Hawaii National Guard History

The first colonial militia was established in Massachusetts on Dec. 13, 1636. State militias later became the National Guard of the United States, making the National Guard the oldest component of the U.S. military. The need for colonial militia was ratified in the U.S. Constitution. The Militia Act of 1903 created the modern National Guard and affirmed the National Guard as the nation’s primary organized combat reserve force. The National Defense Act of 1947 established the Air National Guard as a separate reserve component at the same time it established the U.S. Air Force. The U.S. traditionally had a small standing Army and Navy, and state militias were called up for active duty during wars and other times of crisis. National Guard units have fought in every war in U.S. history.

The Hawaii National Guard can trace its lineage to the volunteers of the 1st Hawaiian Guard, organized November 17th, 1852. A volunteer infantry company was formed by the members of the 1st Hawaiian Guard, and they were called the Honolulu Rifles. Under King David Kalakaua, the unit became the First Regiment, Hawaiian Volunteers. On July 6th, 1894, a new military unit was formed, and an Adjutant General was named. The unit was called the 1st Regiment of the National Guard of Hawaii and Col. John H. Soper became the first Adjutant General of the Republic of Hawaii. In 1916, Congress federalized the National Guard and placed it directly under the control of the War Department till 1919 after the war ended.

During World War II Hawaii National Guard troops saw action in the Pacific and European theaters and on December 7, 1941, Hawaii Guard Soldiers captured the first Japanese prisoner of war. During the Cold War, it was the Hawaii National Guard that deterred Soviet aggression with Nike-Hercules missiles poised for action throughout the state. Throughout the Vietnam War, the Hawaii National Guard’s 29th Infantry Brigade was one of only four National Guard Brigades mobilized nationwide and was the first Air Guard unit in the nation to send fighter pilots to escort U.S. bombers. In 1977 the Hawaii National Guard’s Counterdrug program became the first of its kind in the nation, employing troops and helicopters in marijuana eradication. In 1994, the 199th Fighter Squadron became the first Air National Guard unit in the nation to patrol the northern no-fly zone of Iraq. The next brigade call ups would occur in 2004, 2008 and then again in 2012 in Iraq, Afghanistan and Kuwait.

The Hawaii National Guard called its Soldiers and Airmen to State Active Duty following Hurricanes Iniki, Lane, and Douglas, localized flooding over many years, following the earthquake in 2006, tsunamis in 2009 and 2011, Lava flows on Big Island in 2014, 2018, and 2022, for COVID-19 support, and most recently the Maui wildfires in 2023. The Hawaii National Guard continues to change and evolve and is always ready to serve our state and nation.

Hawaii National Guard Chronological History

The chronological history of the Hawaii National Guard is currently a work in progress. We are in the process of organizing and digitizing our collection of books, magazines, newspapers, and photos. As this work progresses, the timeline and different sections will be updated with the relevant information, making it a living document. If you have any questions, comments, corrections, updates or concerns please email us at [email protected].

Click on the triangle to explore the history of that decade

1852-1859
(Picture from Hawaii State Archives)

Kamehameha III (born Kauikeaouli) was the third monarch of the Kingdom of Hawaii from 1825 to 1854.  

17 NOV 1852 The 1st Hawaiian Guard a predecessor of the present Hawaii National Guard is established. It was a volunteer company of about 50 businessmen / civic leaders. Several months later a volunteer company of cavalry was established as the 1st Hawaiian Cavalry. Read about in on pages 14-15 in the History of the Hawaii National Guard

(Picture from Hawaii State Archives)

Kamehameha IV (Alekanetero ʻIolani Kalanikualiholiho Maka o ʻIouli Kūnuiākea o Kūkāʻilimoku; anglicized as Alexander Liholiho) reigned as the fourth monarch of the Kingdom of Hawaii from January 11, 1855, to November 30, 1863.

28 FEB 1857 A volunteer infantry company was formed by members of the 1st Hawaiian Guard called the Honolulu Rifles.

Documents from the

1860-1869

1860 1st Hawaiian Cavalry was revived and became known as the Leleiohoku Guard. The troop had almost 100 members that were well mounted and equipped. Read about in on page 16 in the History of the Hawaii National Guard

OCT 1868 During an attempt to arrest a religious leader on Kona after a riot several individuals were killed. The troops were called in to assist with arrest of the leader and rioters Read about in on page 17 in the History of the Hawaii National Guard

(Picture from Hawaii State Archives)

Kamehameha V (Lota Kapuāiwa Kalanimakua Aliʻiōlani Kalanikupuapaʻīkalaninui), reigned as the fifth monarch of the Kingdom of Hawaii from 1863 to 1872.

Documents from the

1870-1879
(Picture from Hawaii State Archives)

Lunalilo (William Charles Lunalilo) was the sixth monarch of the Kingdom of Hawaii from his election on January 8, 1873, until his death a year later.

12 SEP 1873 King Lunalilo disbanded the Leleiohoku Guard, Household Troops, and Honolulu Rifles. Read about in on page 17 in the History of the Hawaii National Guard

(Picture from Hawaii State Archives)

Kalākaua (David Laʻamea Kamanakapuʻu Māhinulani Nālaʻiaʻehuokalani Lumialani Kalākaua) was the last king and penultimate monarch of the Kingdom of Hawaii, reigning from February 12, 1874, until his death in 1891.

1874 The palace guard known as the King’s Guard, a volunteer company of artillery know as the Prince’s Own, and an infantry company known as the Mamalahoas was established. The Leleiohoku Guard was re-established. Read about in on page 17 in the History of the Hawaii National Guard

(Picture from Hawaii State Archives)

Liliʻuokalani (Lydia Liliʻu Loloku Walania Kamakaʻeha) was the only queen regnant and the last sovereign monarch of the Hawaiian Kingdom, ruling from January 29, 1891, until the overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom on January 17, 1893.

