KHON2's exclusive visit to the forbidden Island of Niihau explored its traditions and culture mostly unchanged since the 1800s.
But it has a very modern side. On Wednesday night, KHON2 explored how Niihau plays a key role for the U.S. military.
Barking Sands, Kauai's Pacific missile range facility, shares a channel view with Niihau.
Perched atop the forbidden island's 1,300-foot-high cliffs are sets of high-tech equipment the Kauai site relies on in large part to do its testing and training.
Tom Clements of the Pacific Missile Range Facility says, "It's all a part of that stadium that provides that instant replay back to the customer."
21st century missile defense tests were conducted here for the U.S. military and allies the world around. "And this is a great set of eyes up here on the Pali, that's able to look on the other side of Niihau to reassure us that what we are going to do is safe," Clements said.
And it opens up an enormous scope, allowing for a million square nautical miles of training range. "So that's why the work out here is of national importance, and we're very fortunate and blessed to be able to do it in such a wonderful location not only because it's beautiful, but because it's remote and we have very few encroachment issues," said Clements.
There are few thanks to a small population and a commitment by the Robinson family to support the military above other development options.
Bruce Robinson, co-owner of Niihau, says, "It's very benign, it gives good economic base. It's not subject to the whims of the economy. It's more stable. You can count on it year after year."
"It hasn't done anything to the culture, whereas if you go in with something like mass tourism, that will impact them. You just can't avoid it. It will impact it," he said.
The longterm contract with the Navy provides millions of dollars and accounts for about 80% of the Island's GDP.
The military partnership dates back to 1924. There was a Coast Guard navigation station that later closed in 1953. Two telephone poles are all that's left of that.
When asked about the military's future on Niihau beyond what's here, Robinson replied, "We would welcome some increased military presence here, but not something that would destroy the culture. We would be very sensitive to that."
Whether the potential clean energy resources that could be developed on Niihau, and anything else that happens on this Island, the military will always be part of the consideration.
"It has to be of a benefit to the people. It has to be of benefit to Niihau and a benefit to the Navy, and if those elements aren't present, we won't accept a project," Robinson said.
