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SB 2534

PROPOSING AN AMENDMENT TO THE HAWAII STATE CONSTITUTION TO PROHIBIT DESTRUCTIVE LIVE-FIRE MILITARY TRAINING ON PUBLIC LANDS.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Ron Kouchi

Hawaii constitutional amendment would ban destructive live-fire military training on public lands, requiring voter approval and substantially restricting military exercise operations statewide.

Referred to WLA/PSM, JDC/WAM.
#constitutionalamendment #destructivelive-firemilitarytraining #officeofhawaiianaffairspackage #prohibition(conam) #publictrustlands
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 2534

Legislative bill overview

SB 2534 proposes a constitutional amendment to Hawaii's state constitution that would prohibit destructive live-fire military training exercises on public lands. The bill would require voter approval through a statewide referendum to take effect. This represents a significant policy shift regarding military land use on islands with substantial public property holdings.

Why is this important

Hawaii hosts major U.S. military installations and training ranges, making this amendment potentially consequential for both military readiness operations and land conservation. The measure directly impacts how public lands—a contested resource in Hawaii—can be utilized and would constrain military operational flexibility across the state's training infrastructure. Environmental groups and military stakeholders have strong competing interests in this outcome.

Potential points of contention

  • Military operational impact: The U.S. Department of Defense and military branches may argue that live-fire training restrictions compromise readiness and force effectiveness in the Pacific theater
  • Constitutional amendment threshold: This approach requires supermajority legislative approval and voter referendum, making passage procedurally difficult and raising questions about whether this warrants constitutional-level protections versus statutory regulation
  • Definition and scope ambiguity: The bill's language around "destructive" live-fire training is undefined—disputes would likely arise over which training activities qualify as prohibited versus permitted military use

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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