Community input sought to improve draft of climate action plan for Hawaiʻi

With changes in global climate continuing to pose significant challenges to Hawaiʻi communities, the Hawaiʻi State Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission has collaborated with various partners to draft a comprehensive roadmap.

The Climate Action Pathways first draft was developed based on community feedback gathered at more than 80 public events statewide. Participants in these events included local groups, consultants, lawmakers, county officials and state departments.

Public input is being sought through Sept. 30 about how to improve the draft that eventually will be adopted into state law to help steer state efforts toward achieving ambitious climate goals and addressing pressing challenges, according to a news release from the state Department of Land and Natural Resources.

These challenges include impacts to natural resources, the economy, rising sea levels, higher temperatures, and increased wildfires, floods and drought risks.

When complete, the Climate Action Pathways will be a comprehensive plan committed to mālama ‘āina, which means to care and protect the land and ecosystems, as well as their connections to the people of Hawai‘i.

Topics in the plan include energy, building and energy efficiency, ground transportation, air transportation, marine transportation, agriculture, forestry, land use, waste and a circular wellbeing economy.

Leah Laramee, the coordinator of the Hawai’i Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission, said the efforts are “just a first crack at consolidating all the great information.”

People are encouraged to go in depth and describe what might be missing in the draft. People also can comment about what they envision in their community and express any concerns.

“We are looking forward to reshaping it to match local priorities,” Laramee said.

Public input can be provided through https://hiclimate.consider.it or submitted to HI_Climate@hawaii.gov.