Is Hawaii's Military Lease Deal on the Brink? Shocking Talks Unveiled—What You Need to Know!

On November 22, 2025, members of the Hawaiʻi House of Representatives Native Hawaiian Caucus convened privately with Governor Josh Green to discuss pressing issues surrounding military land leases in the islands and potential federal condemnation efforts. The gathering highlights the ongoing tensions and complexities related to land use in Hawaiʻi, particularly for the Native Hawaiian community.

The caucus conveyed their gratitude for Green's willingness to engage in dialogue, but emphasized the critical need for ongoing and meaningful consultation with Native Hawaiians as negotiations progress. "Our concern is not only about the lands themselves, but about how decisions are being made," stated the caucus in a joint statement following their meeting. They asserted that formal consultation is not merely symbolic; it is a constitutional and statutory obligation, anchored in Articles XI and XII of the Hawaiʻi Constitution, as well as laws governing the Public Land Trust.

The state holds a fiduciary responsibility to protect these lands, which were historically kept in trust for Native Hawaiians and the broader population of Hawaiʻi. This responsibility becomes increasingly pertinent as negotiations with federal military representatives intensify and possible condemnation actions loom. The caucus expressed that recent correspondence between the state and the U.S. Army has sparked significant concern within the community, leading them to advocate for a process that is not dictated by federal timelines or threats of condemnation.

The military cannot dictate the terms of stewardship over Hawaiʻi’s lands. These trust lands belong to the people of Hawaiʻi, and the state has a legal and moral duty to protect them.

This sentiment reflects a broader anxiety within the Native Hawaiian community regarding land rights and the implications of military presence in the islands. The caucus reaffirmed their position that decisions impacting public and ceded lands must involve Native Hawaiian voices at every stage of the decision-making process. They highlighted the importance of Governor Green's advisory committee, urging that it should complement, rather than replace, the constitutional and statutory consultation requirements.

Looking ahead, the caucus expressed their commitment to continued dialogue with Governor Green, the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, the Advisory Committee for Leased Military Lands, and federal representatives. They remain steadfast in their aim to ensure that all future decisions honor the state's fiduciary duties and safeguard Hawaiʻi’s lands for generations to come.

The ongoing negotiations around military land leases underscore a pivotal moment for Hawaiʻi, where the interplay of military interests and indigenous rights presents both challenges and opportunities. As discussions continue, the voices of the Native Hawaiian community will be critical in shaping a future that recognizes and respects their heritage and rights over the lands they have stewarded for generations.