Community Conversations
Listening. Learning. Building Understanding.
We believe that meaningful progress begins with listening.
Community Conversations are small-group, in-person discussions designed to create space for open, honest dialogue across Hawaiʻi. These conversations bring together community voices to share perspectives, raise concerns, identify opportunities for greater understanding, and provide informed input on decisions affecting Hawai‘i’s future.
What We’re Exploring
These conversations are focused on exploring how relationships between the military and communities in Hawaiʻi can be strengthened over time.
Participants are invited to share their perspectives on what meaningful engagement could look like moving forward — including how trust can be built, how community input can be reflected in decision-making, and what a more balanced and respectful approach to land use and training might involve.
The goal is not to arrive at immediate answers, but to create space for thoughtful dialogue around complex issues and to identify areas where greater understanding and alignment may be possible.
Who We’re Meeting With
We are engaging with a wide range of voices across the community, including:
• Cultural practitioners and ʻike holders
• Community and neighborhood leaders
• Nonprofit and service organizations
• Educators and youth-focused groups
• Business and industry representatives
Our goal is to ensure that a diversity of perspectives — especially those most connected to place — are heard and reflected.
Emerging Themes
Trust, Transparency & Accountability
Participants consistently emphasized the importance of building trust through transparency, open communication, follow-through on commitments and meaningful accountability.
Land Stewardship & Cultural Connections
Many discussions highlighted the deep cultural, historical and spiritual significance of land, as well as the importance of stewardship and caring for resources for future generations.
Access & Community Use
Participants expressed interest in expanding opportunities for community access, cultural use and engagement while balancing operational and security considerations.
Environmental Restoration & Cleanup
Environmental stewardship, restoration and long-term responsibility for impacted lands and natural resources emerged as key priorities across conversations.
Community Inclusion & Representation
Many participants emphasized the importance of ensuring diverse voices are included in discussions and decision-making processes, particularly those with cultural and place-based connections to affected lands.
Economic Opportunity & Community Benefit
Participants discussed ways to strengthen local economic participation and ensure that military-related investments and activities create meaningful benefits for Hawaiʻi’s communities.
Sustainability & Future Partnerships
Conversations frequently focused on long-term resilience, shared stewardship and opportunities for collaboration that support Hawaiʻi’s future while addressing community priorities.
Request a Conversation
We are continuing to expand these conversations across the state. If your organization or community group is interested in hosting a Community Conversation, we
welcome the opportunity to connect.