Native Hawaiians oppose U.S. military's live-fire training in Hawaii

In Hawaii, the U.S. military seeks to continue live-fire training operations at Pohakuloa, a strategically important high-altitude plateau on the Big Island that serves as a vital venue for ground forces to practice with live munitions. Many Native Hawaiians consider this area to be the spiritual heart of the island, and they have expressed strong opposition to the military’s presence, largely due to a history of environmental degradation caused by military activities. The military currently manages about 5% of Hawaii's land and has promised measures to protect local endangered species and prevent environmental disasters. However, the legacy of past incidents, including the contamination resulting from target practice and fuel leaks, has fostered a lack of trust among the Native Hawaiian population. For example, the Navy's transformation of the island of Kahoolawe into a bombing range after the Pearl Harbor attack has left lasting impacts, as the island was not returned until 1994 after extensive protests, and the collateral damage from military activities led to significant health issues for local residents. Recently, a lawsuit was filed by Honolulu’s water utility against the Navy to recover expenditures related to environmental cleanup after harmful spills contaminated a local aquifer, affecting thousands of residents. Military commanders emphasize the necessity of training at Pohakuloa to prepare forces for potential confrontations in the Indo-Pacific region, especially given the monitoring of China's rising military assertiveness. While alternatives such as sending troops and equipment to the mainland for training exist, military leaders insist that local training is optimal for maintaining readiness. In response to these circumstances, individuals like Kaiali'i Kahele, the chairperson of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, are advocating for greater transparency from the military regarding potential land exchanges and cleanup efforts. There is a call for more accountability from the military in conducting training activities, as expressed by community organizers who emphasize the importance of cleaning up after military practice. This multifaceted situation illustrates the complex interplay between military strategy, environmental stewardship, and the rights of Native Hawaiians, highlighting the ongoing tensions that characterize this issue in Hawaii.