U.S. federal land management in Hawaii

The U.S. Navy has begun returning approximately 44 acres of federal land to the state of Hawaii, including parcels at the Molokai Training Support Facility and Kalaeloa on Oahu. Governor Josh Green indicated the move responds to community requests to return land no longer required for military use.

Simultaneously, the Navy and NASA are working to renew leases on state lands on Kaua‘i for the Pacific Missile Range Facility and the Kōkeʻe Park Geophysical Observatory. These agreements, which expire between 2027 and 2030, require a Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS).

In response to resident concerns regarding a lack of public testimony, the Hawaiʻi Department of Land and Natural Resources granted a 15-day extension for the completion of the FEIS. This extension allows for a 45-day acceptance period, moving the state Land Department’s decision deadline to September 29. Chairperson Ryan Kanakaʻole stated the board would ensure the public has an opportunity for community input before the statement is accepted.