SCHOFIELD BARRACKS, Hawaii — The U.S. Army is advocating for a faster resolution regarding its lease for the Pohakuloa Training Area on the Big Island of Hawaii, the only large-scale live-fire training range for ground forces in the region.
During a meeting with Hawaii Governor Josh Green, Army Secretary Dan Driscoll emphasized the urgency of enabling the military to maintain its operational capabilities as tensions rise in the Indo-Pacific, particularly with China’s growing assertiveness.
The Army currently leases a critical portion of the training area from the state, with the contract set to expire in 2029.
Driscoll highlighted the strategic importance of the land for quick troop deployments to Asia and the Pacific, stating, “The world is changing. We all know this. The threat in Indo-Pacom is more real than ever before.”
As part of his approach, Driscoll expressed a desire for a more aggressive timeline to finalize negotiations, aiming to avoid delays until 2027, 2028, or 2029.
“The land matters to the United States Army. We have got to be able to train here,” he stated.
However, the plan to extend the lease has faced significant opposition. A public hearing in May resulted in hours of testimony from those who advocate returning the land to the state, including many Native Hawaiians and environmental activists.
These groups voiced concerns over the U.S. military’s history of damaging Hawaiian lands through target practice and fuel leaks.
In response to the criticism, Driscoll mentioned that he reached out to Governor Green’s office, requesting a list of potential contributions the Army could make to benefit the community.
He emphasized the need for a collaborative approach, saying, “What we are hoping to do is figure out ways where we, the Army, can continue to contribute to a community that has given so much to our Army and so much to our nation, while at the same time acknowledging the very real world threat that we are facing in the Indo-Pacific.”
Moreover, the Army has pointed out that other live-fire training areas in Hawaii are inadequate for accommodating large battalions and brigades.
Commanders have expressed concerns that if troops are required to train extensively on the U.S. mainland before being deployed to the region, the military’s deterrent capabilities could be compromised.
Governor Green discussed the importance of this issue during his conversations with Driscoll, underscoring the need for collaboration.
He stated, “We will be exploring possibilities on the military leases together in the coming days and weeks, and he now better understands how important it is to us to work together for the good of Hawaii’s people and our land, while we all work together to protect our country.”
The governor has also kept Hawaii’s congressional delegation informed about the ongoing discussions, stating that he will seek community input moving forward.
U.S. Representative Jill Tokuda, whose district encompasses rural Oahu and the Big Island, has called upon the military to contribute to Hawaii’s housing supply and enhance water and sewer infrastructure.
Driscoll’s visit to Hawaii is part of a broader trip across the Pacific, which will include stops in Australia and the Philippines, focusing on the U.S. military’s strategic interests in the region.
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