Documents from the

1880-1889

1883 The Honolulu Rifles was re-established with about 50 men.

1884 The military force is composed of one regularly paid company, the King’s Guard, consisting of 58 men, and four volunteer companies. The Leleiohoku Guard (cavalry) with an enlistment of 84, the Prince’s Own (artillery) with an enlistment of 105, the Mamalahoas (infantry) with an enlistment of 75, and the Honolulu Rifles (infantry) with an enlistment of 52. Read about in on page 20 in the History of the Hawaii National Guard

1887 The Mamalahoas fade out of existence, while the Honolulu Rifles increase to more than 200 members. Read about in on page 21 in the History of the Hawaii National Guard

20 JUL 1889 Robert Wilcox with 150 men took possession of the Government Building and Palace Grounds. The Honolulu Rifles mobilized several companies to the Palace Grounds where a shoot out occurred. Robert Wilcox and his men surrendered. Read about in on page 21-24 in the History of the Hawaii National Guard

AUG 1889 The King’s Own, Queen’s Own, Prince’s Own, and the Leleiohoku Guard are disbanded.

Documents from the

1890-1899

AUG 1890 The legislature pass an act disbanding the Honolulu Rifles. Read about in on page 24 in the History of the Hawaii National Guard

The overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom was a coup d’état against Queen Liliʻuokalani, which took place on January 17, 1893, led by the Committee of Safety, composed of seven foreign residents and six Hawaiian Kingdom subjects of American descent. The Provisional Government of Hawaii replaced the Kingdom of Hawaii after the overthrow, until the Republic of Hawaii was established on July 4, 1894.

27 JAN 1893 An act by the Executive and Advisory Councils of the Provisional Government of Hawaii provided the formation of the National Guard of Hawaii. One company of regular troops and three companies of volunteers, each to consist of less than 101 men, were formed. This became the last Battalion of the 1st Regiment of the National Guard of Hawaii. Colonel John Soper was appointed head of the military forces of the Provisional Government of Hawaii. Read about in on pages 31-34 in the History of the Hawaii National Guard

The Republic of Hawaii was a short-lived one-party state in Hawaii between July 4, 1894, when the Provisional Government of Hawaii had ended, and August 12, 1898, when it became annexed by the United States as an unincorporated and unorganized territory.

1893-1902 The Citizens Guard was commissioned in 1893 and composed of some ten squads (50 men per squad) all around Oahu. Their purpose was during rebellion or invasion, to patrol the streets and guard, so the National Guard was available for military operations.

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There is another military organization that deserves mention at this
time. This was the Citizens’ Guard. It was not organized as were the volunteer companies of the National Guard, but was composed of some ten squads located all over the Island of Oahu. Each squad contained about fifty men known to be loyal to the Provisional Government. The Citizens’ Guard was not required to drill, or in any way obligate itself in time of peace. In time of rebellion or invasion, however, it agreed to take over guard duty and patrol the streets, so that the National Guard might be allowed a free hand in its military operations.

History of the Hawaii National Guard pp. 42-43

JUN 1893 The government decided to isolate all individuals with Hansen’s Disease (formerly known as Leprosy) on Molokai. A group of individuals on Kauai with Hansen’s Disease refused to relocate and civil authorities needed assistance. The National Guard was sent in to assist.

06 JUL 1894 Colonel Soper resigned from his command to become the first Adjutant General of the Republic of Hawaii. Read about in on page 48 in the History of the Hawaii National Guard

06 JAN 1895 A rebellion against the government was started. A detachment from Company E was sent to support civil authorities in executing a search warrant that turned into a shootout. Later that day all of the National Guard was on alert entered into different skirmishes. By the 9th the skirmishes had moved to woods and small groups were surrendering, with the leaders surrendering on January 14th. Read about in on pages 43-47 in the History of the Hawaii National Guard

12 AUG 1898 All companies of the National Guard of the republic of Hawaii are disbanded immediately reenlisted them as new companies pledging allegiance to the United States. The National Guard of Hawaii had six volunteer companies, Companies A, B, C, F, G, and H, with a total enlistment of 407 members. Read about in on pages 49-51 in the History of the Hawaii National Guard

DEC 1899 – JAN 1900 A epidemic broke out in Honolulu. The Public Health authorities established a quarantine, but the situation had become serious, so the National Guard of Hawaii was called in.

Documents from the

1900-1909

20 JAN 1900 In Chinatown a fire broken out and many of the residents had been forced to evacuate their homes. To care for them a shelter was established at Kalihi and placed under the control of the National Guard of Hawaii.

The Territory of Hawaii or Hawaii Territory was an organized incorporated territory of the United States that existed from April 30, 1900, until August 21, 1959, when most of its territory, excluding Palmyra Island, was admitted to the United States as the 50th state, the State of Hawaii.

14 JUN 1900 The Republic of Hawaii officially became the Territory of Hawaii. By this the National Guard of Hawaii officially became a part of the military system of the United States. First official Volunteer infantry formed in Hilo, Hawaii. Read about in on page 53 in the History of the Hawaii National Guard

1902 Congress passed a bill to coordinate and standardize the National Guard organizations of the various states/ territories so that they would form an efficient force in times of emergency. It as well allowed the National Guard to participate in annual camps of instruction. Read about in on page 55 in the History of the Hawaii National Guard

1903 Landmark legislation paved the way for increased federal control over the National Guard. Guardsmen were required to attend 24 drills per year, five days of annual training and for the first time would be paid for annual training. Read about in on page 55 in the History of the Hawaii National Guard

APR 1905 A group of laborers at the Pioneer Mill Company, Lahaina, Maui, became dissatisfied with their condition and went on a strike. The owners refused to meet their demands and the strike turned into a riot. The National Guard of Hawaii was called in to prevent violence till the dispute was resolved. Read about it on pages 17 in the 1923-1924 Annual Report and on page 57 in the History of the Hawaii National Guard

