Thousands of US Marines Expected to Shift to Hawai’i

By Wendy Osher

Governor Neil Abercrombie today said the state is “well prepared to receive” an anticipated transfer of up to 2,700 US Marines from Okinawa to Hawai’i.

The governor’s office said the announcement is expected from the Pentagon.  Gov. Abercrombie, who served as a former member of the US Congressional Armed Forces Committee, and was chairman of the Subcommittee on Tactical Air and Land Forces, said he anticipated the news for some time.

“Since taking office, I have had discussions with officials from the US Pacific Command in anticipation of a Marine transfer from Okinawa to Hawai’i.  I also met with Okinawa Prefectural Governor Hirokazu Nakaima on this matter when I visited in October,” said Gov. Abercrombie in a statement today.

“As the Pentagon finalizes its plans, I believe the number of marines moving to our state will increase and we are well-prepared to receive them,” said the governor.

While in Congress, Gov. Abercrombie said he worked on key legislation that allowed for ample military housing.

“In my role as governor I am working to ensure that there is ongoing military and state cooperation to allow for a seamless and smooth transition for our servicemen and women and their families,” he said.