Environmental review withdrawn for Kauai leased lands

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - The Navy and NASA have withdrawn a joint environmental impact statement for leased sites on Kauai after reviewing community feedback.

The final environmental impact statement, or EIS, addressed plans for the continued use of the Pacific Missile Range Facility at Barking Sands and the Koke’e Park Geophysical Observatory.

The agencies submitted the document to the Department of Land and Natural Resources on Aug. 14 and officially withdrew it Nov. 5, according to a statement from the Navy on Thursday.

“We recognize we have an important opportunity to further enhance the EIS,” said Rear Adm. Rich Jarrett, commander, Navy Region Hawaii. “The feedback we received has been valuable, and we are ready to put in extra effort to identify ways to further develop and refine the document, building on the significant work we have completed to date.”

The Navy did not provide details on potential changes, but said the agencies plan to submit an amended final EIS in 2027.

DLNR commended the decision, saying it was in the best interest of the people of Hawaii.

“Whether a person agrees or disagrees with this particular project, the Navy and NASA’s decision to withdraw the FEIS and potentially work to address concerns demonstrates respect for Hawaiʻi law and a responsiveness by federal agencies to the views of the people of Hawaiʻi who made their voices heard,” said DLNR First Deputy Director Dave Day.

The withdraw comes after the 30-day public comment deadline was extended to give more people the opportunity to participate while dealing with challenges from Hurricane Lowell. The proclamation granting the suspension was set to expire Dec. 20, but that deadline is now moot.

If a new EIS is submitted, DLNR said it will have to meet all filing, publication, and review standards again, including a new public-comment period.