HAWAIʻI CLIMATE CHANGE ADVOCACY ADVISOR DEVELOPED BY HIʻILEI K. CASCO Dept. of Natural Resources and Environmental Management University of Hawaiʻi at Manoa TABLE OF CONTENTS
01 02 03 PURPOSE CLIMATE CHANGE CLIMATE IN THE LEG OVERVIEW Why this resource A review of climate change An assessment and analysis was created for you indicators, impacts, and case of climate-related studies on advocacy initiatives initiatives in the 2019 in the Pacific region Hawaiʻi State Legislature
04 05 06 KEY INSIGHTS + RESOURCES + TOOLS APPENDICES STRATEGIES Sharing advocacy insights Materials to help you get Supporting data and and strategies from started: step-by-step information community members and guides, worksheets, and seasoned environmental resources advocates
2 01 PURPOSE
Why this resource was created for you
3 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
WELINA MAI
Welcome to the Hawaiʻi Climate Change Advocacy Advisor!
Despite the importance of environmental advocacy in ensuring effective decision-making processes and outcomes, smaller community-based resource stewardship organizations in Hawaiʻi often lack the skills, tools, guidance, and capacity to organize their own advocacy plans and strategies. This lack of support has made it difficult to protect and fulfill their environmental interests through an inability to participate in policy and decision-making processes at local and state levels. There is a need to support these groups to develop their own advocacy frameworks and plans, which will ensure their ability to express their views on climate change and natural resource issues that impact them.
This resource seeks to support small community-based natural resource organizations in Hawaiʻi to more effectively participate in climate change and natural resource policy and decision-making processes at local and state levels. Through an internship, literature review, and personal interviews, my guidebook assesses the unique challenges small groups face with respect to environmental advocacy efforts, as well as identifies the types of information, tools, skills, and resources needed to address these challenges.
This guidebook is intended to empower small groups by using past learnings and research to inform future advocacy successes, and providing the planning and organizational information and tools necessary to voice their concerns on issues that impact them. Overall, greater community participation in legislative processes will uphold just decision-making processes, ultimately improving protection and conservation of the natural resources and biodiversity of our islands now and in perpetuity.
4 WHY CLIMATE CHANGE? As the Earth approaches a 2-3 C increase in global warming, communities in Hawaiʻi are predicted to be among the first and worst places affected. Hawaiʻi residents are particularly vulnerable to climate impacts because of their isolated geographical location, heavy reliance on coastal areas, and unique natural resources like endemic plant and animal species. Climate Change is also unique in the sense that impacts are largely in the future, are relatively uncertain, may be costly, especially to certain parts of society whom are not necessarily powerful political actors. Since advance planning can help to mitigate the effects of climate change on people and environments, it is urgent that advocacy organizations address climate change sooner rather than later. Activities such as lobbying and education can serve as valuable strategies toward the protection of resources threatened by climate change.
WHY LEGISLATIVE ADVOCACY? The ʻōlelo noʻeau “E kū i ka pono” or “Stand or uphold what is right” attests to the immense social, cultural, and ecological importance of advocacy in Hawaiʻi. There are many forms advocacy can take depending on the issues at hand, their contexts, a group’s desired outcomes, and the key decision-making players and processes involved. Legislative advocacy specifically refers to efforts to introduce, implement, or iterate on legislation; efforts to influence the introduction, enactment, or modification of legislation. In Hawaiʻi, legislation is one of the primary forms of environmental protection. Voicing ideas and opinions on environmental issues during this process makes a critical difference in advancing climate action across the state.
WHY SMALL GROUPS? Despite the importance of climate change advocacy in promoting effective decision-making processes and outcomes, smaller community-based resource organizations and stewards in Hawaiʻi often lack the skills, tools, guidance, and capacity to organize their own successful advocacy plans and strategies. For example, smaller groups might have limited financial resources, a small member base, and/or few specialized staff with the time and expertise to develop and pursue advocacy plans and programs. Moreover, a shortage of knowledge regarding legislative processes can also negatively impact the ability of such groups to advocate for themselves. This lack of support makes it difficult to protect and fulfill environmental interests, despite strong desires to pursue advocacy initiatives. This resource was created to address this need and provide external support to help groups effectively express their views and enact change. 5 ABOUT THE AUTHORS
PRINCIPAL RESEARCHER
Hiʻilei K. Casco
Hiʻilei K. Casco was a graduate student from 2018-2020 in the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Management at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa. Her family is from Wailuku, Lāhaina and Kaupō on the island of Maui, Hawaiʻi. As a Native Hawaiian scholar, she utilizes pono research methodologies to mālama ʻāina. Her passions focus on Indigenous knowledges, environmental law and policy, political ecology, civic engagement, and informal environmental education.
This resource was produced as part of Casco’s Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Management Master’s of Environmental Management (MEM) capstone project. Please do not quote, claim, or use this work without citing the author.
COMMUNITY VOICES
As a participatory research project, this resource was developed with the insights and experiences of Hawai’i’s legislative community, including Legislators and staff, natural resource organizations and advocacy groups, environmental scholars, and every day citizens. A special mahalo to:
● Kamehameha Schools ● Blue Planet Foundation ● Common Ground Collective ● KAHEA - The Hawaiian-Environmental Alliance ● Maui Huliau Foundation ● Maui Tomorrow Foundation ● Sustainable Coastlines Hawaiʻi ● Young Progressive Demanding Action
For sharing their time, support, and knowledge. 6 02 CLIMATE CHANGE OVERVIEW
A review of climate change indicators, impacts, and case studies on advocacy initiatives in the Pacific region
7 CLIMATE CHANGE IN THE PACIFIC
CAUSES
The IPCC’s Fifth Assessment Report (AR5) provides an overview of the state of knowledge concerning the science of climate change across the globe. Their findings make clear that anthropogenic emissions of greenhouse gases are the highest in history, driven mainly by population size, economic activity, lifestyle, energy use, land use patterns, and technology. Hawaiʻi has played an important role in tracking CO2 concentration changes via the Keeling Curve, but climate change is largely driven by processes and industries, such as agriculture, beyond Hawaiʻi’s control. For this reason, adaptation efforts, as opposed to mitigation efforts, will be key in securing Hawaiʻi’s environmental and economic future.
For more resources about climate change, refer to Ch. 5 Resources and Tools.
Anthropogenic emissions The emission of greenhouse gases, most notably carbon dioxide (CO2) associated with human activities. Some activities that generate emissions include the burning of fossil fuels (e.g. coal and oil), deforestation, animal agriculture, and fertilization.
Keeling Curve The Keeling Curve is a graph of the accumulation of carbon dioxide in the Earth's atmosphere based on continuous measurements taken at the Mauna Loa Observatory on the island of Hawaiʻi from 1958 to the present day.
Adaptation vs. Mitigation Mitigation efforts are actions aimed at reducing and curbing greenhouse gas emissions, while adaptation measures are based on reducing vulnerability to the effects of climate change. Mitigation, therefore, addresses the causes of climate change, while adaptation addresses the impacts. 8 Source: 2012 Pacific Islands Regional Climate Assessment (PIRCA)
INDICATORS + IMPACTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE
The 2012 Pacific Islands Regional Climate Assessment (PIRCA) identified several important indicators of climate change in the region. These trends pose severe challenges for both human and natural communities in Hawaiʻi.
● Decreasing freshwater supplies ● Increased coastal flooding and erosion
● Increased extreme weather events ● Increased disease propagation “These changes make it difficult for Pacific ● Declining open-ocean fisheries Island communities to sustain their connection ● Increased risk of extinctions with a defined place and their unique set of ● Human migrations customs, beliefs, and languages” - 2012 PIRCA ● Increased wildfires 9 CASE STUDIES ON CLIMATE ADVOCACY
This section provides a review of the climate-related initiatives, activities, and contributions of key Hawaiʻi environmental organizations. The purpose of this section is to identify what climate advocacy activities are currently in place. More organizations can be found in Ch. 6 Appendices.
BLUE PLANET FOUNDATION
Organization Type: Non-profit
About: Blue Planet Foundation is a local nonprofit powering the transition to 100% clean energy in Hawaiʻi and leading the way for global change.BLUE Blue PLANET Planet finds FOUNDATION creative ways to remove the obstacles that stand between Hawaiʻi communities and a future free of fossil fuels.
Climate Crew The Climate Crew is a program geared towards Hawaiʻi high school students who are motivated and passionate about climate action. The program engages with and empowers select students in a cohort setting on clean energy and climate change issues and policies.
Project Re:Power Through Project Re:Power, Blue Planet provides legal advocacy at the local, state, and federal levels to fight for climate change initiatives.
We Are 100 Campaign The state of Hawaiʻi has committed to 100% renewable energy by 2045. This campaign was created to hold Hawaiʻi residents, businesses, and organizations accountable to this commitment.
10 Source: Blue Planet Foundation website, April 2020 HAWAIʻI GREEN GROWTH
Organization Type: Non-profit
About: The Hawaiʻi Green Growth UN Local2030 Hub is a public-private partnership committed to advancing economic, social, and environmental goals. They accelerate and scale local solutions to global sustainability challenges.
Aloha+ Challenge The Aloha+ Challenge is a statewide commitment to achieve Hawaiʻi’s sustainability goals, and a locally-driven framework to implement the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Source: Adapted from Hawaiʻi Green Growth website, https://aloha-challenge.hawaiigreengrowth.org/aloha-goals/
11 SIERRA CLUB OF HAWAIʻI
Organization Type: Non-profit
About: The Sierra Club of Hawaiʻi is one of the oldest and most effective grassroots environmental organizations in the islands. Founded in 1968, Sierra Club currently has more than 16,000 members and supporters volunteering to help people better explore, enjoy, and protect Hawaiʻi’s unique environment and wildlife. The Hawaiʻi Chapter is made of up four regional groups with appointed representatives on the Executive Committee, seven elected chapter leaders and two additional appointed volunteers, as needed. They also have five paid staff, including coordinators on Oʻahu and Maui.
Political Action Sierra Club Hawaiʻi’s political committee works at the state level (county councils, mayors, state legislators, governors, etc.) to promote the election of environmentally-sensitive candidates to public office by recommending endorsements to the Chapter Executive Committee and maintaining a relationship with those elected.
Groups and Committees The Sierra Club of Hawaiʻi is effective at their advocacy initiatives because of its strong volunteer and membership base - people contribute their time to help Chapters and Groups across the state to accomplish their advocacy objectives.
Source: Sierra Club of Hawaiʻi’s CapitolWatch website in April 2020, https://www.hawaiicapitolwatch.org/ 12 NATURE CONSERVANCY HAWAIʻI
Organization Type: Non-profit
About: The Nature Conservancy is a global environmental non-profit working to create a world where people and nature can thrive. Founded at its grassroots in the United States in 1951, The Nature Conservancy has grown to become one of the most effective and wide-reaching environmental organizations in the world. Thanks to more than a million members and the dedicated efforts of diverse staff and more than 400 scientists, they impact conservation in 72 countries across six continents.
Stand with Climate Action The Nature Conservancy promotes pledges to call on U.S. leaders to stand strong on climate change policies.
Action Center TNC's Action Center is a hub to sign on to climate change, sustainability, and conservation campaigns and pledges.
Volunteer or Partner The Nature Conservancy provides numerous volunteer and partnership opportunities across the state of Hawaiʻi. Opportunities can be found on their website. .
HEALTHY CLIMATE COMMUNITIES
Org Type: Non-profit
About: Healthy Climate Communities supports community education and action in Hawaiʻi to fight climate change.
Education Healthy Climate Communities is working to make sure the next generation will have an age-appropriate understanding of Climate Change and what they can do about it through interactive workshops, public talks, and public symposiums.
13 CONSERVATION INTERNATIONAL HAWAIʻI
Organization Type: Non-profit
About: Conservation International partners with leaders in the private sector to mobilize hundreds of millions of dollars to reduce emissions from deforestation; work with government officials to develop a new policy framework for combating climate change that combines innovations in energy efficiency with financial incentives to preserve forests, coral reefs and other natural habitats; and build the capacity of indigenous communities, NGOs and government agencies to implement this strategy.
Improve Small-scale Fishery Management At the community level, Conservation International Hawai‘i fosters responsible fishing and traditional knowledge sharing by engaging local fishers and hosting educational family fishing camps. At the state level, Conservation International has worked with the Department of Land and Natural Resources to launch a Community Fisheries Enforcement Unit, which spurred a 90% compliance rate with fishing regulations (such as those that prohibit illegal netting) in a patrol area around the island of Maui.
Source: Conservation International Hawaiʻi website in July 2019, https://www.conservation.org/places/hawaii
14 CLIMATE IN THE 03 LEG
An analysis of climate-related initiatives in the 2019 Hawaiʻi State Legislature
15 OVERVIEW
2019 HAWAIʻI STATE LEGISLATIVE ANALYSIS
This section provides context on all climate change-related initiatives in the 2019 Hawaiʻi State legislative session. The findings of this analysis can be used as a guide for determining effective advocacy strategies and pathways, identifying what gaps and needs have been filled, as well as assessing and forecasting what the political environment looks like for climate action. Supporting data can be found in Ch. 6 Appendices.
METHODOLOGY
Initial research on climate-related legislature was conducted at the state and federal levels. Starting at the state level, Sierra Club of Hawaiʻi's CapitolWatch 2019 bill list database was used to identify and collect all climate-related bills. Federal climate bills were found using GovTrack. All bills were then organized using categories such as measure titles, measure status, primary sponsors, and mitigation vs. adaptation focus. This information was used to develop graphs, calculate the "success rate" of climate bills, and visualize other data. Click here to access the full 2019 bill spreadsheet.
