The U.S. military first entered Hawaiian waters in the early 1800s and quickly established an enduring relationship with the Kingdom of Hawaii.  This relationship has matured over the years, integrating the military community into Hawaii’s ohana and influencing every facet of our society.           

When 14,000 of Hawaii’s military troops were deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan, the people of the state felt the emotional impact of having family, friends, co-workers and employees leave our Ohana, once again put in harm’s way to fight for freedom and democracy.  We did so many times in the 1900s during the war years of World War I, World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War.  

Many in the business community also felt the economic impact of having so many of our servicemen and women deploy for extended periods of up to 18 months.  The military plays a vital part of Hawaii’s economic growth, with defense expenditures topping $5.6 billion in 2005.

Most people are unaware that Hawaii has the unique distinction of being the home of the largest combatant command in the world, the U.S. Pacific Command based at Camp H.M. Smith.  Hawaii is also home to the Pacific headquarters for the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard, with combat ready forces based at Schofield Barracks, Naval Station Pearl Harbor, Hickam AFB, and Marine Corps Base Hawaii.  The U.S. command and control of peacekeeping, humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, and warfighting operations for the entire Pacific region is based in Hawaii.

Hawaii’s military population totals about 40,000 active, reserve, and national guard troops, along with 18,000 civilians working for the military and more than 55,000 military family members.  There are over 120,000 retired military and veterans residing in Hawaii. 

Every one of these members are part of Hawaii’s Ohana, paying state and county taxes on their expenditures.  Those who are state residents or are employed in Hawaii pay income taxes on their earnings.

Being a part of Hawaii’s Ohana, it is important that Hawaii’s business community and residents recognize the military’s essential role in creating stability in the Asia Pacific, as well as the dedication and personal sacrifices made daily by the troops to protect our grateful state and Nation.

It is for these reasons that the Chamber and its Military Affairs Council have paid tribute to the military by conducting Hawaii Military Appreciation Month in May, every year, since 1985.  We invite everyone to join with us in honoring and thanking our troops and to build on the strong bond between the military and Hawaii’s business sector and residents.