Part 1 of Westside Ledger’s ongoing series examining federal land-use agreements, environmental responsibilities and the future of state lands in West Kauaʻi.
WEST KAUAʻI — Thousands of acres of state-owned land used by the U.S. Navy and NASA are approaching a pivotal period as longstanding land-use agreements near expiration, raising questions about future land management, environmental protections, cultural access and community participation.
Although both federal agencies withdrew their Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) on November 5, the underlying land-use agreements and questions surrounding their future remain unresolved.
In written responses provided to Westside Ledger, officials with the Pacific Missile Range Facility (PMRF) outlined the extent of the Navy’s existing agreements, proposed alternatives for continued land use and the process required before new agreements can be finalized.
PMRF confirmed that its responses remain factual and unchanged despite the withdrawal.
More than 8,000 acres under Navy agreements
According to PMRF, the Navy currently holds leases and easements covering approximately 8,172 acres of state land on Kauaʻi, including 684 acres of leaseholds and 7,488 acres of easements.
These agreements encompass five areas associated with PMRF operations: Main Base at Barking Sands, Kamokalā Ridge, Mānā Water Well, Miloliʻi Ridge and Mākaha Ridge.
The Navy’s August 2026 Final Environmental Impact Statement identified several principal agreements scheduled to expire in fiscal years 2029 and 2030, including leases S-3852 and S-3952 and easements S-5804, S-5604 and S-5352.
NASA also maintains agreements involving approximately 23 acres of state land supporting operations at the Kōkeʻe Park Geophysical Observatory (KPGO).
Together, these agreements support military and scientific operations that have maintained a longstanding presence in West Kauaʻi.
What was being proposed?
Before the FEIS withdrawal, the Navy and NASA were pursuing new real estate agreements for a minimum of 25 years, with the maximum duration subject to negotiations with the Hawaiʻi Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR).
The August 2026 FEIS evaluated two action alternatives for the Navy.
One involved securing new agreements covering the same state land areas and existing uses. The other considered acquiring up to 700 acres of currently leased land while maintaining associated easements.
PMRF stated that neither alternative proposed expanding the existing land footprint or changing the type or frequency of activities conducted on state lands.
Compensation to the state would be based on fair market value, with final terms determined through negotiations.
However, these alternatives were evaluated under the now-withdrawn environmental document. Whether they will remain unchanged in revised documentation has not been established.
Environmental protections and cultural access
The future of these lands also involves questions about natural and cultural resource management, environmental monitoring and public access.
According to PMRF, the withdrawn FEIS outlined continued implementation of existing environmental protections, including natural and cultural resource management plans, monitoring programs and previously established mitigation measures.
Additional proposed measures included habitat restoration, erosion control, wildlife monitoring and improved coordination with state agencies.
The document also proposed developing access management plans intended to improve procedures for public, cultural and recreational access while accounting for military operational and safety requirements.
PMRF stated that these plans would be developed in consultation with DLNR, the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Native Hawaiian organizations and other stakeholders following approval of new agreements.
The FEIS also considered a no-action alternative under which the state would not grant new agreements after existing arrangements expire.
Under that scenario, the affected lands would ultimately return to state management, although decisions regarding restoration, infrastructure removal and potential remediation would require further consideration and negotiations.
No specific future land-use or restoration plan has been selected.
Environmental review withdrawn, decisions still ahead
The Navy and NASA filed their FEIS with state officials on August 14, 2026.
Following Hurricane Lowell, DLNR suspended the document’s acceptance deadline in September to protect the public’s ability to participate meaningfully in the review process.
On November 5, both federal agencies withdrew the FEIS, preventing it from proceeding to the Board of Land and Natural Resources (BLNR) for an acceptability determination.
The Navy has indicated plans to revise the environmental documentation and resubmit it in 2027.
The withdrawal does not terminate existing land-use agreements or resolve whether new agreements will ultimately be approved.
Future decisions will involve environmental review, negotiations with the state and separate BLNR consideration of proposed real estate agreements.
Additional opportunities for public participation are anticipated, although specific meeting dates and comment procedures have not yet been announced.
What comes next for West Kauaʻi?
For residents of West Kauaʻi, the process raises broader questions about the long-term stewardship of public lands, cultural and recreational access, environmental accountability and the balance between federal operations and community interests.
PMRF has established an enhanced community engagement initiative intended to improve communication with residents and Native Hawaiian organizations.
However, important questions remain regarding the potential acquisition of state land, the future of environmental and cultural access commitments, and how community concerns may influence revised proposals.
Westside Ledger has requested additional clarification from PMRF regarding these matters.
As the environmental review process continues, Westside Ledger will examine the individual roles of PMRF and NASA, seek perspectives from state agencies and Native Hawaiian community members, and follow opportunities for public participation before decisions affecting these lands are finalized.
This is Part 1 of Westside Ledger’s ongoing examination of federal land-use agreements in West Kauaʻi.
Sources:
U.S. Navy and NASA announcement regarding the FEIS withdrawal.
Pacific Missile Range Facility, written responses to Westside Ledger, November 6, 2026.
PMRF and KPGO Environmental Impact Statement project documents, including the August 2026 FEIS, Volumes 1 and 2.
Hawaiʻi Department of Land and Natural Resources, November 5, 2026 announcement.