrels and
shipped off-site to a federal repository (EISKSC).

The State's Environmental Impact Report must study the hazards
associated with plutonium.  What would be the impacts if plutonium
were scattered on the Big Island?  How many residents would be
killed outright?  How many of the various types of cancers could
we expect over the years from various amounts of exposure?  How
many birth defects?  Launching rockets to the east could endanger
South America, to the south, Tahiti.  What would be the risks to
South America or Tahiti if a rocket launch failure contaminated
either of them with plutonium?  Who would pay the damages?  What
are the dangers in shipping radioactive wastes off-site?

PREVIOUS MILITARY ADVENTURES IN THE MARSHALL ISLANDS

An article in the Honolulu Star-Bulletin, on Jan. 14, 1990,
described some of the effects military activities have had on the
Marshall Islands.

"From 1946 until 1958, the United States detonated 66 atomic bombs
at Bikini and Eniwetok atoll.  Hundreds of islanders suffered
severe burns, hair loss and vomiting.  On Rongelap, which was
covered by snowy clouds of radioactive coral dust after the
15-megaton 'Bravo' hydrogen bomb blast on Bikini in 1954, doctors
found 96 percent of children under 10 suffered thyroid
abnormalities.  Most required surgery.

"But a recent government study showed that 91 percent of 314
Marshallese tested had radiation-induced blood disorders.  More
that half those tested in another study had chromosome damage.
Other researchers reported vastly increased of rates of genital
and thyroid cancer, leukemia and cataracts.  One report found
double the rates of stillbirths and miscarriages, including
strange, spineless fetuses.

"Almira Matayoshi, a Rongelap native, testified last August.  'One
time I gave birth to a baby without any bones.  I did not have
problems like this before the bomb.'

"'People here call them jelly babies,' explained Wayne Briscoe,
lawyer for the Nuclear Claims Tribunal.

"Plutonium-contaminated topsoil and debris was buried under an 18
inch-thick concrete dome on Runit Island in Eniwetok.  'It's
off-limits for 50,000 years,' Briscoe said.  'But the concrete
will only last 300.'"

In order for residents to properly estimate hazards associated
with military payloads, the State's Environmental Impact Statement
must determine if contamination of the Marshall Islands was just
an oversight on the part of the military or did it happen because
of NATIONAL SECURITY?

BERYLLIUM POWERED ROCKETS

Military payloads will include a new weapons system called Space
Based Interceptors (SBI).  Morton Thiokol is building a
solid-fueled first stage, which uses beryllium hydride fuel, to be
used for SBIs.  Beryllium replaces the aluminum in the fuel,
reducing fuel weight  by about 45%.  This results in a 27-inch
long rocket that uses 150 pounds of propellant.

According to an article that appeared in "MILITARY SPACE", Aug.
1, 1988, in order to test the Morton Thiokol engine in simulated
high altitude conditions, the Air Force Astronautics Laboratory
built a test chamber at Edwards AFB, California.  Because of
beryllium's high toxicity (which is several hundred times greater
than arsenic), the facility uses positive pressure, automated
controls and a massive filtration system to contain exhaust from
rocket tests.  According to an article that appeared in "SDI
MONITOR", July 25, 1988, the lab plans to test rockets with
aluminum propellants for the next two years and then begin tests
with beryllium hydride engines.

Beryllium is also used as structural material in space technology,
nuclear reactor technology and internal guidance systems.  When
beryllium is shipped in powder or flake form, it must be labeled
as poison.

Beryllium-powered motors would not intentionally be ignited in the
atmosphere.  However, if a launch accident were to cause the
beryllium to burn, breathing the smoke would be fatal.

Portions of an article that appeared in The San Francisco
Chronicle on Dec. 12, 1989, "Members of two Washington-based
scientific and environmental groups said that the use of beryllium
fuel on the scale contemplated by the military would be extremely
dangerous, given the probability of a launch failure. 'It's quite
likely that in the process of deploying space-based interceptors,
you're going to have at least one launch vehicle failure that
could result in the release of significant amounts of beryllium,'
said John E. Pike, associate director for space policy of the
American Federation of Scientists.

"'Given the probability of a launch failure, it's an unacceptable
risk.'

"Data provided by the National Aeronautics and Space
Administration show that 5 percent to 10 percent of unmanned
civilian and military launches fail."

