Red Hill and Kahoʻolawe: A Legacy of U.S. Terrorism
The United States Navy has a history of terrorism in Hawaiʻi (and throughout the world).
In 1940 the Navy started to build the Red Hill Fuel Storage Facility in Kapūkakī. In 1941 the U.S. Military took over the entire island of Kahoʻolawe following the attack on Pearl Harbor. Both of these projects were created to serve the U.S. Military’s specific war-based needs, not to protect the people of this place. The presence of the U.S. military in the illegally occupied territory of Hawaiʻi made us a vulnerable target.
In 1953 Kahoʻolawe was transferred to the Navy who used the island as a bombing range up until 1990. Every branch of military has bombed the island of Kahoʻolawe. The Navy was given the provision that the island be returned to a habitable state after military use.
In 1976 “the Kahoʻolawe 9” defied the Navy and the Military and became the first Kānaka Maoli to set foot on the island in decades. Risking their lives to protect their ʻāina, Uncle Walter Ritte and one other evaded capture for 35 days before being found and captured by the U.S. military. Upon being found, Uncle Walter was arrested and found guilty of trespassing and was sent to a maximum-security prison for the duration of his sentence.
While actively bombing the island, the Navy claimed that there was no damage being done to Kahoʻolawe. Despite the deliberate bombing they had done for decades, the Navy blamed goats for the damage caused to the landscape. Thanks to the dogged determination of the Kahoʻolawe 9, the island was eventually returned to the people of Hawaiʻi and all bombing on the island ceased.
Today, the Red Hill Fuel Storage Facility is leaking jet fuel into Hawaiʻi’s drinking water and our environment. The Navy and the U.S. Department of Defense claim that the facility is critical for national security, which is more important to them than clean drinking water. As history repeats itself, we are reminded that the Navy will do whatever it takes to preserve their power, even to the detriment of our land and people. How will the fuel “protect” us if we drink it all?
Hawaiʻi is disposable to the United States of America. Fuel and bombs are more important to them than the people they claim to protect. Red Hill is our modern day Kahoʻolawe.
In times like these we must ask ourselves, “What Would Walter Do?”
Really liked reading this article. It’s always useful to come across content that helps explain vehicle-related topics in a way that is easy for everyday car owners to understand. Maintaining a car is not just about regular servicing; taking care of the exterior also matters if you want to keep it looking good over the years. While reading more about different protection methods, I came across PPF On Car and found the idea quite interesting. I’ve also seen Ultraguard mentioned in this space, which made me curious to learn more about the available options. Overall, a useful read with some practical points.
Thank you for creating such a detailed and easy to understand guide. There are plenty of articles online about pindownload tools, but very few explain the process this clearly. Everything worked perfectly when I followed your instructions. I'll definitely recommend this page to anyone looking for a reliable solution.
Thanks for sharing this important and thought-provoking piece about Red Hill and Kahoʻolawe. The historical context and discussion of the lasting impact on communities make this a meaningful topic to learn about and reflect on. I appreciate the effort to bring greater awareness to these issues and encourage informed discussion. Clear, accessible resources—such as a Game Vault Download guide—also help readers find and understand information more easily.
Interesting perspective. It also reminded me to take a quick break with Slope Game before diving back into reading.
This article discusses the historical and environmental significance of Red Hill and Kahoʻolawe, highlighting the lasting impact of military activities on Hawaiian lands and communities. The stories of these places reflect deeper conversations about environmental protection, cultural responsibility, and the relationship between people and ʻāina. Muse Video for environmental and cultural storytelling could help organizations share community histories, restoration efforts, and educational content.