About
The Military and Community Relations Office (MACRO) was established on April 1, 2024, through funding from the Office of Defense Community Cooperation (OLDCC) and is fully federally funded.
Mission
To promote positive relationships between Hawai‘i’s military and civilian sectors by fostering mutual respect and understanding through collaboration on issues important to both the United States Department of Defense and the State of Hawai‘i. Through engagement, education, and transparent communication with the military, MACRO is committed to promoting and preserving the foundations of Hawai‘i.
Vision
To build a sustainable future for Hawai‘i by strengthening bonds between the U.S. Department of Defense and the State of Hawai‘i, promoting cooperation and shared benefits across military and civilian communities.
Building Partnerships for a Sustainable Future
The office is dedicated to enhancing Hawaiʻi ’s ability to assess, communicate, and address the state’s needs for a sustainable future while simultaneously supporting the long-term sustainability of Department of Defense (DoD) activities in the state. As the primary coordination function between the State of Hawaiʻi and the U.S. DoD, MACRO serves as the principal line of communication on matters relating to the DoD’s presence, fostering a cooperative working relationship focused on problem-solving and mutual benefit.
The Impact of Hawai’i’s Military Presence
The military’s presence in Hawaiʻi creates significant economic, social, and environmental interdependencies. In recent years, direct spending by the DoD accounted for 8.3% of the state’s GDP—the second highest share in the nation and represents the second-largest sector of Hawaiʻi’s economy. Approximately 6% of Hawaiʻi’s population consists of defense personnel and their dependents. Additionally, the state is home to about 20,000 other defense civilians, 115,000 veterans, and 18,000 retirees.
The military owns or utilizes approximately 221,000 acres, or 5% of Hawaiʻi ’s total land area. This presence is especially concentrated on O‘ahu, where 44,423 military personnel and their dependents reside, accounting for about 9% of the island’s population.
A Hub for Military and Community Connection
Unlike most other metropolitan areas, Honolulu County hosts every branch of the U.S. Armed Forces. Furthermore, the state is home to the Combatant Commander of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (Indo-Pacom) and the Component Commanders of the U.S. Pacific Fleet, U.S. Army Pacific, U.S. Marine Forces Pacific, U.S. Pacific Air Forces, and the Commander of the 14th Coast Guard District, among other key military installations.
MACRO serves as the primary liaison between the U.S. DoD, the State of Hawaiʻi, and the broader community. Fostering strong community relationships is crucial for military readiness. When service members feel supported and integrated within their local communities, their morale and well-being improve, directly enhancing their performance and preparedness. Engaging with residents creates a sense of unity and shared purpose, bolstering the resilience and effectiveness of our forces. By nurturing these connections, we establish a robust support network vital for maintaining the readiness and capability of our troops. Transparent communication and collaboration between the military and the community strengthen public trust and confidence in our defense initiatives.
Meet The Leadership Behind MACRO
The leadership of the Military and Community Relations Office (MACRO) is composed of experienced professionals dedicated to fostering collaboration between Hawai‘i’s military and civilian sectors.
With a deep understanding of the dynamics of the islands, the team is committed to advancing initiatives that create mutual benefits for both the State of Hawai‘i and the U.S. Department of Defense.
Laurie Moore
Executive Director
John J. Greene
Deputy Director