Hawaiian Delegation Questions Navy’s Bombing Plans for Kaʻula Island

HONOLULU, Hawaii — Hawaiʻi’s congressional delegation is pressing for answers from the secretary of the Navy regarding plans to increase military bombing exercises on Kaʻula, a small crescent-shaped island southwest of Niʻihau. The military aims to raise its number of inert bombings from 12 to 31 per year on the island, using 500-pound dummy bombs.

Senators Brian Schatz and Mazie Hirono, along with Representatives Ed Case and Jill Tokuda, have called for a full environmental impact statement to clarify the implications of this increase. Schatz emphasized the need for transparency, stating, “If they’re going to bomb a Hawaiian island… anything in the Hawaiian Island chain is the business of the people of Hawaiʻi.”

Historically, past military exercises on Kaʻula have lacked transparency. Schatz expressed concern over the frequency of these bombings, stating that past incidents occurred without community awareness. “Those are some of the answers that we’re trying to pursue,” he said.

Community members and conservationists are in favor of the congressional delegation’s push for an environmental review. Mike Nakachi, a fisherman and cultural practitioner, recalled stories from others who have fished near Kaʻula, mentioning past bombings that disrupted their activities. “I guess a bomb hit the island,” Nakachi recounted.

Kaʻula serves as a critical nesting ground for seabirds, and local advocate Hob Osterlund highlighted the vulnerability of these birds, stating, “Dropping 500-pound inert bombs is going to be felt no matter where you are on this island.” Osterlund also pointed out uncertainty about land ownership and whether the state has authorized the Navy’s activities there.

The Navy has defended its plans, claiming that the training is essential for military readiness and has indicated that the environmental impact on wildlife will be minimal.

Hawaiʻi’s attorney general is looking into the land ownership question alongside the Department of Land and Natural Resources, according to recent reports. Meanwhile, HNN has reached out to the secretary of the Navy for further clarification on the matter.