It was a move that occurred largely under the radar, with consequences that put the safety of Hawai'i residents at risk. Tucked into the Defense Authorization Act of 2007 was Section 1076, which shifted the control of all National Guard units from the governor to the federal government in the event of domestic disasters. In short, it allows President Bush to federalize National Guard units during natural disasters — without consulting with governors.

State leaders, including every single state adjutant general, the National Guard Association of the United States, the National Governors Association and the National Conference of State Legislatures, are united in calling for the repeal of this provision.

Congress should listen.

Leaving that provision in place compromises the National Guard's ability to respond to state emergencies. That's a risk Hawai'i — given our geographic isolation — should not be willing to take.

States already work together and have a support system to respond to local emergencies; shifting that responsibility to the White House will hamper these vital first responders, says state Rep. K. Mark Takai, also a captain in Hawai'i's Army National Guard.

"When this came out, we were quite surprised by it. It was put into the defense appropriations bill by the White House. This definitely puts safety at risk. The National Guard in each state is that particular state's militia...the first response should be at the local level, not at the federal level. The expertise and decision-making should rest with the people in the home state."

He's right.

Maj. Gen. Robert Lee, our adjutant general, agrees. The president, of course, would retain the ability to call in the National Guard during times of war. But domestic emergencies are quite another matter, says Lee.

"This violates everything we have in place and will not improve response. I doubt the federal government would have a better picture or insight or the ability to mobilizes better that the states."

What happens now is up to Congress. Hawai'i, along with the nation's other states, must regain control of its state militia. Anything less would be a drastic disservice to residents who count on their National Guard to come through when they're needed most.