Documentary Will Examine Future of Hawaii Military Lands

The Office of Hawaiian Affairs will air a film about expiring military land leases on October 8, 2026.

Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in Military

Bold vector editorial illustration of a wooden surveyor stake on a lush, grassy coastal ridge overlooking the Pacific Ocean. — The Office of Hawaiian Affairs will broadcast a documentary on October 8 regarding the status and future of thousands of acres of public trust lands currently leased to the U.S. military. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Should Hawaii prioritize Native Hawaiian land rights over long-term military use for public trust lands?

The Office of Hawaiian Affairs is set to broadcast a half-hour documentary on October 8, 2026, examining the history and status of thousands of acres of public trust lands currently leased to the U.S. military. The film aims to provide cultural and historical context ahead of the expiration of these long-term lease agreements.

Why it matters

Understanding the history of these leases is critical as military land holdings in Hawaii begin to expire between 2028 and 2031. The project serves to educate the public on the future of these public trust lands as they return to state jurisdiction.

The documentary details 65-year leases issued in 1964 that secured thousands of acres for the Army, Navy, and Air Force for a total cost of $1. These agreements cover major training sites, including the Pōhakuloa Training Area and several sites on Oʻahu.

The players

Office of Hawaiian Affairs

This is a public agency of the State of Hawaii responsible for improving the well-being of Native Hawaiians and managing public trust resources.

United States Army

The military branch currently holds lease agreements for training areas such as Pōhakuloa, Mākua, Kahuku, and Kawailoa-Poamoho.

The details

Titled Held in Trust: The Future of Hawaiʻi's Public Lands Beyond Military Leases, the production examines how these land parcels were originally acquired for military use. The documentary will be available to viewers statewide via six television stations and through a live stream on the organization's website.

1964: State of Hawaiʻi entered into 65-year military leases.
October 8, 2026: Documentary airs on six television stations.
2028-2031: Military land leases and easements expire.
August 2029: Army leases on specific training areas expire.

Political Context

Opposition groups and community activists have long advocated for the return of these lands, arguing the 1964 Hawaii military land lease agreements prioritize federal defense needs over Native Hawaiian land rights. Dissenting voices emphasize that the expiring leases represent an opportunity to rectify historical land use imbalances.

The expiration of these leases may lead to significant changes in land access and usage across Hawaii, impacting everything from local environmental preservation to state revenue. Residents may see shifts in regulatory oversight as these thousands of acres transition from federal military control.

The takeaway

The upcoming expiration of these long-standing military leases offers a significant opportunity for the state to redefine its land management priorities. Citizens are encouraged to engage with these public forums to understand the potential future uses for these thousands of acres of land.