16 SUMMARY FINDINGS
A QUICK OVERVIEW
● Total House climate bills: 64 ● Total Senate climate bills: 69 ● House bills that made it to conference committees: 5
● Senate bills that made it to conference committees: 3 ● House climate bills sent to Governor: 8 (12.5% of total House climate bills) ● Senate climate bills sent to Governor: 6 (8.7% of total House climate bills)
Makeup of the bills sent to Governor (Total of 14):
● 5 related to energy (38.5%) ● 1 related to emissions (7.7%) ● 3 related to transportation (23.0%) ● 1 related to industry (7.7%) ● 2 related to conservation (15.4%) ● 1 related to disaster (7/7%) ● 1 related to sustainability (7.7%)
Conference Committees: assigned Representatives and Senators will attempt to negotiate a final version of the bill to be sent to the Governor
Sent to Governor: If a bill successfully passes through both chambers of the Legislature, it needs to be presented and signed into law by the Governor.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
● There were a total of 133 climate-related bills in the 2019 legislative session ● The most common themes of state-level bills were energy (31.2%) and transportation (19.4%) ● Only 1 of the 14 state climate bills sent to the Governor was enacted ● The majority of state climate bills focus on mitigation (68.4%) rather than adaptation ● Representative Nicole Lowen (D-06) sponsored the most climate-related bills with a total of 16 17 THEMES OF 2019 STATE CLIMATE-RELATED BILLS
The percentage of total climate change-related Hawaiʻi state bills in each theme
THEME DESCRIPTIONS
● Coastal/Ocean - Relating to coastal planning, coastal zone management, planning, sea level rise, development, coastal erosion ● Disaster - Relating to critical infrastructure, electric grid resiliency, eminent domain, flood mitigation, capital improvement projects, insurance ● Emissions - Relating to carbon emissions, greenhouse gases, carbon taxes, carbon offset, fossil fuels ● Energy - Relating to solar energy projects, vegetable oil energy, energy efficiency, renewable energy, clean energy, coal-free, appliance efficiency, Aloha+ challenge, electricity production ● Industry - Relating to sustainable business, bottled water, plastic, polystyrene foam ● Transportation - Relating to electric vehicles, fuel tax, combustion engines, busses, zero-emission vehicles, highway development, parking ● Other - Relating to agriculture, conservation, infrastructure, sustainability, waste, 18 water, other
STATUS OF 2019 STATE CLIMATE-RELATED BILLS Number of climate-related bills at each status during the 2019 session
MITIGATION VS. ADAPTATION
19 The percentage of bills related to mitigation, adaptation, or both PRIMARY SPONSORS OF CLIMATE-RELATED BILLS
State Legislators
Number of bills introduced as primary sponsor
The number of climate change-related bills (n>0) primarily sponsored by each 20 Hawaiʻi state legislator STATE LEGISLATORS
The following section is a list of all Hawaiʻi State Legislators that have sponsored Climate Change related bills in the 2019 Session. The success rate shows the percentages of the bills that made it to conference from the total climate bills drafted by each legislator. Note: only Legislators that drafted climate-related bills are featured.
Rep. Nicole Lowen [D-06] Number of Bills: 16 Bill Focus: Energy (7), Transportation (3), Emissions (2), Disaster (2), Industry (1), Coastal/Ocean (1)
Success Rate: 25%
Sen. Glenn Wakai [D-15] Number of Bills: 9 Bill Focus: Energy (6), Transportation (2), Industry (1)
Success Rate: 33%
Sen. Mike Gabbard [D-20] Number of Bills: 8 Bill Focus: Industry (4), Energy (2), Transportation (1), Coastal/Ocean (1)
Success Rate: 12.5%
Rep. Scott Saiki [D-26] Number of Bills: 9 Bill Focus: Energy (3), Transportation (3), Emissions (1), Waste (1), Conservation (1)
Success Rate: 22%
Sen. Lorraine Inouye [D-04] Number of Bills: 8 Bill Focus: Transportation (6), Sustainability (1), Energy (1)
Success Rate: 25%
Rep. Ryan Yamane [D-37] Number of Bills: 7 Bill Focus: Sustainability (2), Emissions (1), Water (1), Conservation (1), Energy (1), Infrastructure (1) 21 Success Rate: 28.6%
Speaker of the House Sen. Russell Ruderman [D-02] Number of Bills: 6 Bill Focus: Emissions (2), Energy (1), Transportation (2), Disaster (1)
Success Rate: 0%
Sen. Ronald Kouchi [D-08] Number of Bills: 6 Bill Focus: Energy (4), Transportation (1), Emissions (1)
Success Rate: 16.7%
Sen. Kalani English [D-20] Number of Bills: 5 Bill Focus: Energy (1), Coastal/Ocean (1), Sustainability (1), Disaster (1), Waste (1)
Success Rate: 0%
Sen. Karl Rhoads [D-13] Number of Bills: 5 Bill Focus: Energy (2), Other (1), Disaster (1), Emissions (1)
Success Rate: 20%
Sen. Gil Riviere [D-23] Number of Bills: 4 Bill Focus: Energy (2), Disaster (1), Industry (1)
Success Rate: 0%
Rep. Ty Cullen [D-39] Number of Bills: 3 Bill Focus: Disaster (1), Sustainability (1), Energy (1)
Success Rate: 33%
Rep. Sean Quinlan [D-47] Number of Bills: 3 Bill Focus: Coastal/Ocean (2), Energy (1)
Success Rate: 0% 22
Speaker of the House
Chair of LMG
Vice Chair of LHE Sen. Donovan Dela Cruz [D-22] Number of Bills: 3 Bill Focus: Energy (1), Coastal/Ocean (1), Industry (1)
Success Rate: 0%
Sen. Stanley Chang [D-09] Number of Bills: 3 Bill Focus: Industry (2), Transportation (1)
Success Rate: 0%
Sen. Rosalyn Baker [D-06] Number of Bills: 3 Bill Focus: Industry (1), Transportation (1), Coastal/Ocean (1)
Success Rate: 0%
Rep. Henry Aquino [D-38] Number of Bills: 3 Bill Focus: Transportation (3)
Success Rate: 0%
Sen. Kaialiʻi Kahele [D-01] Number of Bills: 3 Bill Focus: Energy (1), Coastal/Ocean (1), Sustainability (1)
Success Rate: 33%
Rep. Laura Thielen [D-25] Number of Bills: 3 Bill Focus: Energy (1), Coastal/Ocean (2)
Success Rate: 0%
Rep. Chris Lee [D-47] Number of Bills: 3 Bill Focus: Disaster (2), Emissions (1)
Success Rate: 33% 23 Rep. Tina Wildberger [D-11] Number of Bills: 2 Bill Focus: Emissions (1), Coastal/Ocean (1)
Success Rate: 0%
Rep. Amy Perruso [D-46] Number of Bills: 2 Bill Focus: Emissions (1), Agriculture (1)
Success Rate: 0%
Sen. Gilbert Keith-Agaran [D-05] Number of Bills: 2 Bill Focus: Energy (2)
Success Rate: 0%
Rep. Lisa Kitagawa [D-48] Number of Bills: 2 Bill Focus: Disaster (1), Energy (1)
Success Rate: 0%
Rep. David Tarnas [D-07] Number of Bills: 2 Bill Focus: Disaster (1), Coastal/Ocean (1)
Success Rate: 50%
Rep. Chris Todd [D-02] Number of Bills: 2 Bill Focus: Energy (1), Conservation (1)
Success Rate: 50%
Rep. Angus McKelvey [D-10] Number of Bills: 2 Bill Focus: Coastal/Ocean (1), Emissions (1)
Success Rate: 0% 24 Rep. Troy Hashimoto [D-08] Number of Bills: 1 Bill Focus: Coastal/Ocean
Success Rate: 0%
Rep. Sam Kong [D-33] Number of Bills: 1 Bill Focus: Energy
Success Rate: 0%
Rep. Mark Hashem [D-18] Number of Bills: 1 Bill Focus: Transportation
Success Rate: 0%
Rep. Bertrand Kobayashi [D-19] Number of Bills: 1 Bill Focus: Disaster
Success Rate: 0%
Rep. Dale Kobayashi [D-23] Number of Bills: 1 Bill Focus: Disaster
Success Rate: 0%
Rep. Kyle Yamashita [D-12] Number of Bills: 1 Bill Focus: Transportation
Success Rate: 0%
Sen. Clarence Nishihara [D-17] Number of Bills: 1 Bill Focus: Energy
Success Rate: 0% 25 Sen. Dru Kanuha [D-03] Number of Bills: 1 Bill Focus: Industry
Success Rate: 0%
Rep. Joy San Buenaventura [D-04] Number of Bills: 1 Bill Focus: Disaster
Success Rate: 100%
26 04 KEY INSIGHTS + STRATEGIES
Sharing advocacy insights and strategies from community members and seasoned environmental advocates
27 OVERVIEW
ADVOCACY INSIGHTS
Informal interviews with representatives from small community-based resource stewardship groups in Hawaiʻi were used to assess the challenges and learning experiences that small community-based natural resource stewards and organizations faced in environmental advocacy efforts in Hawaiʻi. Interview questions focused on climate or natural resources issues primarily seen in Hawaiʻi.Their insights inform us on what difficulties to expect in pursuing climate change advocacy initiatives, and how to strategize and galvanize support and resources.
Their insights and experiences can be used shape how we conduct effective climate advocacy into the future. While there is no “one-size-fits-all” solution, this information presents just some of the many pathways to improve participation in legislative processes. Keep in mind that these serve as ideas and guidelines rather than “rules”, so always feel free to modify them in ways that feel right for your group. Don’t forget that they can also be used in combination with each other. These insights can also be translated to address other issues that occur beyond Hawaiʻi and climate change or natural resources.
STRATEGIES: LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES + POLICY BRIEFS
Legislative priorities and policy briefs are key ways to educate Legislators. They are especially powerful for climate-related concerns because the nature of climate change issues are diverse, numerous, and can be unique to specific groups. Developing these resources not only help your group organize your issues and solutions internally, but also prepare you for meetings with your decision-makers. More information about these strategies are provided in each corresponding section.
28 CONTENTS
ADVOCACY INSIGHTS Sharing community knowledge 1 Focus: valuable lessons from seasoned advocates
LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES Easy first-step toward civic engagement 2 Focus: educating Legislators on issues that matter to you
POLICY BRIEFS Taking your ideas to the next level Focus: proposing real-world solutions 3
29 1 ADVOCACY INSIGHTS Sharing community knowledge Focus: valuable lessons from seasoned advocates
30 PREPARATION + PERCEPTION
Preparing for the Long Fight ● Understand that advocacy is a long-term commitment that comes with ups and downs - prepare yourself and your group to engage in both wins and losses. ● Advocacy, like any plan, requires constant reflection and evaluation. There is no perfect recipe for replicating the effective processes. ● There are victories in losses. Sometimes it’s not always about the end that you wanted, but knowing that the work that got you there is a success in itself. If you don’t get the outcome you want, be prepared to start over again. Even if you are unsuccessful, the work you have done is not unwarranted. At minimum, you are making connections and building a base, as well as gaining valuable experience. Your work also facilitates a process for engagement and mobilization in other pathways. ● Sometimes your opposition can consist of fellow friends, family, and colleagues. In whatever stance you may take, be prepared to set boundaries if necessary. ● Get people to identify with issues by localizing global issues. Engage the community by tieing the issues directly to their lives.
Crafting Your Perception ● Coming off as a “die-hard” advocate for your cause can either work for you or against you, and many times its the latter. Being open-minded is key to having meaningful conversations with your decision-makers as well as membership. If you come off as a “know it all,” you might gain a negative reputation of yourself that will make it hard for you to be taken seriously. Word also gets around! ● In Hawaii, relationships and connections are especially important. If you are a constituent (someone who lives in their district), your interests are much more likely to be heard. ● Credibility is key. Being credible gives you an edge up on your opposition by making it difficult to twist your words your spin your narrative. Being a reliable source of information can help you spread your message and gain allies.
31 KNOWING + STRATEGIZING YOUR AUDIENCE
● Know re-election cycles - present yourself as a voting constituent. Legislators are more eager to work with the people they serve, as opposed to those who live outside of the their district. ● Look at track records to find out Legislators’ main platform - look at what committees they are on, what types of bills they introduce, what types of bills they sponsor, past voting records, newsletters, and bios. Frame your issues toward their interests and concerns. ● Be open to learning and finding common ground. Schedule private meetings with decision-makers and discuss your issues outside of public hearings too.
Q: How do you get to know the politics of your legislators? How do you employ the information that you know or find out?
● Face to face meetings - do not let the fear of engaging with Legislators’ prevent you from doing so. It is acceptable and necessary to go meet them one on one and communicate your issues directly. ● Overcome the cultural barriers of not wanting to challenge authority ● Know that your Legislators actually care about your opinion and interests ● Have experienced advocates be present with inexperienced advocates during the first meetings. This can ease any fears or anxiety and provide a key source of support during the meetings.
32 PARTNERSHIPS + COMMUNITY SUPPORT
● Assess your groups’ strengths and weaknesses to see how partnerships can fill gaps in expertise, knowledge, resources, etc. ● Smaller groups can serve as key allies for larger organizations. What are some ways to help? Provide testimony, collaborate on writing policy, send your membership in solidarity with other groups’ initiatives. ● Relationships with your community can be even more important than funding because people can offer the time, skills, knowledge, and services that money cannot buy. ● Consult with seasoned advocates. Similar to the insights in this guidebook, having experienced mentors can provide you with the unspoken tips and tricks of effective advocacy. ● Keeping membership or volunteering fun and engaging can mitigate the issues that come with having low organizational capacity. Creating a fun advocacy environment where people want to keep coming back and feel important helps your group’s momentum overall.
Q: How can you connect with others? What does community engagement look like? ● Pass down institutional knowledge. ● Have leadership and member expertise - those who have already been engaged in legislative processes or lead successful advocacy campaigns ● Put on events to bring people together and to meet them ● Showing up to important hearings and events. If people see you, then you start to build credibility, people start reaching out to you instead ● Use personal connections where possible
The Power of An Attorney ● Knowing or having access to an attorney can be extremely useful in helping you and your members understand the legal context and processes of your issue and policy solutions.
33 CHALLENGES
Balance ● Balancing mission work vs. advocacy work - sometimes advocacy is only one part of your group’s larger mission to protect natural resources. Finding where advocacy fits within your group’s other activities can be difficult, and sometimes you can feel that you are getting too far away from what you and your members set out to actually do.
Starting Young ● For most people, the legislative process is not formally taught in schools. People learn how to navigate the Legislature through a variety of ways, usually in their adult life. Educating your younger family members and engaging youth earlier is a great way toward cultivating engaged adults. The more comfortable they are with navigating these processes, the more likely they are to voice their opinions and teach and encourage those around them to be civically active. ● One of the challenges in engaging younger audiences is understanding youth as contributing members of the community, and recognizing that they have capacity. As community leaders or teachers, our roles usually come in the form of cultivating this capacity and potential into projects and activities, as well as taking care of logistics
Misinformation ● Powerful figures often capitalize on misinformation or the public’s lack of knowledge on a particular issue. How to counter this issue? Having good media contacts and using the power of social media.
Choosing the Right Platform - Sometimes the Legislature is Not It ● The Legislature is a difficult place to be effective because politics are such a strong influence in that space. There are other places to advocate, such as at state agency meetings or town halls, that might feel more efficient for your time and resources, especially if you feel an initiative has not gained much traction or support. ● Look at every avenue available to you
34 2 LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES Easy first-step toward civic engagement Focus: educating Legislators on issues that matter to you
35 LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES
WHAT ARE LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES?
Legislative priorities are the primary concerns that a community group or organization intends to address through the development and implementation of laws. In general, they consist of proposed policies or initiatives aimed at addressing specific public concerns or issues. In relation to climate change, they might deal with decreasing carbon emissions, increasing local food production, protecting native species, promoting green energy alternatives, or any other topics that the Legislature has the power to influence.
Legislative priority documents can be created by anyone and usually take the form of 1-5 page reports. More information about the specific content of these resources are provided in this section with guidelines for developing your own legislative priority documents.
