Putting Hawaiian Lands Back Into Hawaiian Hands (Action Needed by Tuesday 1/28/2025)

What's the short version of this issue?

The US military has multiple bases and training facilities across Hawai'i. These facilities are sitting on top of 29,000 acres with a 65-year lease that the military shadily "bought" for $1 (no, that's not a typo--I mean ONE DOLLAR). @KaLahuiHawaii posted this great breakdown on Instagram of which land leases are approaching their expiration, which I'll include below:

There is a bill (HB305) that, if approved, will transfer the land leases (as they expire) to Kanaka Oiwi (Native Hawaiians) ownership as Kuleana Land (or, if not applicable, to be transferred into a newly created Aloha 'Aina Land Trust). The Hawai'i State Legislature will be hearing testimonies on this bill (HB305) tomorrow (1/28/2025).

Why do I care about this, and why do I think you should too?

The US military has long been disrespectful to Kanaka Oiwi and the environment in Hawai'i. I strongly recommend you check out this AJ+ YouTube video, which does a fantastic job explaining the history of the military in Hawai'i. I do not personally hate members of the military--many of my friends, family, and loved ones have served or are currently serving in the military. Hell, I lived on a military base as a dependent for my entire adolescence. I deeply appreciate people who serve in the military, for all of the reasons they choose to serve and for the sacrifices they make for the country. But, the HB305 bill is going to help get Hawaiian lands back into Hawaiian hands that should never have been stolen in the first place, so I strongly believe that this bill offers restorative justice to my people. I think that should matter to you too, considering the history.

What will this bill actually do?

HB305 outlines a specific plan for expiring land leases currently held by the US military. Specifically, this bill:

• Establishes the Aloha 'Aina Land Trust.

• Requires that all Hawai'i state lands currently being leased by the US military are transferred back to Kanaka Oiwi upon the expiration of that lease in one of two ways:

  • Back to the original landowners with inheritable rights (Kuleana land), if applicable, OR

  • Into the newly established Aloha 'Aina Land Trust (if no original landowner).

• Requires that lands must strictly be used and cared for using traditional Native Hawaiian practices, once transferred. Specifically:

  • Ecological rehabilitation, restoration, and remediation;

  • Regenerative agriculture systems that support local food production and environmental sustainability;

  • Educational and cultural purposes; and

  • Community purposes.

• Bans commercial use unless it directly supports the above purposes.

• Establishes an Aloha 'Aina Trust, which will be made up of 7 volunteer members which must include designated positions for:

  • Chairperson of the Board of Land and Natural Resources

  • Representative from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA)

  • Experts in (1) ecological restoration, (2) agriculture, and (3) educational and cultural programming

• Directs the Aloha 'Aina Trustees to:

  • Work closely with Native Hawaiian organizations and communities to ensure sustainable management of transferred lands.

  • Restore lands affected by military use.

  • Focus on native reforestation, wetland restoration, and watershed improvement.

  • Prioritize community-led stewardship to empower Native Hawaiian practitioners to manage and care for the land.

  • Promote regenerative agriculture and sustainability

  • Integrate Indigenous knowledge and traditional practices into land management.

  • Create educational and cultural programs that engage students and communities in Hawaiian cultural values and rehabilitation of and sustainable use of the land.

What actions can be taken?

You (yes, YOU! even if you're not Native Hawaiian or even live in Hawai'i!) can submit testimony through the Hawaii State Legislature website. You have to create an account (it took me less than 2 minutes), and then (once logged in) you can search for/submit testimony for specific bills. Here’s a helpful video about how to do that.

Template for testimony

Hello, My name is <Insert Your Name> and I live in <Insert Your City, State>. I am writing to express my strong support for HB305, which presents a critical opportunity to address a historical injustice and initiate a process of healing for Kanaka Oiwi (Native Hawaiians) and the environment.

As you know, the US military occupies a significant portion of Hawaiian lands under a deeply flawed and exploitative lease agreement made in the 1960s which allowed them to purchase nearly 30,000 acres of land on 65-year leases for a grand total of $1. HB305 offers a pathway to reclaim these lands, offers some justice to the Lahui, help address the affordable housing crisis that has plagued Oiwi for decades, and ensure the land stewardship can become more closely aligned with aloha 'aina, or Native Hawaiian land values and practices.

This bill is essential for several reasons:

• Restorative Justice: It begins to rectify the historical dispossession of Native Hawaiians from their ancestral lands, offering some modicum of healing and reconciliation.

• Environmental Regeneration: By prioritizing ecological restoration and sustainable land management practices, HB305 will help restore Hawaii's unique biodiversity, enhance its resilience to climate change, and protect delicate food, water, and other ecosystems.

• Cultural Preservation:  The bill empowers Lahui to manage lands according to traditional knowledge and practices, ensuring the continuation of cultural heritage for future generations.

I urge you to vote in favor of HB305 and support this important step towards justice, healing, and a more sustainable future for Hawai'i.

Sincerely,

<Insert Your Name>

#WriteALetter #Hawaii #Environment