U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono pressed U.S. Secretary of the Army Daniel Driscoll on May 12 regarding the Army’s commitment to good faith negotiations over expiring land leases in Hawaii. During a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing, Hirono asked for continued transparency and meaningful engagement with the Native Hawaiian community as the Army works with state officials on these leases, which are set to expire in 2029.
The issue is significant because the military training lands, including areas such as Pohakuloa Training Area on Hawaii Island, hold cultural importance for Native Hawaiians while also being critical for military readiness. Hirono said, “We are now at a point where the leases are almost up, and final negotiations need to occur with meaningful community engagement and input, especially from the Native Hawaiian community.” She asked Driscoll if he still stands by his previous commitment to negotiate in good faith.
Driscoll responded during the hearing: “Yes, unequivocally.” He also addressed concerns about Environmental Impact Statements (EISs) that were rejected by Hawaii’s Board of Land and Natural Resources due to deficiencies in assessing cultural and historical impacts. Driscoll said, “When you talk to our soldiers and families who spend their lives on the Hawaiian islands, they are grateful to the community… I commit to following up with your office.” Hirono urged that resubmitting updated EISs is necessary before any further steps can be taken under condemnation statutes.
Hirono expressed her opposition to any unilateral move by the Army to condemn state lands without exhausting all negotiation avenues: “A unilateral decision to condemn state lands would bypass the community, the state government and the Congressional delegation.” She reiterated that robust negotiations must include direct talks with Hawaii’s governor.
For years, Hirono has advocated for early and open communication between federal agencies and local communities about these leases. Her efforts include questioning top defense officials since 2021 about ensuring transparency throughout this process according to the official website.
Looking ahead, both parties acknowledged time is running short before lease expiration deadlines approach. The next steps will involve continued dialogue between federal representatives and state leadership as well as updates from Driscoll’s office regarding EIS resubmissions.
