A high-altitude plateau known as Pohakuloa on Hawaii’s Big Island is the only location in the state where thousands of ground forces can conduct live-fire training.
However, this site holds a deep spiritual significance for many Native Hawaiians, who view it as the heart of the island.
The U.S. military is eager to continue its operations at Pohakuloa to ensure rapid response capability for Asia and the Pacific, especially in light of China’s escalating assertiveness regarding Taiwan.
With the Army’s lease for crucial state lands in the area set to expire in 2029, tensions are rising as Native Hawaiians, discontented with the military’s history of environmental damage, demand the Army’s withdrawal.
“They have bombed and contaminated not just our land but our waters,” stated Healani Sonoda-Pale, a community organizer with the Hawaiian sovereignty group Ka Lahui Hawaii. “When does this end?”
Currently, the military occupies approximately 5% of Hawaii’s land, which includes bases for various branches.
Despite having programs aimed at protecting endangered species, preventing fires, and replanting native flora, past incidents have led to deep skepticism among Native Hawaiians.
Historically, the Navy transformed the island of Kahoolawe, located off Maui, into a bombing range after the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941, and returned it in 1994 following years of protests. However, cleanup efforts have been inadequate, leaving live ordnance scattered across a significant portion of the island.
Further compounding these concerns, a 2021 jet fuel spill by the Navy severely contaminated Pearl Harbor’s drinking water, resulting in thousands seeking medical attention for various health issues and polluting a Honolulu aquifer. This incident prompted Honolulu’s water utility to file a lawsuit against the Navy to recover approximately $1.2 billion in related expenses.
On Oahu, environmental advocates highlight that Army live-fire exercises in Makua Valley have caused wildfires, destroying native forestland and sacred cultural sites, leading to a legal settlement that halted such training in 2004.
Pohakuloa itself features rocky plains, hills, and brush, sitting around 6,200 feet (1,900 meters) above sea level, situated between Hawaii’s tallest volcanoes, Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa. The training area is a habitat for endangered species, including the Hawaiian catchfly shrub, and has historical significance as early Hawaiians traversed the plateau for various purposes, such as quarrying high-quality basalt and connecting coastal communities.
In 2022, Army personnel discovered ancient wooden figures, or “kii,” in a lava tube, believed to be linked to human burials, which state preservationists identified as significant archaeological finds.
Covering over 200 square miles (518 square kilometers), the area critical for training represents only 17% of the total but is strategically located between larger federal parcels, as troops utilize the state-owned land to fire munitions onto federal properties.
Alternative live-fire training areas in Hawaii prove insufficient for battalion and brigade-sized exercises.
Military leaders emphasize the need for continued training at Pohakuloa, arguing that rapid deployment to the Indo-Pacific is essential for preparedness against potential adversaries.
Maj. Gen. James Bartholomees, U.S. Army Pacific chief of staff, noted, “What we anticipate in a future fight is that we will not have the time to recover that equipment and to position ourselves back into the region.”
The training facility at Pohakuloa serves not only the Army but also the Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, allied forces, and the Hawaii National Guard, with the latter accounting for about 25% of operations.
The local fire and police departments also utilize Pohakuloa for training purposes.
The Army drafted an environmental impact statement that took into account public feedback regarding the military’s ongoing use of the land and its impact on local ecosystems and cultural heritage.
On May 9, the state land board rejected the Army’s proposal after hearing extensive and emotional testimony against it.
Concerns raised included inadequate assessments of unexploded ordnance and insufficient evaluations of ancient burial sites and artifacts.
The Army is now deliberating whether to appeal this decision or pursue a land exchange with the state, although negotiations can only commence once the Army finalizes its environmental study and receives the necessary approvals from the Defense Secretary’s office.
Alice Roberts, U.S. Army Pacific’s program manager for training land retention, indicated that informal discussions have taken place with state officials to explore potential land swap options.
Gaining approval for purchasing the land poses a significant challenge, as it would require the support of two-thirds of the state House and Senate.
U.S. Rep. Jill Tokuda expressed the importance of the Army demonstrating responsible stewardship to make amends for historical environmental mishaps.
Tokuda advocates for military involvement in boosting Hawaii’s housing supply, as service members occupy about 14% of Oahu’s housing stock amidst a crisis of rising housing prices that drive locals from their homes.
She also sees potential for partnerships in enhancing water and sewer infrastructure in the community.
Hawaii Gov. Josh Green suggested that eminent domain might be a route for the military to acquire the land, although Tokuda stated she has not encountered support for such a move from military officials or President Donald Trump’s administration.
Kaialiʻi Kahele, chairperson of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs and an advocate for Native Hawaiians, is keen to learn about the federal lands the Army could offer in exchange.
He emphasizes the necessity for a reduction in training impact and potential commitments to clean up and community benefits from the military.
“We have to get to a point where you do training and then you clean up your mess,” Kahele remarked, noting that establishing a training model that respects the land, its culture, and its people is crucial, using the Hawaiian word for land, ‘aina.’
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