History
When did the US Military become prominent in Hawai'i?
Hawai'i has been vital to the US Military ever since they became an American territory in 1898. The islands strategic location in the Asia Pacific region has made for a suitable and appropriate home.
How much land does the military control?
244,536 acres of Hawai'i is owned by the military.
This is the biggest presence out of all of the 50 states. In order states, the military occupies 0.7% or even 0.1%
Out of all the U.S. states, what rank is Hawai'i for the highest defense spending as share of state GPD?
According to US department of Defense office of Economic Adjustments, Hawai'i ranks #2.
Because it's the second largest economic driver for the state, the defense industry is extremely important for Hawai'i and our economy, as it generates millions of dollars in contract of local businesses.
What significant cultural event happened in Makua Valley?
Makua Valley is where Papa and Wakea created human life.
This valley was meant to be a place for healing and refuge. Makua means "parent" in Hawaiian.
When was the first lookout post created on O'ahu?
In 1910, the Army completed the first gun emplacement at Diamond Head. To complete this project, engineers had to drain or fill in the swampy ground near Fort DeRussy.
How many facilities were occupied by military sites that were toxic?
In 1995, there were 122 facilities occupied by 405 military sites that were toxic.
6 of these facilities were on the Superfund National Priorities List, because they release hazardous substances, were pollutant, or were contaminated.
How much money was received in defense spending in fiscal year 2022?
They received $8.8 billion in defense spending in FY 2022.
$5.3 B contributed in payroll and $3.2 B awarded in contracts
How many endangered species live in Mākua Valley?
At least 50 endangered species and animals include the Oʻahu snail and ʻElepaio. They are more endangered due to the live-shooting and wildfires caused by the military.
When did Hawai'i form as an independent command?
In 1913, the Hawaiian Department formed as an independent command under direct control of the War Department. By 1941, Hawai'i had become a crucial piece of the US Army's defensive work in the pacific.
What was the military's influence on Diamond Head?
In 1904, it was bought by the government and was a designated spot for military use. Fortification in 1908 included building gun emplacements, and a entry tunnel through the North wall, known as the Kapahulu tunnel
What does the National defense authorization act do for Hawaii's economy?
The 2024 national defense authorization act (NDAA) has numerous provisions directly impacting Hawaii.
The Mammoth $886 billion bill gives Hawai'i $1.7 B in construction projects, which will boost both national defense preparedness and local economy.
How did the army get access to Makua Valley?
By imposing martial law in Hawaii and taking control of this Valley and Kahoʻolawe. The use of this valley was meant to be temporary and the land was to be returned when the war ended.
In 1945, the War department asked Hawaiiʻs Territorial Government for a transfer of 6,608 acres to train on in Makua. 5 years after statehood, the army paid $1 for a 65-year lease from the state to continue training on Makua Valley.
How big was the Pacific Army (in size and power) when Japan attacked?
By the time of the Japanese invasion, the Pacific Army had grown to be the largest overseas garrison of US troops. The threat trigged a flurry of of construction projects including heavy guns and concrete barriers focused on Oahu's vulnerable south shore.
What Hawaiʻi Island was used for bombing practice?
Kaho'olawe.
It was used as a bombing range in 1941. In 1990, President Geroge W. H. Bush orders to stop using Kaho’olawe as bombing practice
About how much money does the government spend on funding projects?
The total expenditures from project funding from 2006-2023 was $162.4 million.
The Department Of Defense spent $46.7M. $36.4M was spent on REPI, and the other $10.3M on military service. The government also spent $115.7M on partner contributions.
How many years did it take to regain the valley?
80 years.
An unkept promise. On December 7, 1941, the military seized Mākua Valley for training after the attack on Pearl Harbor. They evicted the Hawaiians living there and promised it would be cleaned and returned much earlier than 80 years.
What was life like after the Pearl Harbor bombing of 1941?
Which Island was mostly used during World War II?
Sand Island. Mostly used and taken for coastal defense.
There are still towers and bunkers on the island but people are still allowed there for recreational activities.
What is REPI (Readiness and environmental protection integration program) and what does it do?
REPI is administered by office of the secretary of defense. It's the key tool for combating intrusions that can limit/restrict military training, testing, and operations.
Protects military missions by removing/avoiding land-use conflicts near installations and addressing regulatory restrictions that restrain military activities
Supports large landscape partnerships. It advances cross-boundary solutions and link military readiness, conservation, and communities with federal/state partners through common, collaborative framework.
Did the military prepare and Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)?
No.
An EIS is supposed to identify cultural sites that can be damaged/destroyed if mortar rounds, artillery shells, and other things stay during training exercises. Since it's so close to the coast, the military can contaminate fish, shellfish, limu, and other marine resources at Mākua and Waiʻanae Coast residence used as food source