MAY 1907 A small detachment of the Signal Company accompanied a visiting party of Congressmen on Maui to look after their transportation and subsistence while enroute to the extinct crater of Haleakala. Read about it on pages 24-25 in the 1907-1908 Annual Report and Read on page 57 in the History of the Hawaii National Guard

MAY 1908 US Army officer assigned to instruct and coordinate the National Guard with active Army. Read about in on page 57 in the History of the Hawaii National Guard

Documents from the

1910-1919

MAR 1910 Approximately 800 Russian immigrants arrived at Honolulu to work, but many were suffering from diphtheria. A detachment of one surgeon and ten enlisted men from the Hospital Corps was sent to Quarantine Island. They inoculated all the immigrants and cared for the sick, fed and housed the well, and stood guard at night to prevent any break of quarantine. Read about it on pages 56-59 in the 1909-1910 Annual Report and on page 58 in the History of the Hawaii National Guard

05 NOV 1911 – 31 JAN 1912 A yellow fever epidemic broke out in Honolulu. To prevent the spread of disease, a quarantine facility was established in the Kalihi district and the known cases isolated. The National Guard of Hawaii assisted in maintaining the quarantine. Read about it on page 69 in the 1911-1912 Annual Report, on page 17 in the 1923-1924 Annual Report, and on page 58 in the History of the Hawaii National Guard

World War I or the First World War starts 28 July 1914

1914 The 1st Infantry, National Guard of Hawaii, was brought up to its full strength of twelve companies, nine in Honolulu, two on Maui, and one on Hawaii. In addition, there was the Detachment of Sanitation Troops and the Band. The National Guard of Hawaii diversity increased as men of all nationalities offered their services. Formerly, Caucasians, Hawaiians and Portuguese made up the majority of the Guard members. Filipinos, Japanese, Chinese, Koreans, Porto Ricans, Russians, and others asked to join. Read about in on page 62 in the History of the Hawaii National Guard

25 MAY 1915 The Naval Militia Board is appointed by Governor Pinkham after the legislative session establishes a Naval Militia in the Territory of Hawaii. By December of 1916 the Naval Militia has 9 commissioned officers and 100 enlisted men. During World War I the Naval Militia was ordered into federal service. But only a small number of enlisted accepted, while the remainder of the officers and enlisted men were discharged and the Naval Militia ceased to exist.

Early 1917, the United States entered the war on the Allies’ side

03 JUN 1916 National Guard of Hawaii is federalized and placed it directly under the control of the War Department because of the approaching war. It is asked to recruit to war-time strength to prepare for mobilization. The National Defense Act stated that enlistment in the National Guard was limited to citizens of the United States or those with declared intention of becoming citizens. Under this provision the War Department refused to recognize the Filipino portion of the National Guard of Hawaii, which comprised half of the enlisted force. Read about in on pages 70-71 in the History of the Hawaii National Guard

09 APR 1917 The War Department issued a general order for the discharge of all enlisted men of the National guard having family’s dependent upon them for support. By the fall of 1917 permission was granted to reenlist men with family’s dependent upon. Read about in on page 72 in the History of the Hawaii National Guard

18 JUN 1917 The selective draft Act comes into effect to recruit for the war. The men were assigned to the 1st and 2nd Hawaiian Infantry. Read about in on pages 78-79 in the History of the Hawaii National Guard

01 JUL 1917 The National Guard of Hawaii reorganizes by ethnicity. Read about in on pages 73-74 in the History of the Hawaii National Guard

13 OCT 1917- 31 Jan 1918 The National Guard of Hawaii at the request of the Territorial Board of Health guarded the Nuuanu Valley Water Shed from contamination. Read about it on page 8 in the 1917-1918 Annual Report and on page 17 in the 1923-1924 Annual Report and on page 74 in the History of the Hawaii National Guard

01 JUN 1918 The 1st Regiment, 2nd Regiment, Hawaiian Infantry, National Guard and all members of the Medical Corps are order to mobilization camp.

(Pictures from Hawaii State Archives)

World War I ends with the Armistice of 11 November 1918, while the subsequent Paris Peace Conference imposed various settlements on the defeated powers, notably the Treaty of Versailles.

DEC 1918 A total of 4,443 men were drafted, accepted, and assigned to active duty. None left Hawaii due to a variety of factors from concerns over a depleted workforce, delays in reaching wartime strength, and not being a priority for the War Department. Though not for a lack of trying Hawaii was commended on its wartime efforts and willingness to serve.

1919 The National Guard of Hawaii was demobilized, returned to Territorial status, and reorganized.

Documents from the

1920-1929

20 AUG 1923 1st Infantry, National Guard of Hawaii is redesignated as the 298th infantry, US army. The 2nd infantry is redesignated 299th infantry, US army. Read about in on page 83 in the History of the Hawaii National Guard

12 AUG – 21 OCT 1924 A shooting team was sent to the Annual Rifle and Pistol Matches at Camp Perry, Ohio. The 16 Guardsmen team finished in 38th place out of 88. Read about in on page 7 in the 1924-1925 Annual Report and on page 84 in the History of the Hawaii National Guard

09 – 29 SEP 1924 A provisional company was called to aid civil authorities on Kauai after a clash occurred between striking labors and police. Read about in on pages 15-17 in the 1924-1925 Annual Report, on page 8 in the 1925-1926 Annual Report and on page 90 in the History of the Hawaii National Guard

1925 The Territorial Legislature changed the title of the National Guard of Hawaii to the Hawaii National Guard by the wording of Acts 52 and 131. Read about it on page 30 in the 1925-1926 Annual Report

17 AUG – 4 OCT 1927 The Hawaii National Guard Rifle Team left to participate in the National Matches where it made the best showing any rifle team from Hawaii has. The team finished in 21st place out of 99 teams and 8th place out of 44 National Guard teams. Read about it on page 12 in the 1927-1928 Annual Report

20 SEP 1928 A Provisional Battalion of the 298th Infantry responded to the call of the Governor to aid the civil authorities in preserving law and order in an emergency in the City of Honolulu. Read about it on page 10 in the 1928-1929 Annual Report and on page 90 in the History of the Hawaii National Guard

1929-1930 The General Staff is restructured as G-1(Personnel & organization) G-2 (Information & Intelligence), G-3 (plans & training & operations), and G-4 (Transportations & Supply).

