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 $8.8 billion in 2011.
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.
Major events and activities include:
• The annual Hawaii Military Partnership Conference held in January to update state and county officials and business leaders on the status of the military’s presence in Hawaii.
• Advocate for the military at the State Legislature, City Council meetings, and other forums.
• Visit with the Commander of the U.S. Pacific Command, and the commanders for Pacific command headquarters for the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, and Coast Guard at least annually to address topics of mutual interest.
• Conduct Hawaii’s annual Military Appreciation Month in May to honor and recognize the military troops and their families. This includes a gala Opening Ceremonies to kickoff appreciation month, a Combined Military Band Concert, a Military Recognition Luncheon, and a host of other activities.
• Conduct an annual visit to Washington, D.C. with a delegation of MAC members meeting with key defense officials and military chiefs in the Pentagon and congressional officials on Capitol Hill.
In May 2013, We will celebrate our 28th Annual Hawaii Military Appreciation Month to honor our troops and their families. Please join us as we celebrate the military’s presence in the islands and extend our deepest appreciation for its vital contributions to the social, cultural, and economic well-being of our Ohana, along with a heartfelt Mahalo for protecting our nation, Islands and families.
Events
Combined Military Band Concert
Annual Hawaii, Military Recognition Luncheon
Military Appreciation Day, Honolulu Zoo
If you would like to sponsor an event or make a donation, CLICK HERE to find out how!
Become an event sponsor! offer special programs for the military, or make a donation in support of the 2012 HMAM festivities. Contact Charlie Ota at charles@cochawaii.org or call 545-4300, X320 for details.
