Community Outcry Against Navy Partnership in Hawaii Infrastructure Project

In a recent government meeting, significant discussions centered around the advancement of electrical infrastructure in the Kailua area, facilitated by a partnership between the Hawaii Community Development Authority (HCDA) and the U.S. Navy. The HCDA executive director commended the efforts of staff, particularly Garrett Sasaki, for successfully securing $18 million in funding to support three discrete projects aimed at connecting local users to the enterprise quarter grid. This initiative marks a pivotal step in transitioning the Navy's electrical system to the Hawaiian Electric Company (HECO), addressing long-standing reliability issues in the region.

However, the meeting also saw strong opposition from community members regarding the intergovernmental support agreement between HCDA and the Navy. Testifier Tara Roxas expressed concerns that the agreement perpetuates military encroachment and neglect of local interests, arguing that it undermines the community's historical and cultural ties to the land. Roxas criticized the lack of transparency and accountability in the partnership, questioning the environmental impact assessments and the alignment of the project with HCDA's mission to serve the public interest.

Another community member, Kehlani Sonoda Palle, echoed these sentiments, highlighting confusion surrounding the details of the agreement and the entities involved. She called for clearer communication and transparency regarding the partnership's implications for the community.

The meeting underscored a growing tension between infrastructure development and community concerns over military influence and environmental stewardship in Hawaii. As the HCDA moves forward with its plans, the voices of local residents continue to call for accountability and a commitment to prioritizing the community's needs over military objectives.