The Hawaiian Islands are again at the forefront of a critical debate as the U.S. Navy moves to more than double its inert bombing and gunfire training exercises on Kaula Island. This uninhabited, crescent-shaped islet southwest of Niʻihau has long served as a military training ground, but the latest proposal has sparked a wave of concern from Hawaii’s Congressional delegation, state officials, conservationists, and local communities.
Congressional Delegation Demands Navy Accountability
In late May 2025, Hawaii’s entire Congressional delegation—Senators Brian Schatz and Mazie Hirono, and Representatives Ed Case and Jill Tokuda—formally pressed the Navy for answers. Their letter to Navy Secretary John Phelan called for a comprehensive environmental impact statement (EIS) and a clear national security rationale for the proposed expansion on Kaula Island.
The delegation’s concerns center on the Navy’s plan to increase annual non-explosive bombing exercises from 12 to 31. While the Navy maintains that only the frequency of existing exercises will rise, lawmakers argue that the draft environmental assessment (EA) falls short. They insist that a full EIS is necessary to assure the public that environmental, cultural, and community impacts will be thoroughly addressed and that resources will be allocated for environmental remediation on Kaula.
What Makes Kaula Island Unique?
Kaula Island is not just a military training site. It is home to tens of thousands of nesting seabirds, endangered Hawaiian monk seals, and vibrant marine life. The island holds deep cultural significance for Native Hawaiians and is surrounded by prime fishing grounds that support local livelihoods.
For decades, Kaula has been the last of the Hawaiian Islands used for aerial bombing and target practice. The Navy’s rationale for the increased training points to the need for military readiness in the Pacific as international tensions rise, particularly with China’s growing presence. The Navy argues that Kaula offers a unique, isolated environment for essential exercises.
Environmental and Cultural Concerns Intensify
Despite the Navy’s assurances that the expanded training will not introduce new types of exercises or weaponry, concerns persist. Conservationists and state agencies, including Hawaii’s Division of Forestry and Wildlife, have called for an end to all target practice on Kaula. They argue that the current environmental assessment lacks sufficient detail on the potential impact to the island’s ecosystem, especially its seabird populations and marine life.
Key environmental concerns include:
- Potential disturbance or harm to 18 species of nesting seabirds, including the black-footed albatross.
- Disruption to endangered Hawaiian monk seals and other marine species.
- The risk of damaging cultural or historical resources, despite Navy assurances that activities would stop if artifacts are found.
Community Impact: Fishing and Trust
Local fishermen are worried that increased military activity will further restrict access to the rich fishing waters surrounding Kaula Island, threatening their livelihoods and food security. The issue is compounded by longstanding mistrust of the Department of Defense in Hawaii, fueled by decades of military use and its environmental and cultural consequences.
The Congressional delegation has emphasized that the Navy must go beyond reassurances. They are demanding concrete evidence that the expansion is necessary, transparent analysis of environmental and cultural impacts, and a commitment to environmental remediation.
The Navy’s Position and Public Response
The Navy’s draft environmental assessment, released in August 2024, states that the increased training will not significantly affect air quality, noise, public health, or biological and cultural resources. Officials stress that no live fire will be used and that only 11 acres in the south of Kaula are designated for these exercises.
However, public meetings held by the Navy have seen low turnout, and conservation groups are working to raise awareness before the official comment period closes. The Navy has indicated that a final decision on whether to proceed, and whether to conduct a full EIS, will likely come in early 2025.
What’s Next for the Hawaiian Islands?
The outcome of this debate will have lasting implications for the Hawaiian Islands. If the Navy proceeds without a full EIS, it could set a precedent for future military activities across the state. Conversely, a rigorous EIS and genuine public engagement could foster greater trust and ensure that national security needs are balanced with environmental protection and respect for local communities.
Key questions remain:
- Will the Navy agree to a full environmental impact statement?
- How will local and Native Hawaiian voices shape the decision?
- What safeguards will be put in place to protect Kaula’s unique environment and cultural heritage?
The future of Kaula Island—and the broader relationship between the military and the Hawaiian Islands—hangs in the balance.
Read Also-Opal Suchata Chuangsri Miss World: Thailand’s New Global Star Shines Bright
If you care about the future of Hawaii’s environment, cultural heritage, and community rights, now is the time to stay informed and make your voice heard. Engage with local advocacy groups, participate in public comment periods, and demand transparency and accountability from all stakeholders.