The United States has one of the largest militaries in the world, in addition to having the largest defense budget. In 2018, the defense budget was approved for approximately $700 billion dollars [1]. With such a large budget, the military has a big impact on our economy here in Hawai’i; where there are 11 military bases and 50,088 military personnel total [2]. Hawai’i has the largest amount of active duty military personnel than any other state [2]. From paid state taxes to residential home purchases to the creation of new jobs, the military has a big impact on our state’s economy.

Many military personnel live off base and receive a stipend from the government to cover their cost of living. Military personnel account for 5% to 10% of renters in Hawai’i at any given time [3]. Many landlords prefer military renters, since they generally pay on time and take good care of their units. As the quality of life is very high in Hawai’i, many military personnel end up buying homes here to either use as a permanent residence, a rental unit, or a vacation home. This is further encouraged by the lack of having to make a down payment on a new home, when purchasing through the Veterans Affairs Home Loans. Overall, this means more revenue for the state of Hawai’i in form of state and property taxes.

The military also employs numerous jobs throughout the state. The RAND Corporation found in 2011, that every $1 million spent towards the defense budget accounted for roughly 16. 52 jobs here in Hawai’i [4]. Furthermore, there was approximately 105,533 total jobs associated with the military [4]. In the public sector, military spouses made up about 4% of all job holders [4]. As the military has recently been constructing new additions and improvements to its bases, these numbers have likely increased since 2011.

For the fiscal year of 2018, the Senate Appropriations Committee approved over $266 million in federal funding for military construction and repair projects. The funds have been appropriated, as listed below, for the following projects [5]:

• Army’s Command and Control Facility at Fort Shafter - $90 million
• A sewer lift station and relief sewer line at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam - $73. 2 million
• New MV-22 landing pads at Marine Corps Base Kaneohe Bay - $19. 012 million
• A communication/crypto facility in Wahiawa - $65. 864 million
• A consolidated training facility for the Air Force Reserve at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam - $5. 5 million
• Improvements to the tunnel entrance at the NSA facility at Kunia - $5 million
• Two energy and conservation investment projects at Marine Corps Base Kaneohe Bay and at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam - $7. 6 million

With all this new construction underway, Hawai’i can expect to see a rise in job demand and subsequently a drop in unemployment. Many large contracting companies will have an opportunity to work alongside the military as they begin to build and upgrade their bases.

In addition to the above projects, the Army plans to demolish almost a 100 Quonset huts at Pohakuloa Training Area on Big Island [6]. They are to be replaced by one-story concrete masonry structures of similar size. According to the Army, these upgrades "will modernize aging, outdated utility and building infrastructure which do not support PTA's mission, and which require increasing maintenance and repair to remain operational” [6]. The new buildings are intended to be used as barracks, troop support and administrative and industrial support facilities [6].

In addition to economical support, the military also hosts a variety of events for the general public to enjoy. Pearl Harbor-Hickam base hosts an annual 4th of July celebration consisting of local bands, great food, and a beautiful firework display. They also hosted the famous Air Force Thunderbirds back in 2009; four F-16 Falcon jets that fly in close formation performing roughly 30 awe inspiring air maneuvers. The Air Force also held its 33rd joint military concert at the Hawaii Theater. The concert consisted of the Army 25th Infantry Division Band, the Hawaii Army National Guard Band, the Marine Corps Forces Pacific Band, the Navy U.S. Pacific Fleet Band and the Air Force Band of the Pacific. It served to highlight the importance of family and friends as well as to pay tribute to our active service members, veterans, and contracted civilians.

The military makes up for a significant part of Hawai’i, in both space and population. It has a large effect on our economy and society, including the aforementioned growing job market to hosting events for the local community. With the new defense budget approved and several construction projects on the way, it seems the military’s role will only become larger over the next several years. But what is most important, is that our servicemen and servicewomen protect our islands and serve our country. Just as they support our community, it is important that we support our brave men and women in uniform.

[1] https://militarybenefits.info/2018-defense-budget-overview/
[2] http://hawaiiindependent.net/story/is-hawaiis-military-presence-pricing-local-residents-out-of-the-housing-mar
[3] http://www.kitv.com/story/34591771/how-the-military-impacts-rent-prices-in-hawaii
[4] https://www.rand.org/content/dam/rand/pubs/technical_reports/2011/RAND_TR996.pdf
[5] https://www.bizjournals.com/pacific/news/2017/07/13/hawaii-setto-receive-266m-in-federal-funding-for.html
[6] https://www.military.com/daily-news/2018/07/11/army-plans-demolish-iconic-deteriorated-quonset-huts-hawaii.html