OHA Statement on Governor’s Military Lease Advisory Committee Announcement

(CLUE:  OHA would scoop up 20% of the take on any eminent domain cash payments.   Therefore, logically they would seek to disrupt any non-cash deals.  Skipping the fluff, OHA's real statement is highlighted in yellow below.)

News Release from OHA, Nov 14, 2025

The Office of Hawaiian Affairs acknowledges the Governor’s announcement and appreciates the invitation for our Administrator to participate in the Military Lease Advisory Committee. OHA’s role in this group will be to continue examining legally and politically viable alternatives to condemnation, while contributing to a dialogue that fully recognizes what is at risk should the federal government pursue condemnation in a manner that disrupts state rights, undermines historical land claims, weakens the political trust relationship, and disregards the unresolved history of our unrelinquished sovereignty.

“It’s important these conversations do not occur in silos or in a rigid, linear sequence,” said newly appointed committee member and OHA Interim Administrator, Summer Sylva. “A responsible and comprehensive negotiation footing requires the widest possible range of subject-matter expertise and perspectives, guided by pragmatic guardrails and a commitment to inclusion. Hawaiʻi is strongest when its leaders confront complex issues together—with transparency, rigor, and aloha ʻāina.”

“The idea that condemnation is inevitable—and that discussions must focus solely on valuation—overlooks the viable paths still available,” Sylva continued. “The current leases do not expire until 2029, and statutory avenues exist for extensions through 2031 with congressional support, and beyond that through state legislation. Exploring all options is not only prudent—it is essential to avoid forcing Hawaiʻi into false choices.”

“At the same time, the committee’s work to assess the valuation of these lands should not alarm those who oppose condemnation,” added Sylva, a Native rights attorney. “Accurate valuation serves multiple pono purposes far beyond preparing for potential legal action. For decades, military leases across the pae ʻāina have been significantly undervalued. Conducting long-overdue due diligence on the true worth of our lands is essential—whether the path forward involves new or renewed leases, non–live-fire training arrangements, or other alternatives to condemnation. Responsible stewardship of trust lands cannot wait for crises, particularly when their very purpose is to be restored to the people from whom they were unlawfully taken.”

“There is meaningful opportunity in this process—if the Governor and the committee approach it with courage, conviction, and a commitment to leading not from fear but from principle,” reaffirmed OHA Board Chair Kahele. “OHA stands ready to contribute in that spirit.”