Documents from the

1930-1939

25 MAY 1930 The Adjutant General put out a call to assist with fighting a fire on board the S. S. City of Honolulu. Guardsmen established a first aid station, and acted as relief fireman and policemen. Read about in on page 13 in the 1929-1930 Annual Report and on page 91 in the History of the Hawaii National Guard

27-28 FEB 1935 Guard troops in the City of Honolulu were called to active duty during the storm conditions to preserve order, rescue persons and property, and prevent looting. One platoon (1 officer and 30 enlisted men) was on duty till March 1st under the direction of the Chief of Police of the City and County of Honolulu. Read about in on page 11 in the 1934-1935 Annual Report and on page 91 in the History of the Hawaii National Guard

JAN 1936 A history of the Hawaii National Guard was complied. Which enabled the 298th and 299th Infantries to submit their histories to the War department for the approval coat of arms and Insignia. Read about in on pages 27-30 in the 1935-1936 Annual Report and read the History of the Hawaii National Guard

World War II or the Second World War starts 1 September 1939

Documents from the

1940-1949

15 OCT 1940 The 298th and 299th Infantries (totaling 1,802 officers and men) were ordered into Federal Service for 12 months. They were stationed at Schofield Barracks and used mainly for defense of the Hawaiian Islands.

(Picture from 1940-1941 Annual Report)

December 1941, Japan attacked American and British territories with near-simultaneous offensives against Southeast Asia and the Central Pacific, including an attack on Pearl Harbor which resulted in the United States and the United Kingdom declaring war against Japan.

07 DEC 1941 At 10:30 AM Governor Joseph B. Poindexter authorized the activation of the Hawaii Territorial Guard (“Home Guard”). Later on October 29, 1941 the Authority for the organization of the Hawaii Territorial Guard was provided by Act 84, Special Session of the 1941 Territorial Legislature. Read about it on pages 13-20 in the 1941-1942 Annual Report.

08 DEC 1941 A National Guard soldier captured the first Japanese POW of World War II off Bellows Army Airfield.

01 FEB 1942 Lieutenant Colonel Philip F. Lindeman is appointed, to the Hawaii Territorial Guard as its Commanding Officer, responsible for the training, equipment and administration. Read about it on pages 13-20 in the 1941-1942 Annual Report.

(Picture from 1941-1942 Annual Report)

1942 During the summer many guardsmen left to form the distinguished 100th Infantry Battalion.

1944 The 298th Infantry and 111th Army band is sent to the South Pacific.

On 2 September 1945 the formal surrender of Japan officially ended the war.

04 AUG 1946 The Hawaii National Guard was demobilized and returned to Territorial status. Read about it on page 4 in the 1946-1947 Annual Report

04 NOV 1946 The Hawaii Air National Guard was formed, one year before the founding of the U.S. Air Force. The original four units, the 199th Fighter Squadron, the 199th Utility Flight, the 199th Weather Station, and Detachment C, 199th Air Service Group, operated out of Bellows Field flying the P-47 Thunderbolt aircraft with state militia volunteers. 

The Cold War was a period of geopolitical tension between the United States and the Soviet Union and their respective allies, the Western Bloc and the Eastern Bloc, that started in 1947.

JAN 1949 Waimea, Kauai was flooded causing millions of dollars worth of damage. A company of the Hawaii National Guard and the air shipment of emergency supplies was sent from Oahu.

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A serious flood occurred in January 1949 at Waimea, Kauai, doing millions of dollars worth of damage and necessitating the mobilization of one company Hawaii National Guard and the air shipment of emergency supplies from Oahu. County authorities and the population, aided by Red Cross and Salvation Army, did excellent work. No lives were lost.

1948-1949 Annual Report

02 OCT 1949 Elements of the Hawaii National Guard assisted municipal and armed forces fire-fighting teams with the Lanikai-Keolu Hills brush fire.

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On October 2, 1949, a brush fire started at 5:30 a.m. on the northwest side of Bellows Field and the flames spread rapidly in the direction of Keolu Hills village, the burned area comprising approximately 1200 acres. The Honolulu Fire Dept. called on the Governor of the Territory for National Guard assistance and at 11 :00 a.m., the Adjutant General was directed to call out elements of the Oahu units. By 1 :30 p.m., the Adjutant General, several Staff Officers, the Commanding Officer 298th Inf, and officers and enlisted men of Co A, 298th Inf had entered the fire area and assisted materially in extinguishing the conflagration. At 5 :30 p.m. the fire was declared extinguished and the troops were withdrawn.

1949-1950 Annual Report

Documents from the

1950-1959

01 JUN 1950 The 199th Fighter Squadron and personnel of the 299th RCT during a volcanic eruption on the Big Island performed aerial reconnaissance and photographic missions over the affected area. Read about it on page 3 in the 1949-1950 Annual Report

The Korean War was fought between North Korea and South Korea. It began on 25 June 1950 when North Korea invaded South Korea and ceased after an armistice on 27 July 1953.

