Community invited to shape Hawaiʻi’s climate action plan through talk-story sessions

Communities across Hawai’i will have the opportunity to discuss climate actions for a plan designed to make the state safer, healthier and more affordable.

The Hawaiʻi Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission has partnered with state libraries to host talk-story sessions as part of the review process for the draft Climate Action Pathways, a detailed plan of actions to help build resiliency, affordability and community well-being across the state.

This comprehensive roadmap is deeply rooted in a commitment to mālama ʻāina – to care for and protect the land, ecosystems and their connections with the people of Hawaiʻi – ensuring a thriving future for all.

As part of this process, the community is invited to review the draft and share input on measures for the state to adopt, ensuring that the commission is identifying the solutions that will make a positive difference in the lives of Hawaiʻi’s residents and visitors.

Two talk-story sessions will be held on Sept. 23 on Kauaʻi. One will be at the Līhuʻe Library at 11 a.m. and the other at the Kapaʻa Library at 4 p.m.

“Libraries are where communities come together to learn, share, and shape the future,” State Librarian Stacey A. Aldrich said in a news release. “We’re proud to partner in this important effort and invite everyone to stop by one of the talk-story sessions to explore the plan, ask the team questions, and join in the community conversation.”

To ensure participation is easy and impactful, community members can go online to review proposed actions, see what others are thinking, and share ideas on specific measures in categories such as energy, transportation, agriculture, forestry, and more.

“We are delighted about how active the community has been in contributing to the Climate Action Pathways. With the continued help of our ʻohana, I am hopeful for our future,” said Hawaiʻi Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission Climate Outreach Leader Bill Unruh.

Comments can also be provided online, or submitted to HI_Climate@hawaii.gov. 

Community feedback will ensure the adopted measures reflect priorities and realities from locations across the state. The platform will be open for public input through Sept. 30.

“Your manaʻo is vital as we work together to build a climate-ready Hawaiʻi,” Unruh said.

Talk story sessions are scheduled for the following dates and locations:

• Monday, Sept. 15 – Mililani Public Library (Oʻahu) – 5 p.m.
• Tuesday, Sept. 16 – Waimānalo Public Library (Oʻahu) – 1 p.m.
• Wednesday, Sept. 17 – Kahului Library (Maui) – 9 a.m.
• Thursday, Sept. 18 – Wailuku Library (Maui) – 3 p.m.
• Saturday, Sept. 20 – Hilo Library (Hawaiʻi Island) – 1 p.m.
• Tuesday, Sept. 23 – Līhuʻe Library (Kauaʻi) – 11 a.m.
• Tuesday, Sept. 23 – Kapaʻa Library (Kauaʻi) – 4 p.m.

More sessions will be announced on the Hawaiʻi Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission’s online events calendar in the weeks to come.