HOW ARE THEY USED + WHY DO THEY MATTER?
Legislative priorities are an effective way to voice your interests and influence the creation or intent of different bills that Legislators introduce during a session. While there are countless issues demanding the attention of the Legislative body, these resources can provide an easy, clear, and useful way for Representatives and Senators to understand what issues are of primary concern and for whom.
Developing legislative priorities also encourages groups and communities to strategize, prioritize, and articulate their concerns well before the start of the session, which is usually sometime in January. It might be the case that there so many issues that are important that it is difficult to know where or how to begin strategizing their feasibility and implementation. Legislative priorities aid citizens in clarifying larger public concerns into concise statements that Legislators can then use to understand and implement solutions to diverse issues.
36
Speaker of the House LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES
CONTENT OVERVIEW
The information provided in this chapter consists of descriptions and guidelines for developing each document element, as well as worksheets to support you through the process. All worksheets can be found in Chapter 6 and are demarcated with an orange border. Please feel free to scan or duplicate the worksheets to make as many copies as you need. The corresponding worksheets for each element are listed below.
Master Suggested Components Checklist
❏ Element 1: A Brief Summary - See Legislative Priorities Worksheet 1 ❏ Background ❏ Overall purpose/mission/vision ❏ Key activities and events
❏ Element 2: Your top 3-5 legislative priorities - See Legislative Priorities Worksheet 2 ❏ Summary for each issue/concern
❏ Element 3: Contact information ❏ Name of group, hui, organization, community, etc. ❏ Name of point-persons ❏ Phone numbers (indicate whether mobile, work, home, etc.) ❏ Email addresses
37
Speaker of the House LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES
ELEMENT 1: A BRIEF SUMMARY
Before jumping in to your legislative priorities, first include a brief summary of your organization or community’s background and overall purpose, mission, and/or vision. It is also useful to include any key activities or events your group participates in. This allows Legislators to get a general idea of who you are and why your priorities are important to your Legislators and their constituents.
See Legislative Priorities Worksheet 1
Suggested Components
❏ Background ❏ Overall purpose, mission, vision ❏ Key activities and events (past, current, or future)
Guidelines 1. Aim for around 1-2 paragraphs, located at the beginning of your document(s). 2. Be as specific and captivating as possible. Use words and descriptions that “paint a picture” and encourage Legislators to read on. 3. Be strategic about which goals, interests, and activities you share and try to keep them similar to each other. Since Legislators are very busy, it is more effective to hone in on 3-5 related topics rather than sharing a broader array of interests. Doing so will increase the chances that your priorities get read over and considered because they are more concise and direct. These interests should also relate to or match your legislative priorities.
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Speaker of the House LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES - WORKSHEET 1
Use this worksheet to help you brainstorm and develop information for your brief summary. Feel free to only use the information you feel is pertinent.
Background
● What is the name of your group? ______● Who is involved (broadly)? ______● When was your group formed? ______● Where are you located? ______
Purpose, Mission, Vision
Purpose - why you do what you do, why your organization exists, and why you serve a higher purpose (your cause) ______
Mission - how you accomplish your purpose; your mission is what drives you every day to fulfill your purpose ______
Vision - what you will achieve in the future, the results you want to reach for, the measurable impact you want to make ______
Activities + Events
Activity Title ______Date and Location ______Description ______
Activity Title ______Date and Location ______Description ______39
Speaker of the House LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES
ELEMENT 2: YOUR TOP 3-5 PRIORITIES
Legislative priorities consist of your specific issues or concerns. For each issue, you should write a 3-5 sentence overview that discusses what it is and its importance. *See Legislative Priorities Worksheet 2
Suggested Components
❏ Summary overview for each issue/concern
Step 1: Defining your Issues ● Be as detailed and concise as possible so that it is easy to immediately identify the core of the problem. ● Use the title phrase “Relating to ______” so that it is clear what the issue involves without having to read the overview, especially if you are planning to discuss multiple issues with different topics. ● Provide translations for any non-English words. ● Write in proper English (consult the Public Access Room for help if needed. Refer to Chapter 5 for more information on the Public Access Room). ● Be mindful of your use of exclamation points, questions marks, CAPS, and any other expressive symbols.
Step 2: Prioritizing Your Issues Choosing which legislative matters take precedence can be a daunting and difficult task. Below are some guiding questions for thinking about how to prioritize your interests and concerns. Use these questions to rank your different issues so that you consolidate down to a final 3-5 total. ● Is your concern an issue the Legislature has the power to resolve? ● Are there other resources or pathways for resolution that might be more effective? ● Is the concern urgent? Does it have any time restrictions or constraints? ● What are the costs and feasibility associated with your concern? Are certain issues easier to address? ● How often does the issue occur? Are other groups or organizations interested 40 about the same problems?
Speaker of the House LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES - WORKSHEET 2
Use this worksheet to help you define and prioritize your main issues. When you are finished, this information should be developed into single, clear 3-5 sentence statements (for each issue).
Issue 1
Relating to ______Why is it important? ______Who does it impact? ______What are the effects? ______
Issue 2
Relating to ______Why is it important? ______Who does it impact? ______What are the effects? ______
Issue 3
Relating to ______Why is it important? ______Who does it impact? ______What are the effects? ______
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Speaker of the House LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES
ELEMENT 3: CONTACT INFORMATION
It is important to include your group’s contact information so that Legislators can ask questions or request additional information after reviewing your document(s). Including this info also helps Legislators keep track of your engagement and interests over time, as well as update any old records they might have from previous years.
Suggested Components
❏ Name of group, hui, organization, community, etc. ❏ Name of point-person(s) ❏ Phone numbers (indicate whether mobile, work, home, etc.) ❏ Email addresses ❏ OPTIONAL: Mailing address ❏ OPTIONAL: Business hours (if applicable)
Guidelines ● As a reminder, please use your discretion when giving out personal information such as these. Only provide what you are comfortable with as it is possible that your documents are shared between different Legislators and their assistants. ● When listing point-persons, include their preferred pronouns (e.g. she/her/hers, they/them). ● State preferred or best method of contact (i.e. call vs. email) ● If there are specific people in charge of certain priorities, be sure to specify this information so that Legislators know who best to reach out to.
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Speaker of the House LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES
DESIGN GUIDELINES
The design and aesthetic of your documents can either attract or detract/distract from the communication of your priorities. Consider the following guidelines when creating your document, and refer to Chapter 6 for examples and free templates that visualize content organization, formatting, and design.
Header + Footer ● Include a title with a date (year). For example, “Casco’s 2019 Legislative Priorities” at the top of your document page. ● Put your group’s brief summary (Element 1) under the title ● Include a footer with a date (month and year) so that Legislators and their staff can track your priorities over time (i.e. “As of April 2019”)
Formatting ● Use bullet points to communicate and organize information. ● Use easy-to-read fonts (e.g. Times, Arial, Georgia) no smaller than size 14. ● Use boxes and/or tables to organize and separate different content sections. ● If printing, use white 8.5” x 11” paper and print in color.
Design ● Keep designs clean and simple by limiting the use of different colors, fonts, and unnecessary graphics. ● Include your organization or group’s logo if you have one. ● Carefully incorporate pictures, infographics, and other visual elements when appropriate to illustrate or enhance your written content.
A Note on Digital Design It is easiest to develop your documents digitally for a high quality, professional look. Microsoft applications like Word, Publisher, and PowerPoint are recommended but any other word-processing or design applications that are easiest for you work just as well. If you have limited computer access, please keep in mind that the Hawaiʻi state libraries have public computers for your use. The Hawaiʻi Public Access Room also provides free 43 use of computers, printers, and workspaces.
Speaker of the House 3 POLICY BRIEFS Taking your ideas to the next level Focus: proposing real-world solutions
44 POLICY BRIEFS
WHAT ARE POLICY BRIEFS?
Policy briefs are meant to educate and convince policymakers to take a course of action. Unlike legislative priorities, they provide policy options available to address the issues, and comparisons of the pros and cons of these options. In general, they should: ● Provide background information on the problem ● Convince readers that there is a sense of urgency ● Present a policy solution(s) ● Provide evidence for the solution(s) ● Provide information about alternatives ● Present an assessment to compare solutions
HOW ARE THEY USED + WHY DO THEY MATTER?
Policies can have many purposes: to regulate, to authorize, to prohibit, to provide (e.g. funds or services), to sanction, to grant, to declare, or to restrict. These actions are the the core of a bill. Policy briefs are an effective way to suggest solutions to the issues brought up in your legislative priorities. Often times we have a general idea of what is important to us, but have difficulty shaping those interests into measurable actions or objectives. Developing policy briefs require us to “do our research”,and provide an opportunity to convince Legislators that your solutions are the best ones.
A KEY RESOURCE
Unlike legislative priorities, there are tons of resources available online on how to write effective policy briefs. One resource in particular, the FAO Guide to Writing Effective Reports, provides all of the information, worksheets, checklists, and examples you need to get started. Instead of providing a reverberation of what this resource supplies here in this guidebook, the URL is given below:
http://www.fao.org/3/i2195e/i2195e03.pdf
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Speaker of the House POLICY BRIEFS
CONTENT OVERVIEW
While the FAO Guide to Writing Effective Reports document provides more detail into each of these components and their roles, here is a quick overview of the key contents within a policy brief.
Suggested Components Checklist
❏ Title: short, catchy, and to the point
❏ Summary for Policymakers: Summary of the content of the policy brief. Includes main points for policymakers in 3-4 bullets
❏ Problem Statement: A compelling presentation of the problem. Should convince the reader why the problem is urgent, and include background that readers need to know to understand the policy recommendations provided later in the brief. It should consider the scientific evidence for the problem, and the multiple dimensions of the problem.
❏ Policy Recommendations: Propose potential changes to current policy (e.g. a new law or additional funding for a project or enforcement). These should be clear and easy to understand, short, and realistic.
❏ Policy Implications: Describe how the proposed policy changes will improve the situation, as well as the pros and cons of the changes.
❏ Figures: Provide any relevant tables, cases, graphs, photos, etc. that would help the decision-makers understand your brief.
❏ References: The brief should be referenced by citing the sources of any facts, data, or information that is not your original work.
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Speaker of the House POLICY BRIEFS
PROPOSED POLICY SOLUTIONS
Policy can have many purposes: to regulate, to authorize, to prohibit, to provide (e.g. funds or services), to sanction, to grant, to declare or to restrict. To ensure that your proposed legislative actions are effective solutions toward addressing your concerns, consider the following questions:
● What effects will this action have? Try to think of its potential impacts beyond your specific areas of concern. Does it have any unintended effects? ● Is the action ethically and morally sound? Is it equitable for different population groups? ● Is the action economically and technically feasible? What resources are needed to implement it? ● Who has jurisdiction over your suggested actions (i.e. county, state, federal, combined)? If combined, what is needed from each level of governance? ● Is the action acceptable and enforceable? Is it legal? ● Does your recommendation have community or societal support?
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Speaker of the House LEG PRIORITIES + POLICY BRIEFS
DISTRIBUTION GUIDELINES
Similar the design of your documents, the distribution of your legislative priorities and policy briefs are critically important to capturing the attention and interest of your legislators.
Distribution Methods ● Email: Email your documents in PDF form with a short introductory message. ● Office - mail: Print and send 2-3 copies to your Legislator(s)’ office address. ● Office - in person: Print 2-3 copies and hand-deliver to your Legislator(s) or their assistants at their office address. ● In person: Hand-deliver your documents to your Legislator(s) at designated community meetings, events, workshops, etc. in your district.
If submitting through mail or email, be sure to follow up with a simple phone call to your Legislator’s office to confirm your documents were received.
Time of Year It is most advantageous to prepare your legislative priorities and policy briefs well in advance of the start of the Legislative session. In fact, during the interim (when the Legislature is not in session; May - December) is when these priorities are most effective and useful. Throughout the months of June to December, Legislators usually are back in their respective districts meeting with communities, fact-gathering, and looking for input about what issues to pursue in the following legislative session. It is during this time that you should distribute your priorities and policy brief documents to your designated Representative(s) and/or Senator(s).
However, legislative priorities can also be useful for informing Legislators on specific issues during the session, used as a sort of “living document” for updates as the session progresses.
Session dates change every year. You can find session calendars and contact information for your Legislator(s) at the Hawaiʻi State Legislature website (see Ch.5 Resources). 48
Speaker of the House LEG PRIORITIES + POLICY BRIEFS
DISTRIBUTION GUIDELINES CONT.
Choosing Your Audience In many cases, engaging with your district leader is not enough. If you know a certain Legislator has a history of support for your topics of interest (e.g. voted in support of past bills or introduced similar measures), it can be more effective to focus on these potential allies who already have a similar perspectives and agendas to you. Moreover, finding out what committees align with your interests and who is on those committees, especially the Chairs and Vice-Chairs, is another avenue for effectively distributing your resources to those most likely to seriously consider them. Alignment is critical for pushing your agenda. If there are no common interests between you and the decision-maker, then your issue is not likely to be taken seriously.
Try to be clever about who you send your materials to. Sending a few resources to a handful of key people is more productive than over- distributing to the point where it can seem like spam. You are more likely to garner support if your methods for distribution are well- strategized and intentional.
You can find session calendars and contact information for your Legislator(s) at the Hawaiʻi State Legislature website. The website also has information on committee leaders and members.
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Speaker of the House RESOURCES 05 + TOOLS
Materials to help you get started: step-by-step guides, worksheets, and resources
50 EXAMPLES
51 EXAMPLES OF LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES Provided below are links to the legislative priorities of various environmental or natural resource-based organizations in Hawaiʻi. Please note that each group uses these legislative priorities differently, and thus the format and content of each serves different purposes. The year is provided because legislative priorities can change yearly. Do your own research to find what works best for your own organization.
OFFICE OF HAWAIIAN AFFAIRS (OHA) (2020) https://www.oha.org/legislation
As part of its mandate to advocate for Native Hawaiians, each year OHA submits a package of proposed bills to the Hawaiʻi State Legislature, and the agency’s Board of Trustees also votes to take positions on a wide variety of legislation impacting the Hawaiian community.
ʻ SIERRA CLUB OF HAWAI I (2019) https://www.hawaiicapitolwatch.org/2019-priorities
The Sierra Club of Hawaiʻi is dedicated to ensuring a just future for Hawaiʻi in the face of a changing climate. Sierra Club tracks climate and natural resource bills as well as Dept. of Land and Natural Resources funding bills, waste and recycling, and coalition bills.
