The Chamber of Commerce Hawaii’s Military Affairs Council is joining with the Hawaii Island Economic Development Board, Hawaii Leeward Planning Conference and Hawaii Island Chamber of Commerce in sponsoring a discussion on military land use in Hawaii.

Scheduled for Monday at the Ala Moana Hotel from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., the daylong discussion will bring together military representatives, community voices, officials and business leaders, “to exchange perspectives and share information,” according to a news release.

The military land use discussion is convened by the Hawaii Coordination Cell (HCC), and is open to interested community members. Capacity is limited but registration is open at bit.ly/ MilLandsRegistration 

“Hawai‘i is home to diverse communities with deep connections to these islands, alongside a significant military presence,” said Jason Chung, MAC Vice President in the media release. “We appreciate the Hawai‘i Coordination Cell’s efforts to bring together military leaders, community members, and partners for thoughtful dialogue. Conversations about military lands are complex and deeply important to people across the state, and opportunities like this help to ensure discussions are informed, respectful, and grounded in facts as Hawai’i considers the future of these lands.”

The event will feature:

>> Plenary discussions with military leaders and Hawaii community representatives sharing perspectives on the military presence in Hawaii and future land considerations.

>>Geographic breakout sessions focused on communities most directly connected to military installations, including West Oahu, Kauai, Hawaii Island, and Maui.

>>An information exchange between military departments and community organizations, engaging directly with participants.

According to the press release, the HCC was established in 2024 within the U.S. Department of War (formerly known as Dept. of Defense) to support community engagement as military land leases across Hawaii near expiration. The event is an opportunity to provide participants with information on the processes, timelines, and considerations surrounding military land use and community engagement.

“These conversations are important because people across Hawai‘i care deeply about our lands and our communities,” said D. Noelani Kalipi, HCC senior adviser. “This convening is an opportunity to share information, listen to community perspectives, and ensure that everyone has a clearer understanding of the processes and timelines that will shape decisions in the years ahead.”

Read the story here.