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Navy finds proposed training would have adverse effect on Ka'ula; OHA seeks signatory role in mitigation
Summary
OHA told trustees it participated in Section 106 consultations and that the Navy formally concluded its land‑based training would adversely affect Ka'ula's integrity; OHA recommended mitigation measures and said it may request signatory status on a memorandum of agreement.
Office of Hawaiian Affairs staff updated trustees July 15 on consultations under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act concerning Ka'ula (Ka'ula Island) as a potential traditional cultural property.
Stacy Ferrer, Kapohana (OHA administration), said OHA met with Pacific Missile Range staff on May 15 and learned consultations were ongoing with at least four Native Hawaiian organizations and the State Historic Preservation Division. Ferrer said OHA recommended mitigation measures including improving fishing access around the island, exploring access for cultural practitioners, updating ethnographic studies, cleaning and remediating land, reducing or ending military training on the island and capturing drone imagery to document conditions.
Ferrer reported the Navy sent a formal letter on June 4 acknowledging that its proposed land‑based training and testing would have an adverse effect on Ka'ula as a traditional cultural property; the Navy identified additional visual and atmospheric impacts that would diminish setting and feeling and noted limited access for cultural practitioners would harm Ka'ula’s cultural significance. Ferrer said OHA’s May consultation had raised consistent concerns and that if SHPD concurs with the Navy’s findings, the next step would be to formalize mitigation through a memorandum of agreement (MOA). Ferrer said OHA may request to be a signatory on that MOA to ensure Native Hawaiian interests are represented.
Ending: OHA said it will continue monitoring the Section 106 process, advocate for mitigation measures, and consider seeking signatory status on any MOA to protect Native Hawaiian access and cultural values.
