Public feedback sought for state climate action plan

Hawaii communities, natural resources and the economy are experiencing rising sea levels, temperatures and drought, wildfires and floods because of global climate change.

To help the state steer its efforts to meet its climate goals and address climate change challenges, the Hawaii State Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission and partners have drafted the Climate Action Pathways.

CAP is a detailed plan rooted in a commitment to mālama ʻāina — to care for and protect the land, its ecosystems and their connections with the people of Hawaii — to ensure a thriving future.

As part of the process, CCMAC invites all members of all communities to review the first CAP draft and share their input on measures for the state to adopt.

The first draft was created incorporating the feedback gathered at over 80 public events across the state. Local groups, consultants, lawmakers, county officials and state departments participated in the events.

“This is just a first crack at consolidating all the great information our partners and the community provided us,” said CCMAC Coordinator Leah Laramee in a release. “We are looking forward to reshaping it to match local priorities.”

To ensure easy and impactful participation, 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.

Share comments on the CAP website through Sept. 30 or submit them via email, HI_Climate@hawaii.gov. Everyone’s feedback will ensure the adopted measures reflect community priorities from across the state.