The establishment of the Military and Community Affairs Office by the State of Hawai‘i Department of Business Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT) highlights the importance of collaboration and transparency between the state, county governments, the community, and the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD). This initiative aims to address the economic, social, and environmental interdependencies created by the presence of a large military contingent in the state.
In the recent news release, it was announced that the DBEDT has been awarded a $3.2 million grant from the Department of Defense, Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation. This grant will fund the establishment of the Military and Community Affairs Office, which will work towards effective engagement between the State of Hawai‘i and the DoD.
Honolulu, unlike most major metropolitan areas in the United States, is home to every branch of the U.S. Armed Forces and the largest geographic Combatant Commander, the U.S. IndoPacific Command. Additionally, neighbor islands such as Kaua‘i and Hawai‘i Island partner with the DoD through facilities like the Pacific Missile Range Facility and Pōhakuloa Training Area.
The presence of such a large military contingent in Hawai‘i has significant impacts on the state’s economy, natural resources, and infrastructure. Therefore, the efforts of the Military and Community Affairs Office will be focused on building and maintaining initiatives that prioritize both national defense and the vital interests of state and county governments.
The grant funding and the establishment of this office have been welcomed by U.S. Representative Ed Case, who believes that it demonstrates the defense community’s commitment to a full partnership with the state on shared interests and challenges. He also expressed his confidence that the state will effectively utilize this assistance to address key joint issues, such as the closure of Red Hill and future military installation and training needs.
The DBEDT Director, James Kunane Tokioka, highlighted the importance of the defense economy in Hawai‘i, which provides numerous jobs to the community and contributes significantly to the state’s GDP. He emphasized the need for comprehensive study and analysis of the challenges posed by the military presence and expressed confidence that the Military and Community Affairs Office will allow the state and DoD to work together in enriching local communities, including military servicemembers who call Hawai‘i home.
The Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT) serves as Hawai‘i’s resource center for economic and statistical data, business development opportunities, energy and conservation information, and foreign trade advantages. Through its attached agencies, the DBEDT promotes industry development, economic diversification, and planned community development in the state.
Overall, the establishment of the Military and Community Affairs Office is a significant step towards fostering collaboration and transparency between the state, county governments, the community, and the DoD. This initiative acknowledges the unique challenges and opportunities presented by the military presence in Hawai‘i and aims to prioritize both national defense and the interests of the state and its communities.
