By Inam Rahman, MD
In Hawaiʻi, land is not just property – it is ʻāina, a living connection between people, culture, and future generations. Water, too, is more than a resource. As many shared during the March 23 gathering in Honolulu, wai is life. When water is threatened so, too, is the health of our communities and the continuity of our way of life.
Community members, Native Hawaiian leaders, policymakers, and military representatives came together to discuss the future of military lands. What became clear was not disagreement about the importance of these issues, but a shared recognition that trust has been deeply strained.
For many, this conversation reflects generations of displacement, restricted access to ancestral lands, and decisions made without meaningful consultation. Voices in the room spoke with honesty and emotion: we have lost trust, and we need transparency, not backdoor conversations. These are not simply frustrations – they are a call for respect, inclusion, and accountability.
As a physician serving West Oʻahu, I see how these issues directly affect health. Clean water, safe land, and a healthy environment are essential to wellbeing. When communities are uncertain about contamination or access to resources, the impact is not only physical, but emotional and cultural.
Military representatives acknowledged these concerns and expressed willingness to improve communication and coordination. Yet important questions remain. Communities are asking for clarity on environmental safety, timelines for cleanup, and long-term plans for land restoration and return. Without clear answers and visible progress, trust will remain difficult to rebuild.
The discussion highlighted serious environmental concerns, including PFAS contamination and the legacy of past military activities. While a multi-year cleanup process has been discussed, families want assurance that these efforts will be thorough, transparent, and guided by community input. The health of keiki and future generations must remain at the center of every decision.
Mākua Valley stands as both a symbol of past challenges and future possibility. While portions of land have been discussed for return, the broader vision of restoration remains incomplete. For many, this is not only about acreage – it is about cultural healing, connection to ʻāina, and honoring moʻokūʻauhau.
Moving forward, rebuilding trust will require more than meetings. It calls for kuleana, a shared responsibility to act with integrity, transparency, and respect. This includes ensuring that communities are informed, that Native Hawaiian voices are included early in decision-making, and that commitments are followed by measurable action.
Hawaiʻi stands at an important moment. The past cannot be undone, but the future can still be shaped by what we choose to do next. By embracing mālama ʻāina and honoring our shared kuleana, we can begin to rebuild trust – not just in words, but through consistent and meaningful action.
Dr. Inam Rahman is a West Oʻahu physician and community advocate focused on health, environmental wellbeing, and practical solutions for Hawaiʻi’s families.
