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Speakers call for full return of Makua Valley, $500 million endowment and binding cleanup commitments
Summary
During OHA’s Waiʻanae presentation, residents and community leaders urged complete return of Makua Valley and other leased lands, proposed a $500 million endowment for cleanup and stewardship, and recounted long-running legal and cultural claims; testimony included allegations about contamination and calls for transparent valuation and legislative oversight.
Community commenters at the Office of Hawaiian Affairs meeting pressed for the full return of Makua Valley and other military-leased lands and demanded clear, enforceable commitments for cleanup and compensation before any new long-term leases are approved.
Former Marine James Cowles told trustees he did not accept proposals to return only a portion of Makua: "I want the whole valley returned back to where it belongs," he said, adding that the military should provide funds so community members can lead remediation. Another speaker, identified in the meeting as a community elder, urged an…
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