"Damage control" has taken on a new meaning over the past year as military officials grapple with episode after episode of discarded and forgotten munitions. In addition to tons of chemical weapons dumped offshore and conventional weapons of unknown origin resting on the sea floor at Wai'anae's aptly named Ordnance Reef, the U.S. Army is now confronted with the remnants of depleted uranium at the site of at least one of its installations.

Adding fuel to the fire is a recent visit by globetrotting depleted uranium activist Leuren Moret and a subsequent television news story about elevated radiation readings on Hawai'i Island.

Military officials say the recent findings pose no danger, but many residents are demanding independent verification. According to some, the recent findings are just more evidence that the Army is irresponsibly polluting the islands.