Shoreline Access on Military Property
Public access onto beaches that are within military reservations are controlled by national/homeland security laws that preempt the state laws.- Various beaches throughout the State of Hawaii are restricted by the federal government’s preemption by way of the Supremacy Clause in Article VI of the U.S. Constitution.
- Military bases also restrict beach access in their own ways.
- Some beaches are only for military personnel or authorized civilians.
- The military has the authority through federal laws to restrict and deny access to any beaches and shorelines contained within a military base or property.
- The military has on occasion opened up some beaches in Hawaii for public access with some restrictions (hours of operation, requiring permits, etc.)
- For an example, see the following article: Public denied access to some Oahu beaches.
Q: Who can use military base facilities, services, and programs including access to the beaches on base?
A: Active duty military, military retirees, reservists, National Guardsmen, Department of Defense civilian employees with proper ID cards are eligible to use the facilities, services and programs at Bellows