U.S. Army, Hawaii Advance Negotiations on Critical Military Land Leases

The U.S. Secretary of the Army, Dan P. Driscoll, has officially communicated with Hawaiʻi Governor Josh Green, emphasizing the strategic importance of military training lands in Hawaiʻi and expressing a desire to reach a mutually acceptable lease framework by the end of 2025. The Army acknowledges the potential for land exchanges as part of this framework but has not yet identified specific parcels or engaged in official parcel discussions with Governor Green. The Governor's office plays a facilitating role, while the Hawaiʻi Board of Land and Natural Resources (BLNR) holds statutory authority over state lands, meaning any formal lease renewals or land exchanges require BLNR approval and adherence to state laws. Governor Green insists on a fair deal for Hawaiʻi, including cleanup of contaminated areas, protection of natural resources, housing development, and land transfers for Native Hawaiian use, while also highlighting the Army's indication that eminent domain remains a possibility if negotiations stall. Public concern has grown over environmental, cultural, and transparency issues related to the Pōhakuloa Training Area, with local government bodies urging halts to military activities and demanding comprehensive environmental and cultural reviews before any lease renewals or land swaps proceed. Both the Army and Governor Green have committed to increased transparency and ongoing public updates as discussions continue.