Mākua Valley facts for kids

The Mākua Valley Struggle is an important ongoing event in Hawaii. It's about a disagreement over land rights between the Native Hawaiians and the United States military. This struggle focuses on the beautiful Mākua Valley on the island of Oʻahu.

What is the Mākua Valley Struggle?

The Mākua Valley Struggle is a long-standing effort by Native Hawaiians to regain control of their ancestral lands. These lands have been used by the U.S. military for many years. The dispute involves important cultural sites and the right of Native Hawaiians to live on their traditional lands.

Why is Mākua Valley Important?

Mākua Valley is a very special place for Native Hawaiians. It holds deep cultural and spiritual meaning. It is also home to many unique plants and animals. The U.S. military started using parts of Mākua Valley way back in the 1920s. This use has continued for a long time, leading to the current struggle.

How Did the Struggle Begin?

The struggle became more intense because many Native Hawaiian families were asked to leave their homes in Mākua Valley. Some families had lived there for 50 years or even longer. These requests to leave, called evictions, started in 1983.

People who disagreed with the evictions began to protest. They held "sit-ins" and "camp-ins," where they stayed on the land to show their resistance. In June 1996, after a third eviction attempt, 16 protesters were arrested.

Key Moments in the Struggle

While protests had been happening since the 1960s, two major events stand out:

• January 20, 1983: This day saw many arrests and a big disturbance as people protested the evictions.
• January 1996: A large number of families were asked to leave their homes. The Governor at that time, Ben Cayetano, tried to prevent news reporters from sharing what was happening. He even warned them not to report on the event.

Steps Towards a Solution

In 1999, a first agreement was reached. The U.S. Army agreed to stop military training in the valley for a while. This pause was meant to allow for a study called an Environmental Impact Statement. This study helps understand how military activities affect the environment. A shorter report, an Environmental Assessment, was released in 2000.

More recently, in early 2020, a new proposal was introduced. This proposal was a bill aimed at cleaning up the Mākua Valley. It also suggested returning the land to the people of Hawaii. This ongoing effort shows the dedication of Native Hawaiians to protect their heritage and land.