BLUE PLANET FOUNDATION (2019) https://blueplanetfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Blue-Planet-Found ation-policy-priorities-Jan19.pdf
Blue Planet Foundation, a local public charity, has been working for over a decade in Hawaiʻi to clear the path for 100% clean energy for all. In collaboration with other community stakeholders, they have developed a portfolio of policy solutions to accelerate our transition to a carbon-free economy. These measures seek to significantly reduce our greenhouse gas emissions while ensuring that everyone benefits from the transformation to clean energy. 52 EXAMPLE POLICY BRIEF 1
53 Establishing Community Orchards to Improve Food Security under Climate Change in Hawaiʻi
Summary for Policymakers ● Many Hawaiʻi residents are food insecure due to increasing costs of food and living ● Climate change’s impacts on water availability will limit viable options for future agriculture in the State ● Orchards provide an ideal solution to food insecurity under changing climatic conditions ● The Legislature should establish and maintain a State-wide community orchards program under the Department of Land and Natural Resources’ Division of Forestry and Wildlife’s Kaulunani Urban & Community Forestry Program ● The goal of the program is to establish at least one orchard in every county by 2030 to support local food security under future climate scenarios
Problem Statement
Food Insecurity in Hawaiʻi
Hawaiʻi residents face among the highest costs of living in the nation. Hawaiʻi communities are also reliant on food imports to sustain their dietary needs, with over 80% of food imported from the U.S. mainland and other countries, thereby increasing food costs for residents (Kent 2015). Additionally, over 52,000 households were dependent on food stamps in 2019 (Statistical Atlas 2018). These factors attest the prevalence of food insecurity in Hawaiʻi. The long-term food sustainability of the State depends on increasing healthy, affordable local food availability, especially in populated areas, for those who cannot otherwise afford it.
The Need for Climate-Resilient Food Systems
The 2012 Pacific Islands Regional Climate Assessment (PIRCA) identified several important impacts of climate change on water availability. Over the past century, rainfall has decreased across much of the region, and the frequency and intensity of climatic extremes are changing, leading to frequent and prolonged droughts (Keener 2012). Moreover, mean sea levels are rising and affecting the water quality of underground aquifers above which many of the state’s wells and fertile agricultural lands are located (Keener 2012). These findings demonstrate the need for resilient food systems that are drought-resistant and robust enough to withstand future climate impacts.
Policy Recommendation
The Legislature should establish and maintain a State-wide community orchard program to develop and preserve locally-directed community orchards in viable locations across the State of Hawaiʻi, and make appropriations for this program. The goal of the program is to establish at least one orchard in every county by 2030.
Community orchards provide a solution to food insecurity under changing climatic conditions in Hawaiʻi. Orchard systems are an intentional planting of trees or shrubs that are maintained for food production. By identifying and strategically utilizing public lands near pre-existing community gathering places, like parks and community centers, to create community orchards, the State can provide additional healthy, local food sources at low to no cost for residents, in addition to other sociocultural, environmental, and educational benefits.
The community orchard program shall be managed under the Department of Land and Natural Resources’ Division of Forestry and Wildlife’s (DOFAW) Kaulunani Urban & Community Forestry Program. Kaulunani will establish a task force, and work in collaboration with interested stakeholders to develop sub-committees in each county to deploy the orchard programs. Relevant parties include communities located near where the orchards will be placed, the Department of Agriculture, other state and county government agencies, and non-governmental and non-profit organizations concerned with the development of community forests, such as Smart Trees Pacific, to pursue the following:
1. Identify potential locations, such as parks and community centers, that may be suitable for community orchard development
2. Analyze the socioeconomic impacts of implementing a community orchard in viable areas on low to no-income residents, such as those already on food assistance programs, as well as the impact on local farm revenues
3. Determine the types of plant and tree species suitable for growth in each identified location in relation to relevant community culture, food and landscape preferences, and environmental conditions
4. Take steps to implement community orchards in identified locations, including developing land, planting trees, and conducting regular monitoring and maintenance to ensure viability of forest growth
5. Provide ongoing guidance and technical assistance via workshops, presentations, and educational materials, to cultivate forest sustainability through community participation and investments
6. Develop guidelines for harvesting of crops grown in community orchards to discourage theft and the harvest of plants for sale
7. Develop policies and procedures to protect public health and safety in the operation of community orchards, such as against the spread of disease to plants and people
Each sub-committee shall meet bi-monthly (every 2 months) in their respective local areas, and yearly with the whole Kaulunani task force and other subcommittees at an
annual conference located on different islands each year. Annual funding for the program shall be provided through the Kaulunani Community Grant Program, which funds proposals to support urban and community forestry projects across the state. As of 2019, over $3.6 million was awarded to various organizations, which has been matched by over $8 million in cash and in-kind contributions (Kaulunani Urban and Community Forestry Program). A portion of the monies allocated toward orchard program will be directed to support meetings and conference events.
Review of Prior Work
The Kaulunani Urban & Community Forestry Program is focused on “improving the health and viability of trees in Hawaiʻi’s communities through the implementation of educational programs; supporting Tree City USA communities across the state; providing technical training; administering financial support in the form of cost-share grants; supporting Arbor Day promotions; and maintaining public/private partnerships.” (Kaulunani Urban and Community Forestry Program). Their current projects include a community grant program, a citizen forester program, a stewardship mapping and assessment project (STEW-MAP), and Tree City USA which is a program from the national Arbor Day Foundation. However, no current projects directly address food insecurity through the implementation of fruiting trees or orchard systems in communities. Moreover, in 2019, Representative Amy Perruso of District 46 introduced HB237 relating to community food forests, specifically to establish a community food forest program (Hawaii State Legislature). As of December 2019, the bill has been tabled and carried over to the 2020 session. Given these two circumstances, this policy recommendation provides a timely opportunity to address critical needs of food insecurity under future climate scenarios in Hawaiʻi.
Policy Implications
Economic Implications
Costs: Once established, orchards can be rainfed, greatly reducing the costs of water and irrigation infrastructure necessary for maintenance. While there are admittedly higher up-front costs related to forest establishment, such as through preparing the land, buying the trees, and initial water and fertilization applications, long-term benefits are notable. Once trees are fully matured, these initial costs will be limited to minimal maintenance expenses like monthly pruning. Thus, the establishment of fruiting trees can be seen as an investment in future generations, with fruiting occurring as soon as 5- 8 years depending on the type of tree.
Food Production: The food production of each orchard will depend on its composition. Research will be needed to determine the optimal orchard composition that accounts for community culture, food preferences, and planting conditions. Agronomically speaking, the way that the orchard is managed (e.g. organic) will be determined by the communities after consultation with experts, which will also determine production potential. Fruiting trees are generally high yield, with one avocado tree producing
around 200 to 500 avocados per year (Dekevich 2018). Trees are also a stable and long-lasting food source. For example, mango trees may remain in production for 40 years or more (CTAHR).
Environmental Implications
Carbon Sequestration: The scientific research and literature support the notion that orchards can store soil carbon (C) through increased sequestration, and therefore reduce greenhouse carbon dioxide (CO2) gases in the atmosphere while still maintaining crop production to meet the growing demand for low cost foods (Lorenz & Lal 2014). The amount of carbon sequestered will depend on the tree species.
Tree Ecosystem Services: In addition to carbon storage, trees provide other ecological services that decrease the negative impacts of urbanization while improving human health and wellbeing. For example, trees provide shade and cooling effects, reducing the pervasive urban “heat island” phenomenon where urban surface heat radiation creates zones of significantly higher temperatures, and result in heat stress and potential heat strokes (Livesley 2016). In 2006, the Kaulunani Urban & Community Forestry Program funded an assessment of Honolulu’s urban trees to gather baseline data on benefits or urban trees in tropical settings. Their assessment found that annual environmental benefits “were calculated at $90 per tree, and each tree provides $2.98 in benefits for every $1 spent on tree care. The replacement value of urban trees was calculated at $1,665 per tree. The report identified benefits such as electricity savings and climate effects, carbon storage, air pollution removal, and rain interception” (Smith 2016).
Sociocultural Implications
Community Engagement and Education: The opportunities for community engagement and education surrounding orchard implementation and management are immense and will ultimately determine the overall success of the program. Community groups such as neighborhood boards will be charge of each orchard, including maintainenance and allocation of the produce. Thus, holding workshops, presentations, public commenting periods, and other engagement events about how to to successfully care for and distribute crops is necessary toward increasing community buy-in and long-term care of the resource. Time, technical resources, and expertise will also be needed to facilitate these interactions early on and throughout the project process.
Agricultural Theft: Agricultural theft or the taking of fruits in violation of community policies and procedures is one of the larger concerns of this policy. One example of agricultural theft is the taking and selling of fruits for individual profit rather than communal consumption. Developing community-based policies and procedures for harvesting, monitoring, and distribution will help to mitigate these issues. Support from neighborhood boards and watch networks will also support community crime prevention efforts.
References
Coder, K. D. (2011). Identified Benefits of Community Trees & Forests. Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia.
CTAHR, University of Hawaii. (n.d.). Mango General Information. Accessed 12 November 2019 from http://www.extento.hawaii.edu/kbase/crop/crops/i_mango.htm
Dekevich, D. (2018). Avocados. Colorado Integrated Food Safety Center of Excellence. Accessed from https://fsi.colostate.edu/avocados/
Hawaii State Legislature. (n.d.). HB237. Accessed 13 December 2019 from https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=237&year= 2020
Kane, B., & Kirwan, J. L. (2009). Value, Benefit, and Costs of Urban Trees. Accessed 4 November 2019 from https://www.pubs.ext.vt.edu/420/420-181/420-181.html
Kaulunani Urban and Community Forestry Program. (n.d.) Accessed 12 November 2019 from https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/forestry/lap/kaulunani/
Keener, Victoria W., Marra, John J., Finucane, Melissa L., Spooner, Deanna, Smith, Margaret H., & Pacific Islands Regional Climate Assessment. (2012). Climate change and Pacific islands: Indicators and impacts: Executive summary of the 2012 Pacific Islands Regional Climate Assessment (PIRCA). Washington, DC: Island Press.
Kent, G. (2015). Food Security in Hawai‘i. In Thinking Like an Island, Chapter 3. University of Hawaii Press. Accessed 29 October 2019 from http://www2.hawaii.edu/~kent/FOODSECURITYINHAWAII.pdf
Livesley, S., Mcpherson, G., & Calfapietra, C. (2016). The Urban Forest and Ecosystem Services: Impacts on Urban Water, Heat, and Pollution Cycles at the Tree, Street, and City Scale. Journal of Environmental Quality, 45(1), 119-124.
Lorenz, K., & Lal, R. (2014). Soil organic carbon sequestration in agroforestry systems. A review. Agronomy for Sustainable Development 34(2), 443-454. doi:10.1007/s13593- 014-0212y
Smart Trees Pacific. Accessed 13 December 2019 from https://smarttreespacific.org/
Smith, D. (2016). Hawaiʻi Forest Action Plan 2016. Department of Land and Natural Resources, Division of Forestry and Wildlife.
Statistical Atlas. (2018). Food Stamps in Hawaii. Accessed 29 October 2019 from https://statisticalatlas.com/state/Hawaii/Food-Stamps
EXAMPLE POLICY BRIEF 2
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The Development of a Loko I’a Fish Stock Replenishment Taskforce in the State of Hawai’i
Summary for Policymakers: ● Currently, Hawai’i is heavily reliant on seafood imports and Hawaii’s off-shore pelagic fisheries for the majority of consumed seafood in the State.
● Hawaii’s near shore fisheries continue to be depleted by chronic over-harvesting and limited management approaches by the State, and exacerbated by climatic stressors associated with global climate change
● Loko i’a (fishponds) are traditional Native Hawaiian aquaculture systems that cultivate abundance of fish species to improve food security for entire communities
● The Loko I’a Fish Replenishment Taskforce offers an opportunity to contribute to Hawaii’s food system and potentially mitigate the State’s dependence on fish imports, and the depletion of local fish stocks
Problem Statement Declining Fish Stocks, Increasing Demand Hawaii’s near-shore fisheries are increasingly depleting, causing concern for the sustainability of these fisheries and overall food security across the state. According to a local food production report, 63% of Hawaii’s consumed seafood is locally sourced, mainly from Hawaii’s pelagic fishery (State of Hawai’i, 2019). This reliance on local seafood production highlights Hawaii’s reliance on seafood for local food security. Aquaculture currently provides a mere 1% (.0.5 million pounds) of the total available seafood in Hawai’i (Conservation International, 2018). With Hawaii’s seafood demand projected to increase to more than 40% of today’s consumption by 2040, if unaddressed may create severe food security issues for the State (State of Hawaii, 2019). Anthropogenic stressors, namely overharvesting, have been deemed as the primary drivers of fish stock declines across the Main Hawaiian Islands (MHI) (Friedlander et al, 2017). According to an EPA report published in 2016, climate change is projected to cause habitat loss of up to 40% of Hawaii’s coral reef fish by 2100, which will likely exacerbate fish stock declines across the MHI (EPA, 2016). This projected habitat loss, which will predominantly impact coral reefs, will also inadvertently affect near shore fish nurseries and feeding grounds, which are usually protected by fringing reefs. This combination of overfishing and climate change impacts will likely significantly impact Hawaii’s near shore fisheries, causing accessible, coastal fisheries to become less productive and potentially useless for local recreational subsistence fishers and their communities who rely on these resources.
Ineffective Management Strategies: Even with overwhelming findings that site anthropogenic and climatic stressors as the main culprits of fish stock depletions across the State, few marine management strategies have been introduced to cultivate abundance in existing natural systems.
Moreover, due to the nature of Hawaii’s open-access fishing policies, namely the lack of recreational fishing permits, new and stricter management strategies are difficult to introduce and enforce. The underfunded and understaffed nature of resource management entities in Hawai’i, which only account for about 1% of the State’s fiscal budget, creates significant oversight gaps and makes management strategies more difficult to employ. Considering the Division of Aquatic Resources’ Marine 30x30 Initiative, which aims to effectively manage 30% of Hawaii’s near shore waters by 2030 – components of effective place-based management must be planned and established by the 2030 deadline. “Effective Management” according to DAR, “includes a suite of adaptive management approaches balancing sustainable use, restoration, and conservation measures, such as community-based management, time and area closures for fisheries replenishment, reasonable laws to encourage sustainable fishing practices, effective enforcement, combined with systematized monitoring to assess effectiveness” (DAR, 2018). By combining DAR’s future 30x30 goals with the Division’s standard of effective management, management strategies can be created with resilience and the success of traditional indigenous food systems in mind. No State-mandated management strategies exist that serve to actively restock and replenish depleted near-shore fish-stocks through cultivation of fish in aquaculture systems. Friedlander et al. (2003, 2013) has shown that in Hawai’i, community-based resource management areas can have higher return rates in terms of increased fish biomass, when compared to no-take reserves and protected areas, where fishing is prohibited (Friedlander at el., 2017). Community-based resource management in Hawai’i includes the integration of Native Hawaiian knowledge systems and customary practices into contemporary management (Friedlander et al, 2013). Loko i’a, Native Hawaiian traditional fishponds, are one such management tool that has historically been successful in Hawai’i.
