Hawaii House Bill HCR106

Hawaii 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/7/24
• Refer: 3/13/24

Caption

Requesting The Department Of Land And Natural Resources To Convene A Makua Valley Task Force To Prepare For The Transition Of The Management Of The Makua Military Reservation From The United States Army To The State.

Impact

The resolution comes in light of a confirmed end to live-fire training in Makua Valley as of December 2023, following a long history of military use and the displacement of local families. Upon the expiration of the current lease in 2029, the resolution sets the groundwork for a managed transition of the lands, significant both for their environmental value—as habitat for endangered species—and their cultural importance to Native Hawaiian communities. The task force aims to ensure that the land is returned to a condition suitable for public use and cultural access.

Summary

HCR106 is a House Concurrent Resolution from the State of Hawaii's Thirty-Second Legislature (2024), which requests the Department of Land and Natural Resources to establish a Makua Valley Task Force. This initiative aims to prepare for the transition of the management of the Makua Military Reservation from the United States Army to the State of Hawaii. The resolution acknowledges the historical context of the Makua Valley, which has been under military jurisdiction since World War II and highlights the significant cultural and ecological implications of this transition.

Contention

HCR106 outlines that the task force should comprise members from various stakeholders, including the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, state legislative members, and representatives from affected communities. This brings potential points of contention regarding who gets to decide how the land is managed post-transition and ensures that discussions with military representatives are conducted for an efficient return of the land. The resolution anticipates the need for cleanup operations and expansion of cultural access opportunities, acknowledging the diverse interests involved in the transition process.