Case outlines Hawai‘i and Indo-Pacific defense priorities in testimony

US Rep. Ed Case (Hawai‘i – First District) outlined key defense priorities for Hawai‘i and the broader Indo-Pacific region in testimony submitted to the House Armed Services Committee as it drafts the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).

Calling the Indo-Pacific “the frontline of our generation-pacing challenges led by the People’s Republic of China,” Case emphasized Hawai‘i’s central role in national defense and regional strategy. He serves on the House Appropriations Committee and its Subcommittee on Defense, which oversees funding for the Department of Defense.

In his written remarks, Case highlighted five key issues:

Missile Defense for Hawai‘i

Case described current surveillance and missile response capabilities in Hawai‘i as outdated and “unacceptable,” calling for accelerated investment in a modern missile defense system and stronger support for the Hawai‘i National Guard, which provides much of the operation of the system.

Environmental Protection of Hawai‘i

While acknowledging progress in remediating, defueling and closing Red Hill, Case urged continued funding to protect O‘ahu’s aquifers and address PFAS contamination elsewhere in the state. He also highlighted programs like the Readiness and Environmental Protection Integration (REPI) Program that preserve natural resources near military installations.

Soft Power in the Pacific

Case testified in continued support of defense-administered “soft power” efforts throughout the Indo-Pacific region. He said these tools foster goodwill, enhance influence and promote stability “in ways that go beyond combat capabilities and at a fraction of the cost.” He referred to programs and institutions such as the Daniel K. Inouye Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies, the State Partnership Program and the Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation.

Hawai‘i Defense Contracting Reform and Innovation

To keep pace with China’s military advances, Case advocated for streamlined acquisition and faster integration of new technologies through programs like the Defense Innovation Unit.

“We need to continue expanding the use of rapid prototyping pathways that allow US to move at the speed of relevance,” Case said. “By streamlining the acquisition regulations, we can more effectively compete with the [People’s Republic of China], which has invested billions in an effort to develop technology that leapfrogs past our slow-moving acquisition system.”

Hawai‘i Defense Land Needs/Lease Renegotiations

Case noted the strategic importance of military training lands in Hawai‘i and called for lease renewals that reflect both national security needs and community values. “The outcome must reflect a win-win,” he said, “honoring the priorities of the people of Hawai‘i.”

The House Armed Services Committee will consider the NDAA in the coming weeks, alongside budget deliberations by Case’s Appropriations Defense Subcommittee.