OHA creates PIG, convenes technical advisors and presses federal leaders on expiring military leases

At the Maui Island meeting, Trustee Hulu Lindsay outlined OHA’s coordinated strategy for approaching a slate of U.S. military leases on public-trust lands that are scheduled to expire between 2028 and 2031.

Lindsay said the board formed a Permitted Interaction Group (PIG) on Dec. 15, 2025, to develop OHA’s negotiating position and to enable trustees and staff to act urgently and deliberately. The PIG, Lindsay said, includes trustees and administrative leadership supported by a roster of technical advisors with expertise in valuation, law, culture, natural resources, military operations and public policy. OHA approved a $500,000 budget to support the work, Lindsay said.

Lindsay described multiple steps taken since December: convening technical advisors, sending a letter to Army leadership requesting direct engagement, meeting with the governor’s office, and conducting a Washington, D.C. advocacy trip in April. The delegation included OHA leaders and legal staff and sought a formal seat for OHA in any federal process that affects public land trust lands — including negotiations that may arise through the National Defense Authorization Act or appropriations processes.

Lindsay emphasized that OHA considers the lands ‘‘public land trust lands’’ with constitutional and fiduciary responsibilities to protect Native Hawaiian interests. "Our message is not simply 'no,'" Lindsay said. "Native Hawaiian interests must be at the table. Trust lands must be protected. Harms must be addressed and any future use must be fair, transparent and accountable."

The board also played recorded clips of engagement in Washington, including an exchange in which members of Hawaii’s congressional delegation and community representatives pressed Army officials about draft language in the NDAA that community members fear could authorize condemnation or eminent domain. In the clip, an Army official said he would raise those concerns with the Secretary of the Army and that, as of that discussion, there had been no formal offer or negotiated extension presented to the state for the sites discussed.

Trustees said OHA will continue to build the factual and legal record and encouraged ongoing community engagement as the PIG develops negotiating positions and possible "if-then" scenarios for lease expirations.