AUG 1950 A flash flood of the Waimea river, Kauai swept through the town. Roughly twenty volunteers from the 3rd Bn 298th Infantry, Kauai rushed to rescue 80 people who were trapped. The 199th Fighter Squadron, assisted with carrying the essential supplies to care for the evacuees. Read about it on pages 14-15 in the 1950-1951 Annual Report

26-27 MAR 1951 Continuous rains caused flood conditions in the Kuliouou-Koko Head district and Kailua. The 613th Ord (MM) Co assisted police evacuation work in Koko Head. In Kailua the Co G, 298th Infantry assisted with reconnaissance, evacuation missions, transporting medical personnel and supplies into the area, anti-looting patrols, rescue work, and traffic control. Read about it on page 14 in the 1950-1951 Annual Report

29-31 DEC 1952 During drought conditions on the slopes of Haleakala a forest fire broke out. The next day five units of 1st Bn 299th Inf and Heavy Mortar Co were mobilized for fire fighting duty. Read about it on page 6 in the 1953 Annual Report

01 NOV 1953 The 120th Signal Support Company was organized, which was the first signal unit to be organized in Hawaii since before WWI. Read about it on page 3 in the 1953 Annual Report

01 SEP 1955 The 483d Field Arty Bn, 105mm Howitzer was reorganized and redesignated to the 158th Anti-Aircraft 190mm Arty Bn. It was the 1st Army Guard unit in Hawaii to became part of the Air Defense Team together with the Air Guard. Lt. Col. John Becker, commander. Read about it on page 3 in the 1955 Annual Report

The Vietnam War was a conflict in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia that started 1 November 1955.

1956 The Hawaii Air National Guard assumed the full-time air defense mission, becoming the first reserve unit responsible for the entire air defense of a given region. Read about it on page 10 in the 1956 Annual Report

09 MAR 1957 The Hawaii National Guard was called into service to assist civil authorities and patrol after a series of tidal waves hit the Northshore of Kauai causing property damage and bridges to collapse. Read about it on page 5 in the 1957 Annual Report

15 JAN 1958 The 298th AAA Gp converted from 90mm Guns to Nike-Hercules as the first National Guard unit in the United States to convert to the Nike-Hercules Air Defense System.

5 FEB – 8 MAR 1958 There was a drought in Kona and The Hawaii National Guard assisted by hauling in water to local communities to provide distribution to residents.

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Kona Drought Disaster: The HNG supported the Civil Defense Agency during the period 6 Feb – 8 Mar 58 by furnishing truck drivers, six (6) 750 gal water tankers, six (6) 450 gal water trailers and five (5) gal water cans. The Guardsmen assisted by hauling water from the primary water points at Honakuhau, Holualoa, Konawaena and Honaunau in the drought area to local distribution points. From the points water was issued in five gallon cans to the population. During the operation a total of 3,968,700 gallons of water was hauled to the drought area from Kohala Waimea districts by HNG and commercial tankers and from Oahu by barge.

1958 Annual Report pp.7

30 MAY – 1 JUN 1958 120th MP Co and personnel from the 120th Sig Spt Co, 121st Sig Det and 613th Ord Co assisted the Honolulu Police Department in accident prevention. Duties consisted of patrolling the highways and congested areas on Oahu, and reporting traffic violations.

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Operation “Slow Down & Live”: The 120th MP Co supported by selected personnel from the 120th Sig Spt Co, 121st Sig Det and 613th Ord Co were called to active duty in the service of the Territory during the period 30 May 1 Jun 58 to assist the Honolulu Police Department in accident prevention. The duties consisted of patrolling highways and congested areas on Oahu and reporting traffic violations to the Honolulu Police Department for necessary action. MP vehicles carried signs hearing the National Slogan “Slow Down and Live.”

1958 Annual Report pp.7

On August 21, 1959 Hawaii became the 50th state

Documents from the

1960-1969

13 JAN 1960 The 2d Battle Group, 299th Inf provided support during the 33 day volcanic eruption at Kapoho. Support included buses and trucks to assist in evacuation of civilians and property, vehicular radio communications, aircraft for aerial observation and to ferry Federal and State officials to the disaster area.

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Kapoho Disaster: Personnel from the 2d Battle Group, 299th Inf supported Civil Defense officials during the volcanic eruption at Kapoho, Hawaii which began on 13 January 1960 and lasted for 33 days. Support by the HNG included 100 cots, 400 blankets, buses and trucks to assist in evacuation of civilians and property, vehicular radio communications, an aircraft for constant aerial observation and two twin, engined aircrafts to ferry Federal and State officials to the disaster area. 704 man days were expended by Guardsmen on State active duty in this disaster.

1960 Annual Report pp. 6

23 MAY 1960 A tsunami hit Hilo, resulting in widespread destruction, killing 57 people. The National Guard assisted evacuations, set up roadblocks and radio communications, and provided personnel.

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Hilo Disaster: Another disaster by a huge seismic wave which killed 57 persons, struck Hawaii at Hilo on 23 May 1960. This wave was triggered by an Earthquake in Chile. Personnel from the 2nd Battle Group, 299th Inf responded rapidly and assisted by providing vehicular radio communications, guards to prevent looting, personnel to direct traffic and man road blocks. Guardsmen also assisted in the collection of victims and the evacuation of civilians and their personal property. Aerial support included aircrafts to shuttle government officials to and from the disaster areas. Approximately 981 man days were expended by Guardsmen on State active duty to assist in this disaster.

1960 Annual Report pp. 6

29 JUL 1960 The Fort Ruger Internal Security Detachment was order to state active duty to assist Oahu prison officials with a disturbance in the prison. Read about it on page 6 in the 1961 Annual Report

08 MAY 1961 The 1st Officer Candidate School at Fort Ruger, Hawaii is established with Lt. Col. John Naumu as commandant. Read about it on page 5 in the 1961 Annual Report

01 APR 1963 The Hawaii Army National Guard became one of the first reserve units reorganized in the Department of the Army’s ROAD concept. Read about it on page 4 in the 1963 Annual Report

28 JUN 1963 Graduation ceremonies were held for the first graduating class from Hawaii 1st Officer Candidate School with 19 candidates.

