Hawaii House Bill HB2100

Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/26/26
• Refer: 1/28/26

Caption

Proposing An Amendment To The Hawaii State Constitution To Prohibit Destructive Live-fire Military Training On Public Lands.

Impact

The proposed constitutional amendment seeks to safeguard public trust lands from the destructive impacts associated with military exercises that utilize heavy weaponry. This practice can lead to soil and water contamination, wildfires, and harm to both cultural and ecological resources. By prohibiting such activities, the bill aims to fulfill the state's fiduciary duty to preserve these lands for the benefit of future generations and to address past failures in oversight, as established in a precedent case and acknowledged by the legislature.

Summary

House Bill 2100 proposes an amendment to the Hawaii State Constitution aimed at prohibiting destructive live-fire military training on public trust lands. The bill highlights the current military leases set to expire between 2028 and 2031 for various lands in Hawaii, such as Makua Valley and Pohakuloa. It asserts that the military's use of these lands for live-fire training, which involves the discharge of real munitions, poses significant environmental risks and conflicts with the state's constitutional responsibilities to protect natural and cultural resources.

Contention

The proposal is likely to engender discussions around the balance of military training needs versus environmental preservation and cultural respect. While supporters may argue for the necessity of protecting public trust lands, opponents might raise concerns regarding the military's operational capabilities and the potential impacts this amendment could have on defense activities in the state. The debate will pivot on the tensions between ensuring compliance with constitutional duties and the practical implications of restricting military exercises within Hawaii.