Date of Award

Spring 5-9-2025

Degree Name

Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Department

Environmental Studies

Advisor(s)

John Van Buren

Abstract

This thesis explores the enduring consequences of U.S. militarism, colonialism, racism, and environmental destruction in Hawai‘i, demonstrating how historical injustices shape present-day struggles. Using the Marshall Islands as a comparative case study, this research connects the legacies of military occupation and ecological degradation to contemporary issues such as climate-driven disasters and systemic inequality. Chapter 1 examines the role of the U.S. military in Hawai‘i, detailing how occupation, weapons testing, and resource extraction have led to environmental devastation and public health crises. Chapter 2 traces the history of U.S. control, from illegal annexation to the restructuring of Hawai‘i’s economy and governance in ways that have displaced Native Hawaiians and exploited land for profit. Chapter 3 discusses the lingering specter of colonialism, linking concepts like Manifest Destiny to ongoing struggles for Hawaiian sovereignty and the fight for environmental justice. Chapter 4 shifts to the modern era, analyzing the disproportionate impact of climate disasters, such as the Maui fires, on Native Hawaiians and low-income residents. This section highlights systemic barriers, including inequitable access to insurance and government aid, that perpetuate racial and economic disparities in recovery efforts. Chapter 5 explores community-driven responses, including eco-tourism and grassroots activism, while also addressing the political and corporate obstacles that hinder meaningful change. Chapter 6 looks ahead, advocating for Indigenous-led restoration projects, the return of sacred lands, and policy reforms that challenge the ongoing legacy of militarism and colonial exploitation. This thesis reveals how historical injustices continue to manifest today.

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