16 NOV 1963 Formation of the Royal Guard.

22 JUL 1964 The world Nike-Hercules Intercept Record set by B Battery, 1st Msl Bn, 298th Arty Gp (AD) at Kahuku, Hawaii.

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Annual Service Practice : The six Nike Hercules batteries conducted Annual Service Practice from the Kahuku Guided Missile Range during May and June. Battery B, 1st Msl Bn, the host battery and first unit to fire regained the world’s record for range to intercept by destroying an RP-76 supersonic drone target at near maximum range. Four of the six units were cited as honor batteries by the US Army, Hawaii testing team. Especially worthy of note is the battalion average score of 99.9% turned in by the 2d Msl Bn which is believed to have established a record for battalion average.

1964 Annual Report pp.6

AUG 1964 Two new non-armory construction projects inside Diamond Head Crater were were completed. First is the United States Property & Fiscal Office Building and the second project is the Combined Field Maintenance Shop.

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Two large new Non-armory construction projects on the interior of Diamond Head Crater were approaching completion as of the end of the reporting period. The first of these projects is the United States Property & Fiscal Office Building, which is a large modern building of reinforced concrete and concrete masonry construction containing a total of 28,000 square feet of floor space. The building will provide administrative office space for the United States Properly & Fiscal Officer and his staff, as well as for the Engineering and Maintenance Services Office of the Department of Defense. In addition, the building contains 20,000 square feet of warehouse space for the supply and logistical support of the Hawaii Army National Guard. Total cost of the building was $335,600.00 supported $273,000.00 by the Federal Government and $63,000.00 by the State of Hawaii.

The second project is the construction of a Combined Field Maintenance Shop which is designed to provide major repair and maintenance support above the organizational level for vehicles and equipment of the Hawaii Army National Guard. This building also is of reinforced concrete and concrete masonry construction containing approximately 19,800 square feet of floor area. Total cost of the project was $370,000.00 of which the Federal Government paid $351,000.00 and the State of Hawaii paid $19,000.00.

1964 Annual Report pp. 14

25 NOV 1966 The Adjutant General of Hawaii is assigned a federal mission to support state civil defense operations. 

11 APR 1968 For the first time since World War II, a unit of the Hawaii Army National Guard, the 29th Infantry Brigade was federally activated.

1968 Hawaii Air National Guard F-102 pilots flew bomber escort missions during the Vietnam War. The Palace Alert program, rotating Air National Guard pilots to Southeast Asia, was first proposed by the Hawaii Air National Guard. Read about it on page 15 in the 1969 Annual Report

9 DEC 1969 The 298th Arty Gp (Air Defense) was “phased-out” of the Air Defense System of the State of Hawaii. This unit had provided round-the-clock air defense of the since 1961.

13 Dec 1969 The deactivation of the 29th Infantry Brigade from Federal Service.

Documents from the

1970-1979

Sep 1970 The Hawaii Air National Guard Non-Commissioned Officer Academy was established. Read about it on page 13 in the 1971 Annual Report

04 NOV 1971 The Hawaii Air National Guard was formed 25 years ago. Read the history in the Publication

1972 The first female Officer and enlisted personnel join Hawaii National Guard as members of the 154th Fighter Group.

01 APR 1973 Hawaii Air National Guard Aviation reorganized into two separate flying units and one aircraft maintenance company. Read about it on page 11 in the 1973 Annual Report

1973 The 29th Infantry Brigade converted into a divisional brigade configuration. The 29th was designated as a “roundout” unit for the Army’s 25th Infantry Division. Read about it on page 6, 11 in the 1973 Annual Report

OCT – NOV 1973 The Hawaii Army National Guard was called to sup­port civil authorities and restore order twice at the Hawaii State Prison. The operations were accomplished without any major vio­lence or confrontations.

5-9 FEB 1975 Heavy rains caused extensive damage in the Makaha – Waianae area, which the National Guard was called in to assist with rescue, evacuation of 500 people, and debris removal.

10 FEB – 31 MAR 1975 The Hawaii Army National Guard provided assistance at the prison. Read about it on page 4 of the 1975 Spring Pupukahi

The Vietnam War ended with the fall of Saigon on 30 April 1975.

10 APR 1976 The Hawaii Army National Guard dedicated the new hangar facility located at Wheeler Air Force Base.

04 NOV 1976 The Hawaii Air National Guard was formed 30 years ago. Read the history in the Publication

1977 The Hawaii National Guard responded to the needs of the State when Guard members assisted county police in searching for and destroying marijuana plants on Maui and Kauai. Read about it on page 4 in the 1977 Annual Report

12 SEP 1977 Kilauea Volcano on Hawaii erupted, culminating in a massive outpouring of lava that traveled within a quarter-of-a-mile of the village of Kalapana. The Hawaii National Guard, evacuated residents from the area to a shelter for the evacuees. Roadblocks were set up and security patrols were provided for the village. Read about it on the cover of the 1977 December Pupukahi, page 3 of the 1978 December Pupukahi, and on page 5 in the 1978 Annual Report

2 SEP 1978 Hawaii National Guard members were placed on duty in Hilo to assist civil authorities in preventing demonstrators from closing General Lyman Field airport in a Labor Day demonstration. Read about it on page 6 in the 1979 Annual Report

1979 “Operation Green Har­vest” a marijuana eradication program the national guard provides helicopter support for. Read about it on page 4 of the 1979 December Pupukahi and on page 6 in the 1979 Annual Report

