Aloha,

Last week Governor Josh Green announced his Advisory Committee to provide guidance in ongoing discussions on the cultural, environmental, and economic implications of lands currently leased by the U.S. Army on Oahu and Hawaii Island that are set to expire in 2029.

Photo of Governor Josh Green speaking at a podium.

Jamm Aquino / Honolulu Star-Advertiser

“Hawaii stands at an important crossroads — between national security and cultural stewardship; between federal authority and our responsibility to care for cultural and natural resources,” Governor Green said. “We respect the role of the U.S. military in defending our islands and our entire nation, but that role must coexist with our values and our commitment to the people who call these islands home.”

Following the Board of Land and Natural Resources’ rejection of the Army’s Final Environmental Impact Statements earlier this year, Secretary of the Army Dan Driscoll has indicated that the Army will possibly move toward condemnation, invoking its right of eminent domain to retain the lands for military training.

The Office of the Governor sent a formal proposal to Secretary Driscoll on October 29 outlining Hawaii’s priorities, including:

Environmental remediation and land restoration;

Increased access for cultural and community organizations;

Federal investment in local infrastructure and workforce opportunities that would provide benefits to both Hawaii residents and national defense.

Governor Green emphasized that these discussions must proceed transparently, guided by those of Native Hawaiian ancestry and community voices, including the Office of Hawaiian Affairs.

The Advisory Committee, made up mostly of Native Hawaiians from state government and the private sector, is charged with advising Governor Green on a path forward that will deliver immediate and long-term benefits that reflect the true environmental and cultural costs of continued federal use of our lands.

The Governor’s Advisory Committee members include:

William “Bill” Ailā, Jr., member, Hui Mālama ‘O Mākua

Scott Glenn, Office of the Governor facilitator

Ryan Kanaka‘ole, deputy director, Department of Land and Natural Resources

Kūhiō Lewis, CEO, Hawaiian Council

Laurie McAllister Moore, executive director, Military and Community Relations Office

Mahina Paishon-Duarte, co-founder, Waiwai Collective

Ed Sniffen, director, Hawaii Department of Transportation

Summer Sylva, interim administrator, Office of Hawaiian Affairs

Kali Watson, director, Department of Hawaiian Homelands

Noe Noe Wong-Wilson, Ph.D., executive director, Lālākea Foundation

Members of the committee serve as unpaid volunteers and do not require confirmation by the State Senate.

Updates and opportunities for public input will continue to be made available at https://engage.hawaii.gov/.

If you support Josh’s efforts to protect Hawaii, defend our natural and cultural resources, and secure ongoing federal investment that will benefit our state and our people, please chip in a donation of $10 or any amount today.

Mahalo,

Team Green