U.S. Navy begins land return process in Hawaii

The U.S. Department of the Navy has initiated the process to return approximately 44 acres of federal land to the state of Hawaii. This includes a 12-acre parcel at the Molokai Training Support Facility in Hoolehua and a 31.693-acre parcel at Kalaeloa on Oahu. Governor Josh Green noted that the move reflects community desires to return federal lands when they are no longer required. The transfers are subject to environmental reviews, due diligence, and required approvals, and no final dates have been set.

Separately, the Navy and NASA have released a Final Environmental Impact Statement regarding the continued use of state lands on Kaua‘i. The Navy seeks to maintain use of 8,172 acres for the Pacific Missile Range Facility to ensure operational continuity for military training and testing. NASA aims to maintain 23 acres for the Kōkeʻe Park Geophysical Observatory to support global data collection, including measurements of Earth’s rotation. These land use agreements are set to expire between 2027 and 2030.