Next week, the US military will launch the largest and most dangerous military exercises in the world. Since 1971, the Rim of the Pacific Exercise (RIMPAC) has polluted Hawai'i's natural ecosystems, led to violence against women, contributed to human rights abuses, perpetuated the illegal occupation of land, and enabled defense contractors and fossil fuel corporations to reap hundreds of millions in profit. Tell Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and US Indo-Pacific Commander Samuel Paparo: Cancel RIMPAC and stop destroying the planet!

On June 29th, about 29 countries will meet in San Diego before sailing to Hawai'i to conduct the annual RIMPAC war games, pretending to engage with “enemy forces.” The war maneuvers are part of the US military’s absurd plan to “contain China” and antagonize wider conflict in the Asia-Pacific region. Clearly, the only country seeking war is the United States.

👉TELL AUSTIN AND PAPARO TO CANCEL RIMPAC AND STOP FUELING WAR!

RIMPAC has led to extensive environmental harm. In 2021, massive fuel leaks contaminated Oahu’s largest clean water source, poisoning over 90,000 people. Decommissioned ships are blown apart every year with no mandatory clean up. Leftover parts are left to rot in the ocean, disturbing the homes of local wildlife. Extreme underwater noise, such as sonic booms and high-intensity sonar, cause hearing loss and hemorrhaging in dolphins and whales. 

During the COVID-19 pandemic, when RIMPAC was massively scaled down, dozens of sea turtles nested on beaches for the first time!  

Indigenous Hawaiians have suffered over 130 years of illegal occupation. US military occupation on their native land has brought nothing but harm to the people. There are extensive reports of military violence against women and growing rates of sex trafficking to meet the demands of the influx of soldiers. Military destruction of land and the ocean is directly linked to violence against the bodies of women and girls. 

👉TELL THE US MILITARY TO PROMOTE PEACE, NOT DESTRUCTION!

And join the national summit and mobilization in San Diego from June 29 to June 30 demanding the US military cancel RIMPAC!

Peace and solidarity, 

Megan, Jodie, and the CODEPINK Team

Take further action:

• Join a potluck and conversation with Ann Wright, a former Army Colonel and diplomat, on June 26 to learn how RIMPAC is destroying Hawai’i and the wider regional consequences. 

• Contact [email protected] to schedule a meeting and learn more about China Is Not Our Enemy biweekly meetings, including our upcoming one on Monday, June 24 at 7pm ET. 

• Join our Summer of Friendship making local connections and advocating against war with China.

• Follow us on social media: Instagram | Twitter