BERYLLIUM and its compounds are severe pulmonary irritants, skin
irritants and skin sensitizers. The principal symptom of acute
exposure is dyspnea.  Chronic inhalation causes "berylliosis"
(chronic pulmonary granulomatosis).  The disease begins with
dyspnea and cough and progresses to anorexia, fatigue and
weakness.  Skin contact will result in dermatitis leading to
moderate and severe burns.  Eye contact produces conjunctivitis.
 Soluble compounds are both acutely and chronically toxic;
insoluble compounds are only chronically hazardous.  There is
limited evidence for carcinogenicity in humans and sufficient
evidence in experimental animals.  Epidemiological studies show
that occupational exposure to beryllium may lead to pulmonary
cancer.  Beryllium metal produced lung tumors in rats exposed via
inhalation or intratracheally, and osteosarcomas in rabbits
following intravenous and/or intramedullary administration.  The
OSHA standard was adopted to prevent toxic effects other than
cancer (HAZARDLINE).

The State's Environmental Impact Statement must examine what
effects accidents involving beryllium-powered rockets will have on
the residents of the Big Island.  For example, if an accident with
beryllium occurred at the Hilo Airport, how many people would die
outright, how many would experience cancer over the years?

THE ADVANCED LAUNCH SYSTEM

In addition to the State's current effort, and not officially
linked in any way, the Air Force and NASA are currently preparing
an Environmental Impact Statement to use Hawaii for the Advanced
Launch System (ALS).  ALS is funded entirely by the military.  The
purpose of ALS is to initially lift 160,000 lb., 43 by 125 foot
payloads into near-polar low earth orbit (LEO), expanding into a
lift capability of 320,000 lb., 54 by 158 foot payloads.  The
Space Shuttle, (presently our largest) can place approximately
30,000 lb. into near-polar LEO.  The exact configurations of the
ALS rockets are not known.  However, it appears the percentage of
hydrogen chloride will be reduced to 3% by weight.  If one were to
extrapolate, based upon the lift capability of the Space Shuttle
(ALS is ten times larger), one could guess that the expanded ALS
rockets might release approximately 3,000 tons of aluminum oxide
and 300 tons of hydrogen chloride from their SRMs each launch.
The military expects up to 60 ALS launches per year ("PRELIMINARY
ENVIRONMENTAL CONSTRAINTS SURVEY, U.S. AIR FORCE, SPACE
DIVISION, ADVANCED LAUNCH SYSTEM", Sept. 1988).

Specific Hawaii sites mentioned in the ALS document are Palima
Point, Kahilipali Point, South Point and an offshore launch
platform.

ALS cannot use existing launch pads and new ones will have to be
built.  If ALS pads were to be constructed at existing sites,
Vandenberg Air Force Base (California) would have to be used for
polar orbits and Cape Canaveral  (Florida) would have to be used
for equatorial orbits.  According to John Pike, the launch areas
of those two facilities are presently congested.  Furthermore,
having to use two separate locations would be much more
inconvenient.

Public opposition to ALS is already strong in California (John
Kemp).  If residents in either California or Florida are able to
block ALS in their states, the Big Island is the only
alternative!

Although an Air Force directive received Dec. 8, 1989, would scale
back the ALS program to focus on technology research rather than
system development (the scaled-back effort would be known as the
Advanced Launch Technology Program), Edward A.  Gabris, the ALS
Manager in NASA's advanced program office, said "We're certainly
committed to the program".

The State's Environmental Impact Statement must determine what
effect its so-called commercial Rocket Launch Facility may have on
placement of the Advanced Launch System and other military
activities.  If the State's facility would make it more likely for
any increased military activity on the Big Island, then that
information must be included in the State's Environmental Impact
Statement.

OTHER BIG ISLAND ADVANTAGES FOR THE MILITARY

The military wants the Big Island primarily because of its
location.  Just one set of new launch pads on the Big Island can
place ALS satellites into both polar and equatorial orbits.  The
Big Island also gives the military lots of room to expand.

A second major reason the military would want to use the Big
Island, is that the people here are relatively unsophisticated
compared to mainlanders.  There are far fewer people here than in
California or Florida.  It would be easier to operate here in
secrecy, and if there were an accident, it would be much easier to
cover up.  Finally, if worse came to worst, there are fewer people
here to die.

MILITARY TAKE-OVER OF SOUTH POINT

The following article appeared in the San Francisco Chronicle on
Jan. 19, 1990, "The Air Force says it wants to expand Vandenberg
Air Force Base by more than half to ensure that future missile
launches will not endanger the public.

"An Air Force notice informed landowners this week that the base
plans to expand by 54,000 acres from its current 98,000 acres to
restrict residential development bordering the launch facility.
The notice said owners may sell their land to the Air Force, enter
into an agreement not to develop their land or risk seizure of
their holdings by the federal government."