Policy Recommendation Create and fund a Loko I’a Fish Stock Replenishment Taskforce, jointly under the Division of Aquatic Resources and the Office of Coastal and Conservation Lands under DLNR. In order to fund the proposed taskforce, DLNR should request allocation of $50,000 USD per year for 3 years in order to cover quarterly taskforce meetings including travel, reporting, incidental expenses and community outreach and engagement. The following individuals and/or organizations are proposed to serve as members of the taskforce: the DLNR Aquatics Division Administrator, at least one DAR estuary specialist, members of the DAR 30x30 steering committee, officials from the Office of Planning, officials from the Office of Coastal and Conservation Lands, individuals and scholars familiar with implementation and management of loko i’a systems other interested non-governmental organizations (Conservation International, Hui Mālama Loko I’a, etc) and stakeholder groups that are invested in near-shore fisheries management and conservation. Some of the funding for the taskforce should be spent on community outreach and engagement – this should widen the membership of the taskforce to include community members with fishing and/or pond aquaculture expertise. Effort should be made to include at least 1 community representative from every county to serve as a member of the task force.
The proposed tasks of the Loko I’a Fish Stock Replenishment Taskforce are to: 1. Determine a fiscal budget to help further streamline implementation of new and rehabilitated fishponds as loko i’a fish nurseries 2. Determine most suitable estuarine locations to serve as sites for new or existing Loko I’a Fish Stock Replenishment sites 3. Determine what species should be cultivated in proposed Loko I’a Fish Stock Replenishment sites, based on place-based scientific information of what species naturally exist in proposed areas (ex: ‘ama’ama (mullet), ‘awa (milkfish)) 4. Determine which groups, agencies or organizations will serve as stewards for proposed Loko I’a Fish Stock Replenishment projects 5. Build off of the 2015 Loko I’a Permit Guidebook to further streamline the permitting process for loko i’a, specifically loko i’a that serve as fish restock nurseries under this project 6. Determine and allocate special funding for proposed Loko I’a Fish Stock Replenishment projects created through the proposed taskforce
The proposed tasks of the Loko i’a Fish Stock Replenishment Taskforce serve to achieve the overarching goals of: 1. Enhancing near shore fish stocks and biomass through implementation of loko i’a nurseries, 2. Further streamlining the loko i’a permitting process to promote more implementation and creation of new loko i’a, and 3. To promote and integrate Native Hawaiian Knowledge systems and customary practices into contemporary management to increase resilience of Hawaii’s near shore fisheries. In order for the proposed taskforce to move with urgency, the taskforce will be required to meet with at least 75% of sitting members to discuss and work-towards proposed tasks. Deliverables from the taskforce should include annual accomplishment reports that will be presented to the State legislature at the start of each legislative session by a DLNR representative. Reporting notes should be taken at each quarterly taskforce meeting and should be compiled and summarized for the annual accomplishment report. As a second main deliverable, an updated and streamlined loko i’a permitting guidebook should also be created and made public by the end of the 3rd year. Prior work like the Ho’āla Loko I’a: Permit Application Guidebook that was published in 2016 by DLNR, serves as an excellent guide for the updated loko i’a permitting guidebook that is proposed in this brief. While the Ho’āla Loko I’a Permit Application Guidebook, was successful in streamlining some aspects of the permitting process, it failed to address and streamline some additional permits and authorizations that are usually necessary, which include: DLNR Land Division Right of Entry agreements, Stream Channel Alteration Permits (SCAP), Special Management Area (SMA) Permits, and U.S Corps of Engineers permits (Watson et al, 2016). The updated Loko I’a permitting guidebook should address and when possible, streamline these additional permits and agreements, and also address aspects of loko i’a nursery best management practices that are unaddressed in the original guidebook. Working with experts on loko i’a nursery maintenance and by referencing previous work, like the 2007 Loko I’a: Manual on Hawaiian Fishpond Restoration and Management (Keala et al, 2007), more depth can be included on how to raise wild broodstock for release into
neighboring waters to ensure that future loko i’a fish stock replenishment nursery projects are successful and that proper guidance and support are provided.
Policy Implications Rebuilding, revitalizing and creating new loko i’a nurseries provides fisheries resources to communities, and also creates community resilience by connecting communities to local fishponds (Friedlander et al, 2013). By increasing the State’s funding for, and abundance of loko i’a fish nurseries in Hawai’i, these resilient food production systems can be restored, studied and adaptively managed to withstand global climate change and local anthropogenic stressors that open-access near-shore fisheries are more susceptible to. Loko i’a (fishponds) offer a unique opportunity to contribute to Hawaii’s food system and potentially mitigate the State’s dependence on fish imports, and the depletion of local fish stocks by restoring and restocking natural near-shore fisheries. By promoting the establishment of loko i’a nurseries, Native Hawaiian fishponds which use wild broodstock to rear fish fry for release into neighboring waters, near shore fish stocks may be enhanced. The Native Hawaiian loko i’a fishpond types that are most efficient as nursery systems are, Loko Kuapā and Loko Pu’uone. Loko Kuapā are described as a near shore fishpond whose side or sides facing the sea consist of a stone or coral wall, usually containing one or more sluice gates. Similarly, a Loko Pu’uone, is an isolated near shore fishpond, usually formed by the development of barrier beaches building a single, elongated sand ridge parallel to the coast and containing one or more ditches or sluice gates (DLNR, 2013). According to a 2013 Environmental Assessment looking at statewide restoration, repair, maintenance and reconstruction of traditional Hawaiian fishpond systems across Hawai’i – no significant impact to the environment was found, including specific Loko Kuapā and Loko Pu’uone systems (DLNR, 2013). In order for the proposed Loko I’a Fish Replenishment Taskforce to function effectively, it will take considerable collaboration between State environmental management and planning officials, community members, scientists and other involved parties – to communicate, collaborate, and move with urgency towards accomplishing proposed tasks of the taskforce. State environmental management officials will need to work with community to transparently and adaptively manage newly established loko i’a, in order to protect fish fry from outside fishing pressure before they are naturally released back into neighboring near shore habitats outside of loko i’a nurseries.
References Conservation International (2018). Hawai'i: ho'i i ke kai momona, return to an abundant ocean. Retrieved from https://www.conservation.org/places/hawaii.
Department of Land and Natural Resources (2013). Final Environmental Assessment, Finding No Significant Impact: Programmatic General Permit and Programmatic Agreement for the restoration, repair, maintenance and reconstruction of traditional Hawaiian fishpond systems across Hawai’i. Honolulu, HI, USA.
Division of Aquatic Resources (2018). World Conservation Congress Legacy Commitment: "Hawai'i 30 by 30 Oceans Target". Honolulu, HI, USA.
Friedlander, A. M., Brown, E. K., Jokiel, P. L., Smith, W. R., & Rodgers, K. S. (2003). Effects of habitat, wave exposure, and marine protected area status on coral reef fish assemblages in the Hawaiian archipelago. Coral Reefs, 22, 291–305.
Friedlander, A. M., Donovan, M. K., Stamoulis, K. A., Williams, I. D., Brown, E. K., Conklin, E. J., Walsh, W. J. (2017). Human-induced gradients of reef fish declines in the Hawaiian Archipelago viewed through the lens of traditional management boundaries. Aquatic Conserv: Mar Freshw Ecosyst.,1(12).
Friedlander, A. M., Shackeroff, J. M., & Kittinger, J. N. (2013). Customary marine resource knowledge and use in contemporary Hawai‘i. Pacific Science, 67, 441–460.
Keala, G. B., Hollyer, J. R., & Castro, L. (2007). Loko I'a: A Manual on Hawaiian Fishpond Restoration and Management. Retrieved from https://www.ctahr.hawaii.edu/oc/freepubs/pdf/Loko Ia Full Publication.pdf.
State of Hawai’I (2019). Local Food Production. Retrieved from https://dashboard.hawaii.gov/stat/goals/5xhf-begg/vey8-efit/8pd6-pzhu
Watson, T. K., & Cain, M., et al (2016). Hoʻāla Loko Iʻa: Permit Application Guidebook. Retrieved from https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/occl/hoala-loko-ia/.
RESOURCES
55 HAWAIʻI-BASED LEGISLATIVE RESOURCES
HAWAIʻI STATE LEGISLATURE WEBSITE https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/
Information regarding committee membership, hearing schedules, legislator’s contact and district information, State Capitol maps, and livestream video. Unique features of this resource include: ● Broadcasts and video of committee hearings ● The legislative calendar ● A listing of current hearing notices (week by week)
HAWAIʻI PUBLIC ACCESS ROOM Free informational resources and assistance with writing and submitting testimony, tracking bills, viewing House and Senate proceedings, researching issues and more. Workroom is located at 415 South Beretania St. Honolulu, HI 96813. You can also call them at (808) 587- 0478 or visit their website at https://lrb.hawaii.gov/par/. Unique features of this resource include: ● Free workshops on how to engage in Hawaiʻi’s lawmaking processes ● Free resources including computer, office supplies, and workspaces ● Printable legislative information sheets
A CITIZEN’S GUIDE TO THE LEGISLATIVE PROCESS https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/docs/CitizensGuide.pdf
A helpful document prepared by the Hawaiʻi’s House Majority Staff Office that contains an overview of the legislative process, testimony guidelines, committee information, and a citizen participation fact sheet. Unique features of this resource include: ● A written testimony outline/template ● Definitions and descriptions of session events and deadlines ● Info for visiting the Capitol (parking, handicap services, workspaces, etc.) 56
Speaker of the House ADVOCACY RESOURCES
COMMUNITY TOOLBOX - ADVOCATING FOR CHANGE https://ctb.ku.edu/en/advocating-change
This toolkit supports planning for advocacy efforts and responding to stance opposition. This resource is a good first-step for groups looking to get started.
COMMUNITY TOOLBOX - INFLUENCING POLICY DEVELOPMENT https://ctb.ku.edu/en/influencing-policy-development
This toolkit provides guidance for bringing about policy change in organizations and communities. This resource is helpful for groups who are already somewhat experienced in advocacy.
CARE’S CLIMATE CHANGE ADVOCACY TOOLKIT https://careclimatechange.org/advocacy-toolkit-sv/
Each of the toolkit chapters are based on the practical experience of civil society organizations associated with the Southern Voices program around the world. They have been structured to help you plan and deliver effective advocacy to combat the causes and effects of climate change, to support and protect poor and vulnerable communities, and to ensure that their voices are heard by policymakers locally, nationally and globally.
CLIMATE ADVOCACY LAB https://climateadvocacylab.org/resources
The Lab is a growing network of advocates, data experts, social scientists, and funders developing and sharing best practices for mobilizing Americans to take action on climate and clean energy issues, and for organizing to build the power of our movement.
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Speaker of the House CLIMATE CHANGE RESOURCES
INTERGOVERNMENTAL PANEL ON CLIMATE CHANGE (IPCC) https://www.ipcc.ch/
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) is the United Nations body for assessing the science related to climate change. The IPCC was created to provide policymakers with regular scientific assessments on climate change, its implications and potential future risks, as well as to put forward adaptation and mitigation options.
PACIFIC ISLANDS REGIONAL CLIMATE ASSESSMENT https://pirca.org/
Pacific Islands Regional Climate Assessment (PIRCA) is a collaborative effort to assess climate change indicators, impacts, and adaptive capacity of the Hawaiian archipelago and the US-Affiliated Pacific Islands (USAPI). PIRCA engages federal, state, and local government agencies, non-government organizations, academia, businesses, and community groups to inform and prioritize their activities in the face of a changing climate.
HAWAIʻI CLIMATE CHANGE PORTAL https://climate.hawaii.gov/ In response to the Paris Agreement, Hawai‘i created the Hawaiʻi Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission (aka State Climate Commission). The Hawaiʻi Climate Change Portal houses the work of the State Climate Commission, which includes pertinent Hawaiʻi climate change science, policy, and news. Other national and international climate change reports and projects can also be found at the website.
58
Speaker of the House 06 APPENDICES
Supporting data and information
59 CLIMATE CHANGE ORGANIZATIONS This section contains a spreadsheet of groups and organizations that are key players in climate change conversations at local (Hawaiʻi state), national, and global levels. Global indigenous-centered organizations are also featured. This compilation was created starting with organizations known for their climate-related initiatives and activities (e.g. Sierra Club Hawaiʻi and Conservation International). Those sources were then used as a guide to identify other climate-related organizations. This resource can be used to explore current climate-related initiatives as inspiration for your own advocacy frameworks and strategies, as well as potential advocacy partnerships.
