A top US official has submitted a proposal to the Senate and House to allow the people of Bikini to use resettlement and relocation funds outside of the Marshall Islands.
Bikinians in the Marshall Islands being evacuated from their home island after nuclear testing in the area by the US. Photo: US Navy
Current law restricts resettlement funds for use within the Marshall Islands.
Assistant Secretary for Insular Areas Esther Kia'aina says it is an appropriate course of action to take regarding the welfare and livelihood of the Bikinian people.
The Bikinians were displaced by US nuclear weapons testing 70 years ago but are now looking at relocating again because of deteriorating conditions on Kili and Ejit Islands.
In addition to cramped living quarters and a lack of suitable sustainable resources, the islands have been experiencing more frequent storms and king tdes resulting in salt water inundation and the destruction of crops.