This stunning announcement by the Air Force lowered property
values in the area by billions of dollars.

According to the April 1990, "BULLETIN OF THE ATOMIC SCIENTISTS",
the Defense Department is now developing a detailed plan that
would facilitate the military takeover of civil and commercial
space assets in a time of crisis.

According to "SPACE NEWS", Jan. 22, 1990, U.S. Space Command,
which is developing the plan, would include provisions for
"situations well short of a national emergency."

The South Point area was considered unacceptable by the State for
eastward equatorial launches because of overflying populated
areas.  If the State forces the residents out of the adjacent
Kahilipali Point area for its own launch site, the military then
would be free to move into South Point to build their new ALS
pads.

SOCIAL ISSUES

Most of us live here because we enjoy the peaceful style of life,
the clean environment and the Hawaiian culture.  As citizens of
Hawaii, we have been promised certain rights as set forth in the
Preamble to the Hawaiian State Constitution: "We reserve the right
to control our destiny, to nurture the integrity of our people and
culture, and to preserve the quality of life that we desire."

The State is preempting individual rights and the rights of County
Government.  In what way does Star Wars and Rocket Launching
nurture the integrity of our people and culture?  Certainly, to
kick people out of their homes is not to nurture them.  To
forcefully expose people to plutonium, hydrazine, nitrogen
tetroxide, hydrogen chloride and aluminum oxide is certainly not a
form of nurturing.  It is clear that a Star Wars Rocket Launch
Facility is simply not compatible with our vision of life on the
Big Island!

The State's Environmental Impact Statement should include a survey
of residents to determine what issues are important to them.  It
is vital that the State realize and appreciate what makes the Big
Island unique and act to preserve its environment.
 The Big Island cannot be all things to all people.  Those of us
that moved here from the mainland, came here to get away from the
very things that industrialization represents.  If the State
trashes the Big Island environment, there is simply no place else
to go!

ENDANGERED SPECIES

SEA TURTLES - Sandy beaches in the vicinity of the site are
nesting areas of the threatened Green Sea Turtle (Chelonia mydas)
and the endangered Hawaiian Hawksbill Sea Turtle (Eretmochelys
imbricata).  Turtles are herbivores who graze on marine algae.
Any environmental impacts involving degradation of the near-shore
habitat and any changes in temperature and salinity could effect
the algae for these turtles.  Other impacts include nighttime
lighting, increased beach activity, sand compaction or extraction
and increased human activity.

MAMMALS - Endangered mammals include the Hawaiian Bat or
'ope'ape'a (Lasiurus cinereus semotus) and the humpback whale
(Megaptera novaengliae).  Humpback whales breed in the South Point
area of the Big Island from November to June.  They congregate in
waters of 100 fathoms or less.  They are attracted to the banks
and secluded bays along the Hawaii coast.  There is a need to be
particularly sensitive to noise impacts because the whales appear
to be frightened by noise and vibration.  Contamination of habitat
by launch pad deluge (wash-down and cooling) water has the
potential to adversely effect the humpback whales and several
other species of marine mammals that inhabit the area.

ENDANGERED BIRDS - The Hoonoua wetland is located near Kamilo
Point which is within the population control zone of the
Kahilipali Point site.  Present in this wetland are
federally-listed endangered birds, including Dark-Rumped Petrel
(Banko, 1980), Band-Rumped Storm Petrel (Harrison et all, in
press; Banko and David, in press), Hawaiian Coot or 'Alae Ke'oke'o
(Fulica americana alai), Black-necked (Hawaiian) Stilt or A'eo
(Himantopus mexicanus knudseni) and other migratory indigenous
birds.  Noise could effect endangered forest birds in the Ka'u
Forest Reserve or Hawaii Volcanoes National Park by adding stress
that could increase the mortality rate or interfere with breeding.
Bright lights may attract fledging Newell's shearwaters and cause
them to become disoriented and grounded.

VEGETATION - Tall Grasses characterize most of the area, with very
few trees present.  Small crevices, where water is often
available, support more diverse vegetation.  Federally-listed
endangered plants that may be present at the Kahilipali site
include Sesbania Tomentosa and Portulaca hawaiinensis.

Studies need to be done to see what effects rocket launch
activities in general will have on flora, fauna and coral reefs.
 The Environmental Impact Statement must also study the effects of
exhaust products and spilled fuels on individual flora (including
plankton), fauna (including tropical fish), and coral reefs.

