Naval Special Warfare plans to triple the amount of small-unit intermediate and advanced training conducted by SEALs and other special operations forces on non-federal lands in Hawaii, with overall training expanding from Oahu and Hawaii island to Kauai, Maui, Molokai and Lanai. The training increase, revealed in a draft environmental assessment, would begin in 2019 as reported by the Honolulu Star Advertiser and posted on the Military.com website.

According to the assessment, proposed air-based training would include the use of drones, C-17 cargo carriers, helicopters, MV-22 Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft and AC-130 gunships. New threats from China and Russia facilitate the need to have more troops training on varied terrain, the article states. Currently, 110 special operations training events are held annually on non federal lands on Oahu and the Big Island, and for the most part include personnel scuba diving and the use of small ships, boats and submersibles.

The increased training would occur in the nearshore waters and land-based areas on Oahu, the Big Island and Kauai. The joint water, land and air-based training will be conducted along part of the South Kohala and North Kohala coasts, approximately from Mahukona in North Kohala to just south of Kawaihae in South Kohala. Training also is planned in North Kona from Kukio Bay to about Waiaha Bay, south of Kailua Bay.4

That would increase to up to 330 training events under the new Navy proposal, which is subject to a statutory 30-day public comment period ending Dec. 10, and final Navy approval.

LUVA Real Estate, in working to inform our clients, agents and the public about issues that may have an impact that affects real estate on the islands of Hawaii and Oahu wanted to let you know about the opportunity for public comment concerning this issue.

Showing that public concern and comments ARE heard by our elected officials, the military training slated to occur at the park at Mauna Kea have been halted, as reported by West Hawaii Today a week ago.

If you have concerns about the military training on the coast of West Hawaii or Oahu, please voice your concerns before December 10th.