DoD/DHS: Release of KONA BLUE documents via FOIA

The Department of Defense and Department of Homeland Security released 57 pages of declassified documents regarding the proposed KONA BLUE program. The materials reveal details about a prospective special access program that was never approved but involved claims about non-human biologics.

Date

April 16, 2024

Location

Washington, D.C.District of Columbia🇺🇸

Type

Document

Country

🇺🇸 United States

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Background

On April 16, 2024, the DoD and DHS jointly released previously classified documents concerning KONA BLUE, a proposed sensitive compartmented program. The release followed Freedom of Information Act requests filed by The Black Vault. According to the released materials, KONA BLUE was established as a Prospective Special Access Program (PSAP) in 2011 by the DHS Under Secretary for Science and Technology. The program aimed to continue work from the terminated DIA programs AAWSAP/AATIP, focusing on analyzing sensitive materials including potential advanced aerospace vehicles. However, the Deputy Secretary of DHS disapproved the program six months later due to inadequate justification. Crucially, the documents confirm that no materials or data were ever transferred to DHS under this program, despite claims that relevant information existed.