Hawaii demands fair rent for Army's Makua Valley lease on ceded lands

In a recent meeting of the OHA Board of Trustees, discussions turned to the significant issue of land leases in Hawaii, particularly focusing on the Makua Valley. The atmosphere was charged with a sense of urgency as trustees highlighted the complexities surrounding the leasing of these lands, which hold deep historical and cultural significance for the Hawaiian people.

The state currently leases 782 acres in Makua Valley to the U.S. Army, which is part of a larger arrangement involving nearly 23,000 acres of land leased from the state. These lands are classified as ceded lands, originally belonging to the Kingdom of Hawaii, and are considered public trust lands. This designation underscores the responsibility of the state to manage these lands in a way that benefits the Hawaiian community.

Trustees expressed concern over the financial arrangements tied to these leases, emphasizing that the state should be receiving a fair share of the revenue generated from these lands. The current lease agreements, which reportedly allow for payments as low as one dollar a year, were met with skepticism. The trustees argued that such terms do not reflect the true value of these lands and fail to honor the historical context from which they arise.

As the meeting progressed, the conversation shifted towards the broader implications of these leasing practices. The trustees underscored the need for a reevaluation of how these lands are managed and the importance of ensuring that the benefits derived from them are equitably shared with the Hawaiian community. This discussion not only highlights the ongoing struggles for land rights but also reflects a deeper yearning for recognition and respect for Hawaii's rich cultural heritage.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to further investigate these leasing agreements and advocate for changes that would better serve the interests of the Hawaiian people. As the trustees left the room, the weight of their discussions lingered, a reminder of the ongoing journey toward justice and equity in the stewardship of Hawaii's lands.