60
http://climatenetwork.org/ https://www.conservation. org/what/pages/climate.aspx Website https://350hawaii.org/ http://www.beringseaelders.org/ https://blueplanetfoundation.org/ https://www.c40cities.org/ https://citizensclimatelobby.org/ https://www.resilientoahu.org/ C40 is a network of the world’s megacities committed to addressing C40 is a network of the world’s cities to collaborate effectively, share climate change. C40 supports measurable and sustainable action on knowledge and drive meaningful, climate change. is an international grassroots Citizens' Climate Lobby (CCL) to build environmental group that trains and supports volunteers order to influence relationships with their elected representatives in approximately $300 climate policy. The CCL is a registered 501(c)(4) with thousand in revenue in the United States in 2015. Change, Sustainability The City and County of Honolulu Office of Climate by City Charter in 2016 and Resiliency (Resilience Office) was established by Charter, with overwhelming approval by O‘ahu voters. As mandated change science and the Resilience Office is tasked with tracking climate and policies of potential impacts on City facilities, coordinating actions preparedness, departments within the City to increase community effects from developing resilient infrastructure in response to the values climate change, and integrating sustainable and environmental into City plans, programs, and policies. of over 1300 The Climate Action Network (CAN) is a worldwide network than 120 countries, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) in more to limit human- working to promote government and individual action levels. induced climate change to ecologically sustainable the private sector to Conservation International partners with leaders in emissions from mobilize hundreds of millions of dollars to reduce a new policy deforestation; work with government officials to develop innovations in framework for combating climate change that combines forests, coral reefs energy efficiency with financial incentives to preserve of indigenous and other natural habitats; and build the capacity this communities, NGOs and government agencies to implement strategy. About organization addressing international environmental 350.org is an to atmospheric carbon dioxide with the goal of reducing climate change Bill ppm. It was founded by author the current level of 400 350ppm from to grassroots movement the goal of building a global McKibben with climate change, to confront about human-driven raise awareness in order to of carbon dioxide denial, and to cut emissions climate change slow the rate of global warming. Elders Group is to speak and work together as The mission of Bering Sea respect traditional ways of life, the ocean web one voice to protect and we rely on, and our children’s future. of life that supports the resources a local nonprofit powering the transition to Blue Planet Foundation is and leading the way for global change. Blue 100% clean energy in Hawaii to remove the obstacles that stand between Planet finds creative ways fossil fuels. us and a future free from State Commission Tax-exempt organization registered in Germany Nonprofit Org Type Nonprofit Association Nonprofit Nonprofit Nonprofit National (US) Local/State Global Global Local/State Global Local/State Level/Location Local/State Conservation International (CI) Hawaii Climate Action Network International Sustainability, and Resilience City & County of Honolulu Office of Climate Change, City & County of Honolulu Office of Climate Change, Citizens Climate Lobby C40 Cities Blue Planet Foundation Bering Sea Elders Group Name 350 Hawaii https://defenders.org/ https://earthrights.org/ https://ecoamerica.org/ https://environmentamerica.org/home https://www.eesi.org/topics/climate-change https://www.epa.gov/ https://foeaction.org/ http://www.casa.org.br/en/ societies. EESI's primary goal is to accelerate the transition to a new, societies. EESI's primary goal is to accelerate the transition and renewable low-emissions economy based on energy efficiency energy. Agency’s (EPA’s) The core purpose of the Environmental Protection information that global-change research program is to develop scientific at large as they supports policy makers, stakeholders, and society on human health, respond to climate change and associated impacts ecosystems, and socioeconomic systems. muscle on legislative Friends of the Earth Action provides extra political Friends of the Earth, battles here in the U.S. to their sister organization, around the world. which is part of a network of affiliates in 76 nations thoughtful Friends of the Earth Action and its affiliated PAC make candidates and place political endorsements, provide direct support to environmentalists in the field on critical campaigns. Fundo Socioambiental Casa Investindo Em Cuidar's mission is to promote environmental conservation and sustainability, democracy and social justice by supporting and strengthening the capacities and initiatives of civil society in South America. focused solely on wildlife and habitat conservation and the safeguarding conservation and the safeguarding on wildlife and habitat focused solely the value of wildlife and They believe in the inherent of biodiversity. in the defines our important niche and this singular focus natural world, anchor and serves as the and conservation community environmental and approach is to protect values. Defenders’ for our organizational North America by transforming species throughout restore imperiled promoting innovative solutions. policies and institutions and (ERI) is a nongovernmental, nonprofit EarthRights International the power of law and the power of people in organization that combines the environment, which we define as “earth defense of human rights and fact-finding, legal actions against perpetrators rights.” ERI specializes in grassroots and community leaders, and of earth rights abuses, training these strategies, EarthRights advocacy campaigns. Through earth rights abuses, to provide real solutions International seeks to end and protect human rights and the for real people, and to promote where they work. environment in the communities leadership, public support, and political ecoAmerica builds institutional in the United States. ecoAmerica helps national will for climate solutions elevate their climate leadership, providing mainstream organizations resources to: (1) Demonstrate Visible Climate them strategy, tools and all Constituents, Leadership, (2) Empower Climate Literacy, (3) Engage (4) Build Collective Action and Advocacy. with reporters, Through research reports, news conferences, interviews America raises op-ed pieces, letters to the editor and more, Environment solutions. awareness of environmental issues and promote sensible they are — in Environment America canvassers meet people where recruiting new public places or door to door — raising awareness, their work. supporters and activists, and securing funds to support of Congress to Founded in 1984 by a bipartisan group of members and environmental inform the debate and decision-making on energy (EESI) is a 501(c) policies, the Environmental and Energy Study Institute sustainable (3) non-profit organization dedicated to promoting Defenders of Wildlife is a major national conservation organization organization national conservation is a major of Wildlife Defenders Nonprofit Federal Agency Nonprofit Nonprofit Nonprofit Nonprofit Nonprofit Nonprofit National (US) Global - South America National (US) National (US) National (US) National (US) National (US) National Global Fundo Socioambiental Casa Investindo Em Cuidar Friends of the Earth Environmental Protection Agency Environmental and Energy Study Institute Environment America ecoAmerica Earth Rights International Defenders of Wildlife Defenders https://www.globalgreen.org/ https://www.greengrants.org/ https://www.greenclimate.fund/home https://www.greenpeace.org/usa/about/ http://climateadaptation.hawaii.gov/ http://www.hawaiiconservation.org/ https://www.hawaiigreengrowth.org/ https://legacytrees.org/ http://healthyclimatecommunities.org/ http://icleiusa.org/ policies, commitments and actions, ICLEI strengthens action at all levels, policies, commitments and actions, ICLEI strengthens in support of sustainable urban development. particularly vulnerable to climate change impacts. particularly vulnerable to campaigning organization that Greenpeace is a global, independent creative communication to expose global uses peaceful protest and and promote solutions that are essential to a environmental problems green and peaceful future. provides direction, facilitation, coordination The Climate Commission and county agencies, federal agencies, and and planning among state of other partners about climate change mitigation (reduction including, greenhouse gases) and climate change resiliency strategies, and agricultural but not limited to, sea level rise adaptation, water security, and natural resource conservation. of organizations and The Hawaiʻi Conservation Alliance is a partnership advocacy, and agencies working together to provide unified leadership, ecosystems and the collaborative action to conserve and restore native unique biodiversity of the Hawaiian Islands. The Hawai‘i Green Growth UN Local2030 Hub is a public-private and partnership committed to advancing economic, social solutions to global environmental goals. We accelerate and scale local sustainability challenges. of experience in all HLRI is an organization run by people with lifetimes It is a new way of of the areas necessary to the success of this project. on Earth. We have sustainable reforestation that is found nowhere else individuals that make an incredible team and network of businesses and it all possible. education and Healthy Climate Communities supports community action in Hawaii to fight climate change. policy and sparking ICLEI engages at the local to global levels, shaping We build action to transform urban environments worldwide. stakeholder connections across levels of government, sectors and and local-to- groups, sparking city-to-city, city-to-region, local-to-global and global actors, national connections. By linking subnational, national Global Green works to create green cities, neighborhoods, affordable affordable cities, neighborhoods, to create green Green works Global health, improve schools to protect environmental housing, and climate systems; to address support our planet's natural livability, and communities. resilient and sustainable change and create for communities Fund mobilizes resources Global Greengrants and work toward a more protect our shared planet worldwide to equitable world. is a new global fund created to support The Green Climate Fund (GCF) countries to respond to the challenge of the efforts of developing developing countries limit or reduce their climate change. GCF helps and adapt to climate change. It seeks greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to low-emission and climate-resilient to promote a paradigm shift account the needs of nations that are development, taking into Nonprofit Nonprofit Nonprofit Nonprofit Nonprofit Nonprofit Nonprofit Nonprofit Nonprofit State Commission Local/State National (US) Local/State Local/State Local/State Global Global Local/State National (US) National Global ICLEI-Local Governments for Sustainability Healthy Climate Communities Hawaiian Legacy Restoration Initiative (HLRI) Hawaii Green Growth Hawaii Conservation Alliance Hawaii Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Hawaii Climate Change Mitigation Commission Greenpeace Global GreenGrants Fund Global GreenGrants Green Climate Fund Global Green USA Global http://www.iipfcc.org/ https://www.iucn.org/theme/climate-change https://ipcca.info/ https://jojikum.org/ http://indigenous-info-kenya.net/ http://www.iai.int/ https://www.ipcc.ch/ The Indigenous Peoples’ Bio cultural Climate Change Assessment The Indigenous Peoples’ Bio cultural Climate Change bringing Initiative (IPCCA) has emerged as an innovative response, which links bio together indigenous knowledge and science in a process of bio-cultural cultural realities with complex global processes. Use the world in the methods and tools involve communities from around and the development assessment of climate change and local well-being of evidence-based responses for climate change adaptation. to navigate Our mission is to support the next generation of Marshallese their islands and develop solutions to environmental issues impacting A wave of such as pollution, climate change, and nuclear legacies. challenges of a empowered Marshallese youth who rise to meet the and creators. We climate threatened future as leaders, change makers, next generation of believe that like the roots of the pandanus tree the Marshallese must also be rooted in the land. IIN was founded in 1996 by a group of professionals in response to in response of professionals 1996 by a group founded in IIN was media and other channels for information through addressing needs they and the challenges Peoples, their livelihoods, about Indigenous of involved in dissemination to exist. It has been face as they struggle activities, community environmental conservation information, and in support of Indigenous and advocacy activities development, in the region. Minority Peoples for Global Change Research, IAI, is an The Inter-American Institute supported by 19 countries in the intergovernmental organization the principles of scientific excellence, Americas, dedicated to pursuing and the full and open exchange of scientific international cooperation, understanding of global change phenomena information to increase the implications. and their socio-economic of the scientific basis of climate IPCC provides regular assessments risks, and options for adaptation and change, its impacts and future mitigation. Peoples Forum on Climate Change (IIPFCC) The International Indigenous the Caucus for IPs participating in the was established in 2008, as represents the IP Caucus members who UNFCCC processes. The IIPFCC official UNFCCC COPs and intersessional are present/attending the Its mandate is to sessions of the SBSTA/SBI bodies in between COPs. be negotiating for in come into agreement specifically on what IPs will the meetings specific UNFCCC processes. IP representatives attending and global levels have their own organizations at subnational, national that they which have their own agenda, priorities and own proposals may carry and push for during the IP Caucus meetings. from assessing IUCN engages on this issue from multiple perspectives, to advancing the risks that climate change poses to biodiversity, conservation, practical nature-based solutions centred on the better management and restoration of the world’s ecosystems. Nonprofit Secretariat Nonprofit Nonprofit Intergovernmen tal Org Intergovernmen tal Org Nonprofit Global - Micronesia Global Global Global Global Global Global - Kenya Global Jo-Jikum Indigenous Peoples' Biocultural Climate Change Assessment Initiative (IPCCA) International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) International Indigenous Peoples' Forum on Climate International Indigenous Change (IIPFCC) Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Intergovernmental Panel Inter-American Institute for Global Change Research Inter-American Institute for Indigenous Information Network (IIN) Network Information Indigenous https://risingtidenorthamerica.org/ https://www.sprep.org/ https://www.narf.org/ https://cpo.noaa.gov/ https://world.350.org/pacificwarriors/ https://www.pacificrisa.org/ http://www.hokulea.com/ hope in their community. Sciences and Assessments (Pacific RISA) The Pacific Regional Integrated island and coastal communities in adapting to program supports Pacific RISA strives to the impacts of climate variability and change. Pacific plan for, and enhance Pacific communities’ abilities to understand, work is respond to changing climate conditions. Pacific RISA's partnerships with conducted through interdisciplinary research and local, national, and regional stakeholders. Earth. We are The focus of our Worldwide Voyage is to care for Island who are working sailing the Earth’s oceans to visit and learn from those the world today. We to solve some of the greatest challenges we face in Earth, and the are all responsible for the future health of our Island Voyage is a health of our people, lands, and oceans. [...] The Worldwide traditional means by which we now engage all of Island Earth—bridging learning, and new technologies to live sustainably, while sharing, wonders of this creating global relationships, and discovering the precious place we all call home. local Rising Tide has worked to create a network that prioritizes in international social grassroots organizing yet remains firmly engaged with impacted movements; which promotes solidarity and collaboration challenges communities and local social justice struggles; which which organizes corporate-friendly “solutions” to climate change; and promotes social with a horizontal, anti-oppressive framework that justice as inextricably linked to biocentrism and environmentalism. in the South Pacific The purposes of SPREP are to promote cooperation and improve the Region and to provide assistance in order to protect for present and environment and to ensure sustainable development future generations. Founded in 1970, the Native American Rights Fund (NARF) is the oldest is the oldest Fund (NARF) Rights Native American in 1970, the Founded the to asserting and defending law firm dedicated and largest nonprofit Early in individuals nationwide. tribes, organizations and rights of Indian that legal resources the Board of Directors determined our existence, preserve tribal existence, in these five areas: should be concentrated rights, Native American human natural resources, promote protect tribal law Americans, Develop Indian accountable to Native Hold governments on rights, laws and issues. and education the public Office works to advance scientific The NOAA Climate Program improving society's ability to plan and understanding of climate, respond. for international political action, a group of After 20 years of lobbying Pacific Islands are travelling to Australia to Climate Warriors from 13 fossil fuel industry’s role in promoting raise awareness of the Australian We will stand in solidarity with the the destruction of their homes. on our shores. We are calling on people Pacific Islands as they arrive help build our collective power by generating right across the country to Nonprofit Nonprofit Intergovernmen tal Org Nonprofit State Agency Nonprofit Federal Program Global - Pacific Global - Pacific Global - Pacific Local/State National (US) National (US) National National (US) Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environmental Programme (SPREP) Rising Tide North America PVC: Malama Honua Pacific Regional Integrated Sciences Assessments Pacific Regional Integrated (Pacific RISA) NOAA Climate Program Office Pacific Climate Warriors Native American Rights Fund American Rights Native https://sierraclubhawaii.org/tag/climate- change/ https://www.ienearth.org/ http://www.snowchange.org/ https://start.org/about-us/ https://www.theclimategroup.org/ https://www.nature.org/en-us/about-us/where- we-work/united-states/hawaii/ https://unfccc.int/ 400 scientists, we impact conservation in 72 countries across six 400 scientists, we impact conservation in 72 countries continents. intergovernmental Focussing in its early years largely on facilitating the supports a complex climate change negotiations, the secretariat today of the architecture of bodies that serve to advance the implementation The Convention, the Kyoto Protocol and the Paris Agreement. in the analysis and secretariat provides technical expertise and assists Parties and in the review of climate change information reported by implementation of the Kyoto mechanisms. unique environment and wildlife. The Hawaiʻi Chapter is made of up four Hawaiʻi Chapter is made and wildlife. The unique environment on the Executive with appointed representatives regional groups appointed and two additional elected chapter leaders Committee, seven also have five paid staff, including volunteers, as needed. They Maui. coordinators on Oʻahu and Network’s International Sky Protectors Indigenous Environmental of local California tribal members, Delegation and a broad coalition fence line communities, people of color, environmental justice groups, academics and NGOs in late 2000 to document and work with local SnowChange was started of the Northern regions. Snowchange is an and Indigenous communities in Finland or in the Circumpolar North – organisation unlike any other advancement of our traditions and culture. We are Finns devoted to the stories, handicrafts, fishing and We hold the traditional knowledge, of our forest culture sacred. hunting and other elements is a global initiative developed in collaboration START International, Inc. Change (IPCC) with the UNEP/WMO Intergovernmental Panel on Climate scientific and funded by the Global Environment Facility to advance adaptation options understanding of climate change vulnerabilities and in developing countries. together The Climate Group accelerates climate action by bringing which shift global powerful networks of businesses and governments, Group acts as a markets and policies, towards this goal. The Climate And we use the power catalyst to take innovation and solutions to scale. of communication to build ambition and pace. nonprofit working to The Nature Conservancy is a global environmental Founded at its create a world where people and nature can thrive. Conservancy has grassroots in the United States in 1951, The Nature grown to become one of the most effective and wide-reaching to more than a million environmental organizations in the world. Thanks staff and more than members and the dedicated efforts of our diverse The Sierra Club of Hawai‘i is one of the oldest and most effective and most effective of the oldest is one Club of Hawai‘i The Sierra in 1968, in the islands. Founded organizations grassroots environmental 16,000 members and supporters have more than Sierra Club currently Hawaiʻi’s enjoy, and protect to help people better explore, volunteering Nonprofit International Secretariat Nonprofit Nonprofit Nonprofit Nonprofit Nonprofit Local/State Global Global - Finland Global Global Local/State National (US) United Nations Framework Conventions on Climate United Nations Framework Conventions on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Nature Conservancy Hawaii The Climate Group START International, Inc. Snowchange Cooperative Indigenous Environmental Network Indigenous Environmental Sierra Club Hawaii Sierra https://www.transportation.gov/ https://www.globalchange.gov/ https://www.usaid.gov/climate https://www.usda. gov/oce/climate_change/index.htm https://www.fs.fed.us/ https://www.nrcs.usda. gov/wps/portal/nrcs/site/national/home/ https://www.energy.gov/science- innovation/climate-change USAID works to end extreme global poverty and enable resilient, USAID works to end extreme global poverty and enable climate-and- democratic societies to realize their potential. Their achieve self- development know-how and programs help countries resilient reliance while pursuing clean economic growth and trade. development and strengthening U.S. security and USDA’s The Climate Change Program Office (CCPO) coordinates of climate change responses to climate change, focusing on implications CCPO on agriculture, forests, grazing lands, and rural communities. assessments of the ensures that USDA is a source of objective, analytical both within effects of climate change and proposed response strategies for coordinating USDA and for our partners. CCPO is also responsible with the legislative activities with other Federal agencies, interacting and forestry, and branch on climate change issues affecting agriculture climate change representing USDA on U.S. delegations to international discussions. and productivity of The USDA’s mission is to sustain the health, diversity, of present and the nation’s forests and grasslands to meet the needs and financial help to future generations. Their experts provide technical private landowners state and local government agencies, businesses, to help protect and and work government-to-government with tribes watershed lands. manage non-federal forest and associated range and landowners conserve NRCS helps America’s farmers, ranchers and forest All programs are the nation’s soil, water, air and other natural resources. both the voluntary and offer science-based solutions that benefit landowner and the environment. The Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of Science supports Science supports Office of Energy’s (DOE) of The Department the energy-environment-climate research to understand fundamental production, use, its implications for energy connection and emphasis on the potential and security—with particular sustainability, is to The ultimate goal anthropogenic emissions. impact of increased of Earth’s climate and predictive understanding advance a robust the development of sustainable systems and to inform environmental energy and environmental challenges. solutions to the Nation’s (DOT) conducts research to examine The Department of Transportation impacts on transportation, methods for potential climate-change efficiency, and methods for reducing increasing transportation to climate change. DOT’s Center for Climate emissions that contribute Forecasting coordinates transportation and Change and Environmental policies, and actions within DOT and promotes climate-change research, to reduce emissions, address climate- comprehensive approaches adaptation strategies. change impacts, and develop Program (USGCRP) is a Federal The U.S. Global Change Research to coordinate Federal research and program mandated by Congress the forces shaping the global investments in understanding and natural, and their impacts on society. environment, both human and cooperation across its 13 Federal USGCRP facilitates collaboration changing Earth member agencies to advance understanding of the change research. system and maximize efficiencies in Federal global Federal Agency Federal Agency Federal Agency Federal Federal Agency Federal Program Federal Agency Federal Agency National (US) National (US) National (US) National (US) National (US) National (US) National National (US) USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service USDA Forest Service USDA Climate Change Program Office USAID US Global Change Research Program US Global Change Research US Department of Transportation US Department of Energy US Department https://www.wri.org/our-work/topics/climate WRI’s role is to help businesses, policymakers and civil society at the and civil society policymakers businesses, is to help WRI’s role advance the deep structural and international levels local, national WRI focuses on ensuring to address climate change. shifts necessary so all temperature goals align with our long-term near-term decisions thriving economies. from safer world and people can benefit Nonprofit Global World Resources Institute World HAWAIʻI STATE 2019 CLIMATE BILLS SPREADSHEET
This section contains a comprehensive spreadsheet of all climate-related bills in the 2019 Hawaiʻi State legislative session. This compilation was created using Sierra Clubʻs CapitolWatch program. Each bill was assigned a theme, measure status, primary sponsor, and mitigation vs. adaptation focus when relevant. This information was used to develop the graphs and findings presented earlier in the guidebook. Readers can use this resource to conduct their own legislative analyses.
