US Navy, NASA Withdraw Environmental Review of Hawaii Military Facilities

US Navy, NASA Withdraw Environmental Review of Hawaii Military Facilities

November 6, 2026 | By Semahegn Nigatu

The US Navy and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) have withdrawn their final environmental impact statement for two facilities in Hawaii, halting the current approval process and potentially requiring a new public consultation before the project can proceed.

The withdrawal concerns the Pacific Missile Range Facility (PMRF) and Kōkeʻe Park Geophysical Observatory (KPGO), following concerns over the environmental review process and public participation.

Hawaii's Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) said the decision means the final environmental impact statement will no longer be submitted to the state Board of Land and Natural Resources for an assessment of its acceptability.

If the Navy and NASA decide to submit a new draft environmental impact statement, they will have to comply with the state's requirements for filing, publication, distribution, review and notification, including opening a new public-comment period.

Dave Day, DLNR's first deputy director, said the withdrawal was in the interest of Hawaii residents and reflected the importance of complying with state environmental review requirements.

The agencies filed the final environmental impact statement with DLNR and Hawaii's Office of Planning and Sustainable Development Environmental Review Program on August 14, 2026.

The filing initially triggered a 30-day acceptance period, which was later extended by 15 days following a request from the federal agencies.

However, DLNR suspended the deadline on September 14 after Hurricane Lowell affected Kauai, seeking to preserve residents' opportunity to participate in the review process.

The suspension was made under Governor Josh Green's emergency proclamation relating to tropical cyclones in September 2026.

The decision to withdraw the environmental statement means the suspended acceptance deadline is no longer relevant to the current review.

Source: FSX Business News