A number of Native Hawaiian groups and others opposed to the military's plan to station a Stryker brigade in Hawai'i will hold a series of caravans and marches tomorrow that will converge at Kukaniloko, near Wahiawa, the site of sacred birthing stones.

The groups oppose the plan, which would occupy up to 28,000 acres on the Big Island and O'ahu. They fear the brigade will lead to the destruction of cultural sites and natural resources.

Caravans will leave Ke'ehi Lagoon, Kapolei District Park and Kaiaka State Recreational Area in Hale'iwa at 8:30 a.m.

A procession on foot will depart Kaiaka Bay earlier, at 4 a.m.

The groups will then meet up at Kahi Kani Park, at Whitmore Avenue and Ukaniko'o Street, at 10 a.m. to rally and share information.

The gathering will then proceed to Kukaniloko at 11 a.m., where traditional dances and protocols will honor the site.

Ku I Ka Pono is an annual march held by Native Hawaiian groups. This is the first year that the gathering is being held at Kukaniloko.

"It's a sacred place for Hawaiians, and from Kukani-loko, you can see the entire landscape being destroyed for the Stryker expansion," said Ikaika Hussey, one of the event's organizers.

A separate gathering is being held on the Big Island.

The 2nd Brigade at Schofield Barracks is being equipped with about 300 eight-wheeled armored vehicles — the first of which is expected to arrive next spring — that the Army says will fill a niche for medium forces between light and heavy-tank forces.

For information, call 988-6266.