Governor signs new bills aimed at protecting agriculture, combatting climate change - Hawaii News Now

Governor signs new bills aimed at protecting agriculture, combatting climate change

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - Gov. Josh Green signed several new bills into law on Wednesday in an effort to protect the local agricultural systems and work to combat the detrimental effects of climate change.

Green held two different bill signings today--the first focusing on improving Hawaii’s agricultural systems, and the second regarding climate change and promoting clean energy across the island.

The first set of bills will support local agriculture by appropriating funds to Department of Agriculture projects, controlling invasive species, increasing pesticide fines, and more.

For example, one bill, SB833, aims to aid Wahiawa’s irrigation system. The bill provides funding to repair and secure Wahiawa’s irrigation system, so that it can supply water to local farmers in Wahiawa, Haleiwa, and Waialua.

Another bill, SB1552, appropriates $500,000 to the Department of Land and Natural Resources to help control an invasive species in Hawaii, fire ants. These species have infested agricultural lands and farms and damaged many crops, including one of Hawaii’s most famous crops, coffee.

Lawmakers and agricultural representatives pointed to an increase in support to local agriculture from Gov. Green’s administration, however, noted that there were still some crucial bills not passed in the past legislative session. In particular, there was an urge for more legislative support to combat invasive species.

“We need more money, more combat to invasive species. They’re not only damaging their agriculture but our fragile ecosystems,” said Hawaii Farm Bureau Executive Director Brian Miyamoto.

The second set of bills seek to improve energy efficiency, clean and cheaper transportation, and combat the effects of sea level rise.

As transportation is the largest source of Hawaii’s greenhouse gas emissions, SB1024 intends to offset emissions by setting clean energy goals for ground, air, and marine vehicles. It also creates more local jobs by establishing a working group to lead the implementation of these energy goals.

Lawmakers hope these bills provide actionable steps for Hawaii residents to mitigate climate change.

A bill in this second package, HB192, plans to phase out the sale of fluorescent lamps and bulbs — which are less efficient than LED counterparts and contain hazardous mercury waste — by January 2025. Lawmakers estimate that by 2050, HB192 will have saved taxpayers $382 billion in electricity bills and will have cut 750 tons of carbon emissions.

“Today we are collectively taking actionable steps to reduce utility bills, cut energy, water waste and reduce harmful pollution in our communities,” said Blue Planet Foundation Executive Director Melissa Miyashiro.

In the wake of Tuesday’s unofficial record as the hottest day on Earth, lawmakers hope these bills raise awareness to the urgency of the climate crisis.

“These are the win-win policies we need to make our ambitious climate goals a reality,” said Miyashiro.

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