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Introduced and Pass First Reading Introduced and Pass First Reading Introduced and Pass First Reading Introduced and Pass First Reading Introduced and Pass First Reading Introduced and Pass First Reading Activity Enacted First Introduced and Pass Reading First Introduced and Pass Reading Introduced and Pass First Reading Introduced and Pass First Reading Introduced and Pass First Reading Introduced and Pass First Reading Introduced and Pass First Reading Introduced and Pass First Reading Introduced and Pass First Reading Introduced and Pass First Reading Introduced and Pass First Reading Introduced and Pass First Reading Introduced and Pass First Reading Introduced and Pass First Reading January 25, 2019 January 22, 2019 January 29, 2019 January 22, 2019 February 12, 2019 January 22, 2019 Last Action Date April 16, 2019 January 28, 2019 January 28, 2019 January 28, 2019 January 28, 2019 January 28, 2019 January 28, 2019 January 28, 2019 January 28, 2019 January 28, 2019 January 28, 2019 January 28, 2019 January 28, 2019 January 28, 2019 January 28, 2019 Referred to EEP/EDB, CPC, FIN, referral sheet 3 Last Action (Gov. Msg. No. 1110). Act 009, 04/16/2019 FIN, referral sheet 6 Referred to EEP, TRN, referral sheet 6 Referred to AGR, FIN, 6 Referred to EEP, CPC, FIN, referral sheet Referred to WLH, FIN, referral sheet 6 6 Referred to EEP, CPC, referral sheet Referred to EEP, FIN, referral sheet 6 sheet Referred to EEP/TRN, CPC/JUD, referral 6 sheet Referred to EEP/TRN, CPC/JUD, referral 6 Referred to EEP/TRN, CPC, FIN, referral sheet 6 Referred to EEP, CPC, FIN, referral sheet 6 Referred to EEP, CPC, FIN, referral sheet 6 Referred to EEP, CPC, FIN, referral sheet 6 Referred to WLH/EEP, CPC, FIN, referral sheet 6 Referred to EEP/EDB, CPC/JUD, FIN, referral sheet 6 The committee(s) on WLH recommend(s) that the measure be deferred. Referred to EEP, FIN, referral sheet 2 The committee(s) on EEP recommend(s) that the measure be deferred. Referred to LHE/TRN, FIN, referral sheet 3 The committee(s) on EEP/WLH recommend(s) that the measure be deferred. S. Quinlan A. Perruso S. Saiki S. Saiki N. Lowen L. Thielen S. Quinlan C. Todd T. Wildberger T. Wildberger B. Kobayashi N. Lowen H. Aquino T. Cullen T. Hashimoto Primary Sponsors J. San Buenaventura S. Saiki A. Perruso L. Kitagawa D. Kobayashi S. Saiki is produced at a government facility from renewable energy sources in order is produced at a government facility from renewable energy sources in order to power other government facilities. Requires DBEDT, under the Hawaii clean energy initiative program, to select and prioritize wind energy project sites using specified criteria. Requires an environmental assessment for any new or expanded proposed power-generating facility that sells electricity to a utility through a power purchase contract regardless of whether the facility is fueled by fossil fuels. Requires that mandatory seller disclosures in real estate transactions include identification of residential real properties lying within a sea level rise exposure area. Establishes shoreline setback restrictions. Imposes a tax of $15 for every ton of carbon dioxide emitted from the use of fossil fuel. Establishes various state and county sustainability initiatives. Appropriates moneys. Requires the department of land and natural resources to acquire by eminent domain the seawall and the real property underneath the seawall that is located on or near the seaward boundaries of property between 2943 Kalakaua Avenue and 3019 Kalakaua Avenue. Appropriates funds to the department of land and natural resources for the just compensation of taking, and the repair and maintenance of the entire seawall and the real property under the seawall. Replaces the current renewable energy technology systems tax credit with tax credits for solar or wind energy systems and energy storage systems. Applies to taxable years beginning after 12/31/2018. Exempts fuel cell electric vehicle from payment of parking fees and high occupancy vehicle lane restrictions. Increases the priority to be placed on fuel cell electric vehicles for state and county entities purchasing new vehicles. Allows for fuel cell electric vehicles to be parked in designated electric vehicle parking spaces. For purposes of determining electric vehicle parking spaces, restricts electric system charging systems to those that do not include facilities or systems for refueling hydrogen storage tanks of fuel cell electric vehicles. Directs specified percentages of the general excise tax revenues to the Department of Education to augment its capacity and infrastructure and to the Department of Transportation to protect the state highway system from the threat of inundation and damage caused by climate change. Establishes a Coastal Erosion Proactive Adaptation Plan Task Force, to be assisted by an Advisory Group, to develop a Coastal Erosion Proactive Adaptation Plan for streamlined and proactive shoreline permitting procedures that better mitigate impacts to Hawaii's coastal zone and lower the costs to public and private permit applicants. Establishes a nuclear energy commission within the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism to study the feasibility, risks, and benefits of developing nuclear energy generation facilities in Hawaii. Requires report to 2020 Regular Session of Legislature. Description and remediation for disaster relief, recovery, mitigation, Appropriates funds monthly of Hawaii. Requires reporting of activities for the County HD1) Department of Budget and Finance. (HB1180 expenditures to the on electric vehicle charging and parking. Clarifies provisions percent of crops developed by Agribusiness Requires at least fifty markets, and (ADC) to be distributed to local Development Corporation be leased for percent of lands managed by ADC to requires at least fifty annual reporting local food production. Specifies ADC operations that support an audit of ADC. requirements and requires view planes initiative to mandate that Establishes the 2050 grid resiliency and by December 31, 2050, under certain all utility lines be installed underground establish a plan for reaching certain conditions. Requires a public utility to Provides exemptions. target dates for completion of the initiative. of Land and Natural Establishes a task force within the Department on how to mitigate Resources to research and make recommendations to the Legislature and the flooding in Manoa Valley. Requires a report Honolulu City Council. renewable energy portfolio Require gas utility companies to establish gas utility companies to achieve the standards for gas. Provides means for for gas. Requires the public utilities renewable energy portfolio standards renewable portfolio standards. commission to conduct a study of the carbon dioxide emitted by distributors Imposes a carbon tax for every ton of of the carbon tax collected into the because of fossil fuels. Deposits 25% and 25% into the Energy Security Environmental Response Revolving Fund tax amounts collected to Special Fund. Refunds 50% of the carbon taxpayers. internal combustion engine after Prohibits the sale of new cars with an December 31, 2029. internal combustion engine after Prohibits the sale of new cars with an December 31, 2029. Requires rental motor vehicle lessors to incorporate zero-emission vehicles into their fleets. Creates a rental motor vehicle emissions surcharge tax on rental motor vehicles with internal combustion engines. Creates a Hawaii zero-emissions vehicle infrastructure special fund and grant program to promote development of zero-emission vehicle infrastructure. Authorizes government agencies to engage in the wheeling of electricity that Mitigation Mitigation Mitigation Adaptation Mitigation Adaptation Mitigation Mitigation Adaptation Adaptation Mitigation Mitigation or Mitigation Adaptation Adaptation Mitigation Mitigation Adaptation Adaptation Mitigation Mitigation Mitigation Mitigation Mitigation Energy Energy Energy Coastal Emissions Disaster Energy Transportation Disaster Coastal Energy Themes Disaster Transportation Agriculture Energy Disaster Energy Emissions Transportation Transportation Transportation Relating to Nuclear Energy Relating To Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles. Relating to General Exise Tax Relating To Coastal Erosion Proactive Adaptation Plan. Relating to Eminent Domain Relating To Renewable Energy Relating to Zero-Emission Vehicles Relating to Governmental Wheeling Relating To Energy. Relating to Energy Relating To Sea Level Rise. Relating To Statewide Sustainability Initiatives. Relating To A Carbon Tax. Relating to Motor Vehicles Relating To Motor Vehicles. Corporation Relating to Utility Lines Relating to Flood Mitigation Relating To Renewable Energy. Title Disasters. Relating To Natural Vehicles Relating to Electric Development Relating to the Agribusiness HB 464 HB 311 HB 396 HB 239 HB 17 HB 202 HB 1549 HB 1578 HB 1579 HB 1396 HB 1498 HB 1320 HB 1370 HB 1287 HB 1320 HB 1110 HB 1242 HB 1069 HB 1052 HB 1066 Measure HB 1180 Introduced and Pass First Introduced and Pass Reading First Introduced and Pass Reading First Introduced and Pass Reading Introduced and Pass First Reading Introduced and Pass First Reading Introduced and Pass First Reading Introduced and Pass First Reading Introduced and Pass First Reading Introduced and Pass First Reading Introduced and Pass First Reading Introduced and Pass First Reading Introduced and Pass First Reading Introduced and Pass First Reading Introduced and Pass First Reading Introduced and Pass First Reading Introduced and Pass First Reading Introduced and Pass First Reading Introduced and Pass First Reading Introduced and Pass First Reading Introduced and Pass First Reading Introduced and Pass First Reading Activity January 24, 2019 January 24, 2019 January 22, 2019 January 22, 2019 January 22, 2019 January 24, 2019 February 8, 2019 January 28, 2019 February 1, 2019 January 28, 2019 January 28, 2019 January 22, 2019 January 28, 2019 January 28, 2019 January 28, 2019 January 31, 2019 January 22, 2019 January 28, 2019 January 22, 2019 January 24, 2019 February 7, 2019 Last Action Date Referred to EEP, FIN , referral sheet 4 Referred to EEP, FIN CPC, referral sheet 4 Referred to EEP/TRN, FIN, referral sheet Referred to LAB, EEP/TRN, 4 Referred to TRN, FIN, referral sheet 5 Referred to PVM, FIN Re-referred to EEP/PVM, CPC, FIN, referral sheet 10 6 Referred to HSG/TRN, FIN, referral sheet 6 Referred to EEP/TRN, FIN, referral sheet Referred to TRS/EET, WAM. Referred to EET/PSM, JDC/WAM. Referred to TRS/CPH, JDC. Referred to EET, WAM. Re-Referred to EET/AEN/CPH, WAM. Referred to EET, CPH. Re-Referred to AEN/WTL/GVO, WAM. Referred to GVO/WTL/CPH, JDC/WAM. Referred to EET, CPH/WAM. The committee on PSM deferred the measure. Referred to TRS/PSM, WAM. Referred to EET/AEN, WAM. Last Action M. Gabbard M. Gabbard S. Chang D. Dela Cruz R. Ruderman R. Ruderman R. Ruderman N. Lowen N. Lowen S. Kong M. Hashem L. Kitagawa D. Tarnas N. Lowen T. Cullen H. Aquino S. Chang R. Kouchi R. Kouchi R. Kouchi K. Kahele Primary Sponsors Imposes civil penalties for violation. Establishes state policy on public water Imposes civil penalties for violation. Establishes state policy on public water and bottled water. Requires the Governor; Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism; and the Hawaii State Energy Office to develop a strategic plan that outlines benchmarks to achieve one hundred per cent renewable energy portfolio standard. Requires DBEDT to submit the strategic plan to the legislature. Requires state agencies to require climate vulnerability assessments for permit applications for projects involving building, transportation, or land use change that may generate significant greenhouse gas emissions. Applies to permit applications filed after 12/31/2020. Requires, in places of public accommodation, a ratio of one electric vehicle parking stall per 100 stalls by 2020 and a ratio of two electric vehicle parking stalls per 100 stalls by the year 2024. Designates the appropriate county authority having jurisdiction over planning and permitting for enforcement. Specifies procedures for enforcement. Requires the department of business, economic development, and tourism to conduct a feasibility study in consultation with the department of agriculture on the viability of an integrated, multi-crop production system for palm-based vegetable oil for producing raw vegetable oil that can be refined into biofuel, and to submit a report to the legislature. Appropriates funds. preparing for, responding to, recovering from, and mitigating against any actual or potential energy supply disruption or shortage to preserve the State's energy security and to ensure that fuel products and energy resources are made available to emergency services and the public in an orderly, efficient, and safe manner. Prohibits the sale of motor vehicles with internal combustion engines after December 31, 2029. Amends the renewable energy technologies income tax credit to include commercial seawater air conditioning systems. Repeals the definition of power-generating facility under the Hawaii Environmental Procedures Act. Requires an environmental assessment for actions that propose any power-generating facility that sells electricity to a utility through a power purchase agreement. Requires the Public Utilities Commission to study and recommend how to implement a smart imports program in Hawaii. Requires electric utilities to offer excess electricity to consumers during daylight hours at cost for any legal purpose beginning 1/1/2021. Requires and appropriates funds for the climate change mitigation and adaptation commission to assist state and county agencies to develop sea level rise adaptation plans and to implement climate change mitigation efforts. Appropriates funds for one full-time equivalent climate change mitigation and adaptation coordinator position. Prohibits the sale or distribution of bottled water on state owned lands beginning 10/1/2019. Prohibits the sale or distribution of bottled water by of permitted food trucks beginning 10/1/2020. Prohibits