HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - The Office of Hawaiian Affairs is demanding a seat at the table as Gov. Josh Green works to negotiate new military training land leases with the federal government.

OHA Chair Kai Kahele said there is time to bring the public and Native Hawaiians into the process, despite the governor’s concerns about federal condemnation of the properties.

The Army secretary said he wanted to settle new training leases in Hawaii by the end of the year. Green has interpreted this as a threat that the federal government might take the properties unilaterally.

OHA calls for meaningful participation

“Native Hawaiians want a seat at the table, and it’s very important that Native Hawaiian voices are part of, not just discussion in an advisory capacity,” Kahele said Tuesday morning

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