Hawai‘i has long held a unique and strategic role in national defense, serving as home to all branches of the U.S. military while maintaining deep community roots. The military plays a vital role in national security, providing economic stability, infrastructure investments, and job opportunities across the state. However, maintaining a strong, productive relationship between the military and local communities requires clear communication, collaboration, and shared priorities.
The Hawai‘i Military and Community Relations Office (MACRO) was established to serve as a bridge between the military, government agencies, and local residents—helping to strengthen partnerships, build mutual understanding, address concerns, and ensure that military operations contribute positively to Hawai‘i’s communities.
With approximately $10 billion[1] in defense spending annually, the military is one of Hawai‘i’s largest economic drivers, supporting jobs, small businesses, and local industries. At the same time, many military families live in and contribute to Hawai‘i’s communities, making it essential to foster mutual understanding and collaboration to ensure long-term success.
How MACRO Strengthens Military-Community Partnerships
- Strengthening Economic & Workforce Development. The military provides direct and indirect employment for thousands of Hawai‘i residents. MACRO collaborates with local businesses and educational institutions to expand job opportunities, workforce training programs, and veteran hiring initiatives.
- Facilitating Open Dialogue & Public Engagement. MACRO works to ensure that Hawai‘i residents have access to clear, timely, and accurate information about military-related issues. MACRO also serves as a resource for resolving community concerns, helping to bridge gaps in understanding and promote solutions that work for both military and civilian stakeholders.
- Enhancing Education & Community Programs. Through partnerships like the Joint Venture Education Forum (JVEF), MACRO supports military-connected students in Hawai‘i’s public schools. Additionally, MACRO plays a key role in the Public Schools on Military Installations (PSMI) Program, a Department of Defense (DoD)-funded initiative that aims to rebuild and renovate public schools that serve both military and civilian families. By partnering with the Hawai‘i Department of Education, MACRO ensures that educational facilities near military installations are modernized, safe, and well-equipped to meet the needs of all students.
Building strong military-civilian relationships requires ongoing effort, mutual understanding, and a commitment to shared values. MACRO remains dedicated to ensuring that local communities and military installations coexist in a way that promotes and preserves the foundations of Hawai‘i.
[1] https://oldcc.gov/sites/default/files/2024-12/oldcc_dsbs_fy2023_final_web_20240929.pdf