By Lee Cataluna
Advertiser Columnist

Want to get your hands on thousands of acres of crown land along one of Hawai'i's most beautiful and unspoiled coastlines?

It's easy. Just mention 9/11.

The Navy, in the name of national security, asked for 270 acres of ag and beach land to expand the Pacific Missile Range on the west side of Kaua'i. It also wanted control over 5,371 acres of adjacent former sugar land.

The terms the Navy wanted for the lease?

For free. For ever.

Or in government-speak, gratis. In perpetuity. And the state was ready to give it to them.

The land was leased by Kekaha Sugar from 1966 until 2001. It goes from the rolling white dunes of Polihale beach to the base of the Mana cliffs. The request was taken up by the Board of Land and Natural Resources yesterday at the Kaua'i Memorial Convention Hall.

In a 9-page report submitted by Department of Land and Natural Resources staff, the department's position is spelled out:

"... staff is recommending the Board approve of the Navy's request for a restrictive use easement and the additional 270 acres to its lease. Staff is recommending gratis rent for both dispositions in recognition of the fact that the Navy's use of the lands are a public use, one of the Public Land Trust purposes authorized under the Admission Act. While individuals may object to the military, the fact remains that national security and defense are basic functions of our government and the State historically does not charge rent for government uses. Additionally, the State is realizing much benefit and cost savings from the Navy taking on a substantial portion of the operations and maintenance cost of the drainage pumps, ditches, and related infrastructure."

The sunlight shines so brightly on Polihale that the colors of the water and sky hurt your eyes. There is all of life and death on that land. Pueo watch everyone who comes and goes. Verdant trees grow out of seemingly waterless hills of sand. There are burials there with all the dignity of Punchbowl.

Yes, Navy control over that land could mean protection from future development. It sure did that for Kaho'olawe.

In November of last year, more than 200 Kaua'i people attended a public hearing on this matter. Those in attendance were overwhelmingly against the proposal. So the Navy made some changes to the plan, including expanded public beach access and a public affairs officer to act as a "community liaison."

In the current frenzy of nationalized hegemony euphemistically called patriotism, any suggestion that maybe the military should keep their hands off Hawaiian land will be drowned out by choruses of Toby Keith's charming anthem.

Hundreds of Kaua'i residents attended yesterday's all-day meeting. At times, it was standing room only. In the end, the Land Board voted in favor of granting almost what the Navy wanted — not forever. The lease is for 25 years. But still, for nothing.

Lee Cataluna's column runs Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays. Reach her at 535-8172 or lcataluna@honoluluadvertiser.com.