MARINE CORPS TRAINING AREA, BELLOWS, Hawaii -- BELLOWS - The land now comprising Bellows Air Force Station and Marine Corps Training Area Bellows has been used for military training purposes since Hawaii was a U.S. territory.
In 1917, a Presidential Executive Order established Waimanalo Military Reservation on land leased from the Waimanalo Sugar Plantation. However, prior to the use of this land for military purposes, the area was cultivated for sugar and ranching activities, and the area supported local farms of taro fields.
Passersby can see the historic cemetery located within the MCTAB training area. It is characterized as having been active in the first half of the 20th century.
The earliest date on an existing grave marker is 1911, and most of the dated graves fall between 1911 and 1919. The latest dated grave marker is 1943.
People associated with the former sugar plantation were normally laid to rest in the cemetery. The dominant ethnic group was Japanese, but people of other ethnic backgrounds, including Filipino and possibly Hawaiian, may also be buried in unmarked graves.
It is estimated that between 100 and 150 individuals are buried here.
Training activities are prohibited within the cemetery site. However, the fact that the cemetery is located within the military training area, makes it part of the tactical rules of engagement.
As a culturally sensitive site, no firing or maneuver may impact its location.
Efforts to preserve the historic archeological site are conducted on a routine basis by the Marines and Sailors of MCB Hawaii, Kaneohe Bay's Self Help Shop, part of the base Facilities department.
Once a quarter, and prior to Obon, the Marines and Sailors use brush hogs, weed eaters and rakes to clear out the sometimes waist-high grass. They take much care not to disturb the sacred grounds while they are clearing the grass.