More than 363 acres of land on Molokai has been returned to the state following the expiration of a 25-year lease by the U.S. Air Force, Gov. Josh Green announced on Friday.

What You Need To Know

  • The land, located in Hoolehua and Palaau, had been used by the Air Force for radio and communications equipment, installation and maintenance at a cost of $40,270 annually

  • DHHL is constitutionally mandated to administer the Hawaiian Home Land Trust created by the U.S. Congress in 1920

  • DHHL director Ikaika Anderson said he plans to travel to Molokai with state Sen. Lynn DeCoite to visit the site and meet with Hawaiian Homes commissioner Zachary Helm, homestead association leaders and beneficiaries regarding its future use

  • DHHL’s planning document identifies the 363-acre parcel as having significant cultural sites that warrant preservation

The land, located in Hoolehua and Palaau, had been used by the Air Force for radio and communications equipment, installation and maintenance at a cost of $40,270 annually. It now returns to the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands.

“This day is long overdue for the beneficiaries and residents of Molokai,” Green said. “We are honored to accept the return of these lands on behalf of our Native Hawaiian beneficiaries. Our commitment to ensuring Native Hawaiians can continue to build their capacity through access to more land remains steadfast in this administration.”

Since statehood, DHHL has been constitutionally mandated to administer the Hawaiian Home Land Trust created by the U.S. Congress in 1920. Its core purpose is to deliver land to Native Hawaiians for housing, farming, ranching, community purposes and mercantile. 

DHHL director Ikaika Anderson said he plans to travel to Molokai with state Sen. Lynn DeCoite to visit the site and meet with Hawaiian Homes commissioner Zachary Helm, homestead association leaders and beneficiaries regarding its future use. 

DHHL’s planning document identifies the 363-acre parcel as having significant cultural sites that warrant preservation. According to the department, the return of the lands will allow for more continuity and connection of Native Hawaiian beneficiaries with cultural and natural resources on the northern cliffs of Molokai.

The parcel is pastoral in nature and also features miles of shoreline access to fishing and other gathering opportunities for cultural practices, the governor’s office said.

“I am pleased that this land is being returned to DHHL to benefit beneficiaries and homesteaders on the Friendly Isle,” DeCoite said. “The repurposing of USAF facilities as critical emergency infrastructure for Molokai’s people will increase the resiliency of our community.

“Representing the only true canoe district in the state Senate, which covers some of the most rural areas and includes Kahoolawe, I am committed to pursuing resources for rural communities and rehabilitation of land and facilities on Molokai and around the state.” 

Michael Tsai covers local and state politics for Spectrum News Hawaii.