OCT 1979 Hawaii Army National Guard troops are mobilized during a strike by state and county employees to provide security, food service, and medical assistance at state hospitals and correctional facilities. Read about it on page 5 of the 1979 December Pupukahi and page 14 in the 1980 Annual Report

Documents from the

1980-1989

1981 A lack of rain during the spring and summer of 1981 in the Waimea-Hamakua districts lead to drought. Hawaii National Guard troops and equipment were put into service to assist in relief efforts. Read about it on the cover page of the 1981 Fall Pupukahi and on page 8 in the 1981 Annual Report

1982 The Hawaii Army National Guard continued to provide helicopter support to the counties for “Green Harvest” operations. Read about it on page 8 in the 1982 Annual Report

23 NOV 1982 Hurricane lwa’s destructive force struck the islands of Oahu and Kauai. Its hurricane winds and powerful ocean surges devastated Kauai and parts of Oahu. Army National Guard soldiers reported to their armory to assist various neighborhood communities and the Air National Guard contributed to the mitigation and relief effort. Read about it on the cover page of the 1982 Winter Pupukahi, page 5 of the 1983 Spring Pupukahi, on page 5 of the 1984 First Quarter Pupukahi, on page 15 in the 1983 Annual Report and on page 15 in the 1984 Annual Report

31 MAY 1984 The passage of House Bill 359, permanently established the tuition waiver program for qualified Guard members. Read about it on the cover page of the 1984 Second Quarter Pupukahi and on page 1 in the 1984 Annual Report

1986 The Hawaii Air National Guard diligently planned and executed the final steps for the F-15A Eagle aircraft to replace the F-4C Phantom jet fighters. This represents a quantum leap forward in the air defense of the State. Read about in on the cover of the 1986 January-March Pupukahi, page 3 of the 1986 April-June Pupukahi, page 4 of the 1986 October – December Pupukahi, the cover page of the 1987 January-March Pupukahi, and on page 1 in the 1986 Annual Report

OCT 1986 Sgt. Maj. William L. Duncan Jr. becomes the first Command Senior Enlisted Leader of the Hawaii National Guard.

04 NOV 1986 The Hawaii Air National Guard was formed 40 years ago. Read the history in the Publication

01 JAN 1988 The Hawaii National Guard were activated to provide emergency repair and clean-up assistance to the City and County of Honolulu, after heavy rains caused extensive damage in Kailua, Hawaii Kai, and Niu Valley. Read about it on page 7 in the 1988 Annual Report

1989 Many Hawaii National Guard Family Support Groups were formed. These groups were made up of volunteer family members and are designed to assist Guard families during State or Federal mobilization. Read about it on page 4 of the 1989 October Pupukahi and on page 7 in the 1989 Annual Report

Documents from the

1990-1999

The Gulf War was an armed conflict between Iraq and a 42-country coalition led by the United States started August 1990.

1990 The 29th Infantry Brigade deployed 950 soldiers and equipment to the Republic of Korea for Team Spirit ’90. It was the largest movement of personnel and military hardware to a foreign country for the brigade. Read about it on the cover page of the 1990 January-March Pupukahi and on page 9 in the 1990 Annual Report

1990 The Hawaii National Guard continues to provide helicopter support to each county for the marijuana eradication program “Operation Green Har­vest” and participated in a Drug Enforcement Administration-led marijuana eradication project “Op­eration Wipeout”. Read about it on page 9 in the 1990 Annual Report

The Gulf War ended with the liberation of Kuwait on 28 February 1991.

SEP 1991 Culminating five years of planning, coordination, and hard work the Hawaii National Guard Association hosted the 113th National Guard Association of the United States annual conference. Read about it in the 1991 July-September Pupukahi and on page 1 in the 1991 Annual Report

The Cold War lasted till 1991 with the fall of the Soviet Union.

11 SEP 1992 When Hurricane Iniki struck, Hawaii experienced the worst storm ever to strike the islands. All islands were touched by the storm, but Kauai felt the full impact as the eye swung directly over the island. The adjutant general led a joint county, state and federal relief and recovery effort in which more than 5,000 Guard soldiers and airmen participating. Operation Iniki was the greatest peacetime mobilization and deployment operation ever conducted by the Hawaii National Guard. Battalion aid stations were established and Medics went house-to-house to treat injured residents. The National Guard set up and operated relief distribution centers, providing food, water, and plastic sheeting. “Operation Garden Sweep” a massive, two-phase clean-up of the entire island was a joint county, state, and federal effort. The workers collected and hauled more than 32,000 tons of garbage and debris to the landfill.

(Picture from the 1993 Annual Report)

12 FEB 1993 The Hawaii Air National Guard stood up the 203rd Air Refueling Squadron and began flying KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft. Read about it on the cover page of the 1993 January-March Pupukahi and on page 17 in the 1993 Annual Report

1994 The Hawaii Air National Guard formed the 204th Airlift Squadron, flying C-130 transports. Read about it on page 16 in the 1994 Annual Report

1994 The Hawaii Army National Guard’s 29th Infantry Brigade was selected as one of fifteen elite Enhanced Readiness Brigades in the nation. Read about it on page 1 in the 1994 Annual Report and on page 1 in the 1995 Annual Report

03 DEC 1994 – 11 JAN 1995 Hawaii became the first state to deploy Air National Guard F-15 fighter aircraft to patrol the northern no-fly zone of Iraq imposed by the United Nations at the end of the Gulf War. Read about it on page 3 of the 1995 January-February Pupukahi and on the cover of the 1996 January-March Pupukahi

04 NOV 1996 The Hawaii Air National Guard was formed 50 years ago. Read the history in the Publication

5-17 NOV 1996 After parts of Oahu were de­clared a disaster area due to rainstorms that produced the worst flooding on Oahu in 10 years. The Hawaii National Guard worked to remove over 1.6 million pounds of debris. Read about it on the cover of the 1996 December Pupukahi and on page 21 in the 1997 Annual Report

