Navy, NASA withdraw FINAL EIS for Pacific Missile Range Facility and Kōkeʻe Park Geophysical Observatory on Kauaʻi

The Department of Land and Natural Resources has been notified on Nov. 5 that the Department of the Navy and National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) have chosen to withdraw their Final Environmental Impact Statement on the Pacific Missile Range Facility and Kōkeʻe Park Geophysical Observatory.

The Navy plans to amend the Final EIS before resubmitting it in 2027 to the Department of Land and Natural Resources.

“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.”

“DLNR commends the Navy and NASA for their decision to withdraw the FEIS, which we believe to be in the best interest of the people of Hawaiʻi,” said DLNR First Deputy Director Dave Day. “The purpose of an environmental impact statement is to provide decision makers and the public with as much information about a project as possible so that well-reasoned decisions about the use of state land can be made in accordance with Hawaiʻi law.”

“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,” Day said in a department news release.

As a result of the decision, this FEIS will not be presented to the Board of Land and Natural Resources for a determination of its acceptability. Pursuant to Hawaiʻi Administrative Rules §11-200.1-28(g), if the Navy and NASA elect to submit another draft environmental impact statement, it shall meet all requirements for filing, distribution, publication, review, and notification as a draft EIS, including a new public-comment period.

The Navy and NASA report they will work closely with the community and with DLNR throughout the EIS process regarding State-leased lands on Kaua’i. As part of this coordination, the Navy and NASA “will continue to be responsive to DLNR’s requests for clarification and information,” according to a news release announcement.

The community will have an opportunity for public comment.

Background

On Aug. 14, 2026, the Navy and the NASA concurrently filed the final Pacific Missile Range Facility and Kōkeʻe Park Geophysical Observatory real estate environmental impact statement with the DLNR and the state of Hawaiʻi Office of Planning and Sustainable Development Environmental Review Program. This set the original 30-day acceptance deadline for Sept. 13, 2026.

The DLNR granted the Navy and NASA’s request for a 15-day extension on Sept. 4, 2026, pursuant to Hawaiʻi Administrative Rules §11-200.1-28(e)(2)(B). This decision extended the acceptance deadline to Sept. 29, 2026.

On Sept. 14, 2026, however, DLNR suspended the acceptance deadline to protect the public’s ability to participate in the review following the impacts of Hurricane Lowell on Kauaʻi. This decision, made pursuant to Gov. Josh Green’s Second Proclamation Relating to September 2026 Tropical Cyclones, was intended to provide the people of Kauaʻi a meaningful opportunity to participate in any consideration of the FEIS by the BLNR, according to department officials. Under the current version of the proclamation, the emergency period is set to expire on Dec. 20, 2026, but the withdrawal of the FEIS renders such deadline moot.

https://www.dvidshub.net/news/578757/navy-nasa-withdraw-final-eis

*Maui Now’s Wendy Osher contributed to this report.