Prioritizing national security over care for land? A qualitative study on the social, ecological and cultural impacts of the U.S. military in Hawaii

Abstract: Social, ecological, and cultural impacts associated with the U.S. military in Hawaii are egregious. However, due to the historical oppressions and injustices to Hawaiians, the U.S. military maintains their hegemony by wielding a disproportionate decisive political and economic power. This study aims to explore perceptions of Native Hawaiian and non-native activists regarding the military impacts and the ways they address these impacts. Online interviews are conducted to fulfill the aims. Social impacts include housing insecurity, unexplored ordinance, water pollution, human health and sexual violence. Ecological impacts include threats to and loss of indigenous and endangered flora and fauna. Cultural impacts include limiting access to sacred sites, religious practices, eradicating traditional lifestyles and cutting off genealogical connections. To subvert the military hegemony, activists engage in community education, restoration program, storytelling and legal approaches. The study highlights the importance of collective actions in the demilitarization movements.