20 JAN 1997 The Na Koa Crime Watch program was introduced. Volunteer members of the Hawaii National Guard enhance the County Police Department’s Neighborhood Security Watch and Community Policing Units in supporting civilian law enforcement efforts in neighborhoods statewide. Read about it on the cover page of the 1997 January-March Pupukahi and on page 32 in the 1997 Annual Report

JUN 1999 After years of preparation, the Hawaii Army National Guard’s 29th Infantry Brigade successfully completed its rotation to the Joint Readiness Training Center. This validated the 29th Brigade’s ability to perform its federal mission to the U.S. Army’s highest standards with more than 2,000 soldiers participating. Read about it on page 5 of the 1999 Summer Pupukahi and on page 3 in the 1999 Annual Report

Documents from the

2000-2009

11 SEP 2001 Soldiers and airmen from the Hawaii National Guard sprang into action playing a vital role in protecting our homeland. More than 900 members of the Hawaii National Guard personnel were placed on active duty for Operations ENDURING FREEDOM and NOBLE EAGLE. Read about it on the cover page of the 2001 July-September Pupukahi, the cover page of the 2001 October-December Pupukahi, the cover page of 2002 April-June Pupukahi, and cover page of the 2002 July-September Pupukahi

The War in Afghanistan was an armed conflict that started in 2001. Launched as a direct response to the September 11 attacks, the war began when an international military coalition led by the United States invaded Afghanistan.

28 OCT – 2 NOV 2001 Hawaii County recorded some of the heaviest rains and flooding in its history, which caused widespread damage to roadways, bridges, homes, and businesses. The Hawaii National Guard supplied personnel, equipment and logistics support for cleanup and debris removal, Disaster Recovery Center operations, and community outreach activities. Read about it on page 23 in the 2001 Annual Report

The Iraq War was a protracted armed conflict in Iraq that started in March 2003. It began with the invasion of Iraq by the United States-led coalition that overthrew the Ba’athist government of Saddam Hussein. The conflict continued for much of the next decade as an insurgency emerged to oppose the coalition forces and the post-invasion Iraqi government.  

MAR 2003 Several dozen air traffic and radar approach controllers and support personnel from the 297th Air Traffic Control Squadron deployed to an undisclosed location as part of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. The airmen were responsible for directing take-offs and landings for all U.S. Air Force B-1, B-2 and B-52 bombers operating from that forward airbase. Read about it on the cover page of the 2003 April-June Pupukahi and on page 14 in the 2003 Annual Report

31 OCT 2004 A constant downpour dumped rain, water and mud poured into the lower floors of the UH Library and damaged more than 30 other buildings on campus. The Hawaii National Guard sent in teams to make preliminary damages estimates and help clean up the hardest hit areas. Read about it on page 23 in the 2005 Annual Report

MAR 2005 Heavy rains fell over Kauai and Oahu for 42 days causing widespread flooding and the failure of a dam on Kauai that killed seven people. The Hawaii National Guard participated in disaster relief and recovery as well as delivered recovery equipment to thousands of isolated residents and tourists along the island’s north shore. Read about it on page 16 in the 2006 Annual Report

2005 The Hawaii Army National Guard went through its biggest call up since the Vietnam War with more than 2000 soldiers of the 29th Brigade Combat Team and other units mobilized and sent to various areas in the Middle East to include Iraq, Kuwait and Afghanistan. Hawaii Air National Guard members as well supported the Global War on Terrorism sending Airman to Iraq, Afghanistan, and other areas. Read about it on page 6 in the 2006 Annual Report

10 OCT 2005 The Senate confirmed that Brigadier General Darryll Wong would be the first Hawaii Air National Guard commander promoted to the rank of Major General. Read about in on page 8 of the 2005 October-December Pupukahi

FEB 2006 C17 was brought to the Hawaii Air National Guard forming Team Hickam. Read about it on page 3 of the 2006 January-March Pupukahi and on page 15 in the 2006 Annual Report

OCT 2006 The Kiholo Bay Earthquake caused significant damage to homes, businesses, and to critical infrastructure on the Big Island and damage to the Piilani Highway. The 1st Squadron, 299th Cavalry, mobilized Soldiers throughout the island to aide in relief and recovery efforts. Read about it on page 8 of the 2006 October-December Pupukahi and on page 21 in the 2007 Annual Report

04 NOV 2006 The Hawaii Air National Guard was formed 60 years ago. Read the history in the Publication

2007 The Hawaii Army National Guard trained and deployed to the Philippines, Kuwait, Afghanistan, and Iraq for operations in support of the global war on terrorism. The Hawaii Air National Guard had 14 deployments during the year in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. Read about it on page 11 in the 2007 Annual Report

2008 The Hawaii Army National Guard soldiers supported real-world contingency operations in Afghanistan, Iraq, and the Philippines. The Hawaii Air National Guard supported operational contingencies in Germany, Guam, and Ecuador.

30 SEP 2009 The devastating earthquake and subsequent tsunami in American Samoa led to the Hawaii National Guard assembling a plan for the response and recovery effort. This brought about immediate humanitarian relief to American Samoa to alleviate suffering and mitigate hazards. Read about it on page 5 in the 2009 Annual Report

Documents from the

2010-2019

Coming Soon

Documents from the

2020-Present

Coming Soon

Documents from the

Hawaii National Guard Medal of Honor Recipients

Hawaii National Guard Adjutant Generals

Hawaii National Guard Senior Enlisted Leaders

Hawaii National Guard Honor Roll

Hawaii National Guard Members Who Served in Public Office

Hawaii National Guard Members Who Were Olympians

Hawaii National Guard Annual Training – Summer Camp – Annual Encampments

Hawaii National Guard National Rifle Matches

Statement on Harmful Content in Historical Collection