Hawaii House Bill HCR216

Hawaii 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/8/24
• Refer: 3/14/24

Caption

Urging The United States Department Of Defense To Decrease The Overall Number Of Military Members Stationed In Hawaii And To Increase The Percentage Of Military Members Stationed In Hawaii Who Are Unmarried Or Have No Accompanying Dependents.

Impact

The resolution emphasizes that Hawaii is home to a significant number of military-affiliated individuals, including active duty members and their families. This large military presence contributes to the strain on local resources, exacerbating issues related to housing availability and clean water access. By urging a decrease in stationed military personnel and a focus on unmarried members, the bill aims to mitigate these pressures by potentially reducing the demand for housing and resources currently affected by military families.

Summary

HCR216 is a House Concurrent Resolution introduced in the Hawaii Legislature urging the United States Department of Defense (DoD) to reduce the overall number of military personnel stationed in Hawaii. This resolution specifically calls for an increase in the percentage of military members who are unmarried or have no dependents. Proponents of the bill argue that such changes could alleviate the chronic affordable housing shortage affecting residents of Hawaii, which the Governor has identified as the most significant threat to local families' economic well-being.

Contention

Opposition to the resolution may arise from concerns over national security and the potential implications of reducing military presence in a strategic location such as Hawaii. Additionally, the discussion surrounding the bill reflects broader debates about local resource management versus federal military infrastructure. Some may argue that while addressing housing shortages is critical, the proposed measures could limit the effectiveness of military operations and support in the region, thus creating tension between local and federal interests.