GOVERNMENT LIES NOW COMMON

Excerpts from a column by Richard Reeves that appeared in West
Hawaii Today on Dec. 24, 1989:

"In the good old days, an honest politician was one who lied only
when he had to.  But we are past that now.  Lies are becoming the
accepted language of government at the highest levels, the theory
being that sooner or later the people of the country will become
so confused and disillusioned that they will just mind their own
business - and leave governing to well-placed liars.

"...the administration of President Bush has been doing that,
routinely deceiving the rest of us about such things as our
relations with China and the military potential of the Soviet
Union.

"How can citizens of a democracy protect themselves against such
misinformation, or 'disinformation' as we like to call it when the
Soviets lie?  The truth is that we can't.

"If our leaders and representatives do not trust us with the
truth, and we come not to trust them, then our 200-year-old
experiment in democracy will fail - or become some sort of
paternal despotism manipulated by a lying father."

Given President Bush as an example, should we be surprised when
public statements made by Governor Waihee and former admiral
Hayward just don't seem to add up?  Are we paranoid when too many
coincidences occur?

Indeed, when dealing with issues of "National Security" (as is
this facility), public lying and deception are part of the job
description.  What higher duty can one have than to safeguard the
security of the United States of America?

THE KENNEDY SPACE CENTER

The ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT FOR THE KENNEDY SPACE CENTER
was completed on March 14, 1980.  This entire 338 page document
has a mere 2 1/2 pages on "Potential Uunavoidable Adverse
Effects".  If one reads these pages, one finds no mention of
carcinogenic, teratogenic, or mutagenic fuels.  Conspicuously
absent is any reference to fish kills or launching plutonium
payloads.

There is one interesting feature of this document that gives
insight into the entire environmental impact statement process
where military projects are involved.  An addendum, added some
time after the original document was completed, states:

"Subsequent to the completion and printing of this Final
Environmental Impact Statement, NASA and the Department of Defense
identified additional STS requirements that will mandate closure
of State Road (SR) 402 (Beach Road) for longer periods that were
initially predicted (Sections 4.4, 5.7.2.3, and 7.7).  There will
be minor changes through 1984, but starting in mid-1986, it will
be necessary to close SR 402 100 percent of the time.  This may
restrict public access to Playalinda Beach and certain surrounding
wildlife viewing areas.

"Due to this change, NASA responses to the Brevard County Board of
Commissioners (P. 11-30, comment f) and the East Central Florida
Regional Planning Council (p. 11-35, comment d), which referred to
vehicle access to Playalinda beach, are no longer appropriate.
Alternatives such as the use of alternate routes are still being
evaluated, but at the present time closure of SR 402 whenever
flight hardware is emplaced on either Launch Complex 39A or Launch
Complex 39B (as was done during the Apollo era) will best serve
the national interest by affording the Space Transportation System
a more secure environment."

The State and Federal Government "require" the Rocket Launch
Facility on the Big Island.  In pursuit of their desired outcome,
the Environmental Impact Statement prepared by agencies of the
State and Federal Government will systematically omit facts
concerning public health and welfare.  Agencies of the State and
Federal government will conspire to deceive the public under the
banner of NATIONAL SECURITY.  For example, if the Environmental
Impact Statement fails to consider plutonium hazards or additional
cancers attributable to atmospheric releases of hydrazine and
nitrogen tetroxide, then that is evidence of conspiracy.  What
about the classified studies?  Are they classified for the purpose
of withholding information from the Russians?  Or American
citizens?  How can we fairly evaluate the hazards if the
derogatory studies are a military secret?

The State's Environmental Impact Statement must attempt to
anticipate future commercial and military needs.  Instead of
suppressing information on plutonium and cancers that may be
politically unpopular, the State must use its best efforts to make
a fair and complete disclosure.

CONCLUSION

In their haste to exploit the Big Island, our State officials have
neglected to take these new studies on aluminum seriously, instead
minimizing the hazards for political and financial gain.
 We are concerned that the State is not worried about acid rain.
 We are concerned about secret military payloads such as
beryllium-powered rockets.  We are concerned that the State is
blazing a trail for a take-over by the military.  We are concerned
there will be deliberate omissions in State's Environmental Impact
Statement. We are concerned the State is presently deceiving us
about the true purpose of this rocket launch facility!

"UA MAU KE EA O KA AINA I KA PONO"

	- the life of the land is perpetuated in righteousness.

To construct a Rocket Launch Facility on the Big Island is not
righteous (not morally right) and as such, is a harbinger of the
death of our land.

Jay Hanson 78-6622 Alii Drive Kailua-Kona, HI  96740

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End of SPACE Digest V11 #504
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