Danger Zone: Pacific Ocean at Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Kaneohe Bay, Island of Oahu, HI

What it does

• •Amends the danger zone regulations for the Ulupau Crater Weapons Training Range at Marine Corps Base Hawaii to change the hours during which weapons firing may be conducted.
• •Modifies 33 CFR 334.1380 to permit weapons firing between 6:00 a.m. and 2:00 a.m., Monday through Sunday at the training range in Kaneohe Bay, Oahu.
• •Designates a marine danger zone with red light beacons located at two specified coordinates to warn the public of hazards from small arms training activities.

Why it matters

• •The Corps determined the amendment is necessary to protect public safety from hazards associated with small arms training conducted at the range.
• •Weapons training has occurred at Ulupau Crater since 1942, and the proposed hours are consistent with operations in place since 2009, maintaining long-standing training conditions.
• •The amendment supports the Department of Defense mission to maintain combat-ready military forces and meet tactical training requirements.

Who is affected

• •The public in Kaneohe Bay and surrounding waters on the Island of Oahu who may encounter the designated danger zone.
• •Marine Corps Base Hawaii and U.S. Marine Corps personnel conducting weapons training and tactical operations.
• •State of Hawaii agencies and coastal zone management programs subject to consistency review requirements.

What happens next

The final rule becomes effective on September 10, 2026, after a 30-day congressional review period following publication in the Federal Register.