the sale or distribution bottled water in the State beginning 12/31/2021. Prohibits the use of state funds to purchase bottled water. Provides for waivers and exclusions. Requires state agencies to participate in a carbon offset program to offset to participate in a carbon offset Requires state agencies DLNR to by their employees' air travel. Requires carbon emissions caused a carbon offset program. establish and administer stalls for all January 1, 2020, 25% of parking Requires that, effective parking stalls and buildings that have twenty or more residential multi-family are electric vehicle that have forty or more parking stalls commercial buildings charger ready. energy to fully implement statutorily established Requires state agencies motor vehicles, and standards for state facilities, efficiency and environmental may jeopardize except in situations where the standards transportation fuel, emergency situations public health and safety or conflict with Laws of Hawaii 2012, Extends the sunset date for Act 168, Session by the Department of authorizing certain incentives and actions Transportation regarding electric vehicles. purchase of household disaster Establishes an income tax credit for the preparedness supplies. of the environmental response Specifies the required and permitted uses the environmental disaster standby and revolving fund. Appropriates funds for by an oil-or fuel-related disaster. response facility for native wildlife affected Economic Development, and Tourism, Requires the Department of Business, critical infrastructure locations in coordination with the counties, to identify supplies of electricity during and and ensure those locations have adequate of emergency. after a natural disaster or during a state and Development Corporation to Requires the Hawaii Housing Finance self-sustaining community develop a plan to establish a net zero, transit-oriented development within the east Kapolei neighborhood development region. and reconstruction projects Requires that certain state building construction stalls that are pre-wired for electric or programs include at least 20 parking vehicle charging stations. Laws of Hawaii 2012, Extends the sunset date for Act 168, Session authorizing certain incentives and actions by the Department of Transportation regarding electric vehicles. Addresses deficiencies in Hawaii's fuel shortage response and energy emergency (energy assurance) statutes; provides policy guidance on Description Mitigation Mitigation Mitigation Mitigation Mitigation Adaptation Mitigation Mitigation Mitigation Mitigation Both Mitigation Mitigation Adaptation Adaptation Adaptation Mitigation Mitigation Mitigation Mitigation Mitigation Mitigation or Mitigation Adaptation Industry Energy Emissions Transportation Energy Energy Transportation Energy Energy Energy Coastal Energy Transportation Disaster Disaster Disaster Sustainability Transportation Transportation Emissions Transportation Themes Relating To Electric Vehicles. Relating to Vegetable Oil Energy Relating to Bottled Water Relating To Renewable Energy. Relating To Climate Change. Relating To Renewable Energy. Relating To Climate Change. Relating to Energy Assurance Relating to Motor Vehicles Relating to Renewable Energy Technologies Tax Credits Relating to Energy Relating to Sustainability Relating to Electric Vehicles Relating To Electric Vehicles. Relating to Energy Relating To Electric Vehicles. Relating to Taxation Relating to Environmental Response Relating to Electric Grid Resiliency Relating to the Environment Vehicle-Ready Hawaii. Relating To An Electric Title SB 466 SB 437 SB 372 SB 434 SB 352 SB 263 SB 1492 SB 257 SB 1338 SB 1431 SB 1180 HB 859 HB1090 SB 111 HB 856 HB 604 HB 732 HB 837 HB 566 HB 555 HB 559 Measure Introduced and Pass First Introduced and Pass Reading First Introduced and Pass Reading Introduced and Pass First Reading Introduced and Pass First Reading Introduced and Pass First Reading Introduced and Pass First Reading Introduced and Pass First Reading Introduced and Pass First Reading Introduced and Pass First Reading Introduced and Pass First Reading Introduced and Pass First Reading Introduced and Pass First Reading Introduced and Pass First Reading Introduced and Pass First Reading Introduced and Pass First Reading Passed first chamber Passed first chamber Passed first chamber Activity January 24, 2019 January 24, 2019 February 11, 2019 January 24, 2019 January 24, 2019 January 24, 2019 January 24, 2019 January 24, 2019 February 8, 2019 February 11, 2019 February 11, 2019 January 24, 2019 January 24, 2019 1/24 January 24, 2019 April 4, 2019 March 11, 2019 March 19, 2019 Last Action Date The committee on WAM deferred the measure. Re-Referred to EET/WTL/GVO, WAM. Report adopted; Passed Second Reading, as amended (SD 1) and referred to WAM. Referred to AEN/CPH, JDC/WAM. Referred to AEN/CPH, WAM. Referred to AEN/WTL, The committee on CPH deferred the measure. Referred to EET, CPH/JDC. Referred to TRS/PSM, JDC/WAM. Referred to EET, CPH/WAM. Referred to TRS/EET, WAM. Referred to AEN/CPH, JDC/WAM. The committee on WTL deferred the measure. The committee on PSM deferred the measure. The committee on AEN and PSM deferred the measure Referred to EET, WAM. Referred to EET, WAM. Referred to EET/PSM/TEC, WAM. Referred to EET, WAM. Last Action N. Lowen R. Yamane S. Quinlan R. Kouchi L. Inouye K. English M. Gabbard R. Baker R. Baker G. Keith-Agaran G. Keith-Agaran G. Riviere G. Riviere G. Riviere G. Wakai M. Gabbard K. Rhoads K. Rhoads Primary Sponsors July 1, 2021. Requires places of public accommodation with at least fifty parking spaces available for use by the general public to have at least two parking spaces exclusively for electric vehicles and be equipped with an electric vehicle charging system located anywhere in the parking structure or lot by July 1, 2021. Prohibits the sale of polystyrene foam food service containers and their use by food providers. Provides for exemptions. Imposes penalties. Requires reports to the Legislature. Requires the department of transportation to work in conjunction with any relevant educational institution or federal, state, or county agency to develop a strategic plan to protect coastal highways from the effects of coastal erosion and update the plan as needed every five years. Requires a report to the legislature. Appropriates funds. Permits the governing body of a county to create, by ordinance, a process for the recordation and enforcement of solar easements. Allows counties to require individuals claiming a solar right to record that right by filing a declaration with the county clerk. Permits the governing body of a county to require, by ordinance, the trimming of vegetation that blocks solar radiation from solar energy devices. Authorizes the ordinance to include a designation for the cost of trimming. Permits the governing body of a county to create, by ordinance, a process for the recordation and enforcement of solar easements. Allows counties to require individuals claiming a solar right to record that right by filing a declaration with the county clerk. Permits the governing body of a county to require, by ordinance, the trimming of vegetation that blocks solar radiation from solar energy devices. Authorizes the ordinance to include a designation for the cost of trimming. Requires DBEDT, under the Hawaii clean energy initiative program, to select and prioritize wind energy project sites using specified criteria. Requires DBEDT, under the Hawaii clean energy initiative program, to select and prioritize wind energy project sites using specified criteria. Requires the department of business, economic development, and tourism and the counties to identify and develop plans for critical infrastructure following a natural disaster or during a state of emergency. Requires the department of business, economic development, and tourism and the counties to identify and develop plans for ensuring access to electricity following a natural disaster or during a state of emergency. Amends the criteria for granting a variance for solar water heater systems. Appropriates funds to the Office of Planning to conduct a comprehensive study of a statewide carbon tax. Effective 7/1/2100. (SD1) Establishes a statewide sustainability division within the Office of Planning to ensure long-term planning, coordination, and implementation of Hawaii's sustainability goals and policies. Appropriates funds. (HB449 HD1) Requires the Hawaii Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission to conduct certain activities to address the impacts of sea level rise and report to the Legislature before the 2021 Regular Session. Appropriates funds for the Commission's activities and to fund the Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Coordinator. (SD1) Prohibits the sale of polystyrene foam containers and serving of prepared polystyrene foam containers and serving Prohibits the sale of restaurants to foam containers statewide. Requires foods using polystyrene order. cents as a malama aina fee per take-out charge customers 20 the of Health to adopt rules to implement Authorizes the Department for within its administrative rules a requirement prohibition and include proper disposal of to educate their customers about prepared food vendors 1/1/2020. and litter reduction. Effective nonreusable food containers Adaptation for the Climate Change Mitigation and Appropriates funds and program implementation. Coordinator position portfolio to establish renewable energy Require gas utility companies gas utility companies to achieve the standards for gas. Provides means for for gas. Requires the public utilities renewable energy portfolio standards renewable portfolio standards. commission to conduct a study of the water heater may only be granted if Ensures that a variance for a demand cost-prohibitive, or if no renewable solar water heating is impracticable or for use as the primary energy energy technology system can be substituted if a variance is granted for a property source for heating water. Requires that grid, a grid-interactive water heater that will be connected to an electric utility in place of a solar water heater. or a heat pump water heater be used attestation in variance applications. Provides for penalties or fines for false fund to allow counties to offer free or Establishes the state alternative transit buses. Imposes a fine for unlicensed nearly free fares on eco-friendly county a surcharge on individual income transient accommodations. Establishes motor vehicle and tour vehicle over $2.5 million. Increases the rental surcharge, and tax increase to be surcharge tax. Requires the new fine, fund. deposited into the state alternative transit air permits for coal-burning Prohibits the issuance of covered source Prohibits the approval of new power electricity generation facilities after 2022. from coal. purchase agreements for electricity generated with at least one hundred parking Requires places of public accommodation public to have at least three parking spaces available for use by the general and be equipped with two electric spaces exclusively for electric vehicles vehicle charging systems located anywhere in the parking structure or lot by Description Mitigation Mitigation Adaptation Mitigation Mitigation Both Adaptation Mitigation Mitigation Adaptation Mitigation Mitigation Mitigation Both Mitigation Mitigation Mitigation Mitigation Mitigation or Mitigation Adaptation Energy Energy Disaster Energy Emissions Sustainability Coastal Transportation Industry Transportation Energy Energy Industry Other Energy Energy Transportation Energy Themes Relating To Sea Level Rise. Relating to Critical Infrastructure Relating To Renewable Energy Technologies. Relating To Carbon Emissions. Relating To Sustainability. Relating to Solar Energy Relating To Energy. Relating To Energy. Relating To Environmental Protection. Relating To Coastal Highways. Relating To Solar Energy. Relating To A Coal-Free Hawaii. Relating To Electric Vehicles. Relating To Renewable Energy. Relating To Energy Efficiency. Relating To Transportation. Relating to Polystyrene Foam Containers Relating to Polystyrene Climate Change Mitigation Relating to the Hawaii and Adaptation Commission Title HB 461 SB 987 HB 1584 HB 449 SB 961 SB 834 SB 957 SB 959 SB 834 SB 776 SB 761 SB 769 SB 659 SB 700 SB 617 SB 571 SB 520 SB 561 Measure Passed first chamber Passed first reading in second chamber Passed first reading in second chamber Passed first reading in second chamber Passed first reading in second chamber Passed first reading in second chamber Passed first reading in second chamber Passed first reading in second chamber Passed first reading in second chamber Passed first reading in second chamber Passed second chamber Passed second chamber Passed first chamber Passed first chamber Passed first chamber Passed first chamber Passed first chamber Activity March 14, 2019 March 5, 2019 March 5, 2019 March 5, 2019 March 14, 2019 March 7, 2019 March 7, 2019 March 7, 2019 March 12, 2019 March 7, 2019 April 22, 2019 April 26, 2015 March 20, 2019 March 22, 2019 March 7, 2019 March 14, 2019 March 7, 2019 Last Action Date Report adopted; Passed Second Reading, as Report adopted; Passed referred to JDC/WAM. amended (SD 1) and Second Reading, as Report adopted; Passed referred to CPH/WAM. amended (SD 1) and FIN, referral sheet 27 Referred to EEP/WLH, that The committee(s) on EEP recommend(s) the measure be deferred. Referred to LMG, FIN, referral sheet 27 to the Passed Second Reading and referred aye with committee(s) on WLH with none voting reservations; none voting no (0) and Representative(s) Takumi excused (1). Referred to AEN, CPH Referred to WAM Referred to WAM The committee(s) on EEP/WLH recommend(s) that the measure be deferred. Referred to EEP/EDB, CPC/JUD, FIN, referral sheet 27 Referred to EEP/WLH, FIN Referred to EEP/EDB, FIN, referral sheet 27 Referred to EEP, FIN; deferral Referred to EEP/TRN, FIN, referral sheet 27 Received notice of Senate conferees (Sen. Com. No. 948). Died in House Last Action L. Inouye K. Rhoads G. Wakai R. Ruderman C. Lee N. Lowen N. Lowen N. Lowen D. Dela Cruz L. Inouye K. English G. Riviere S. Saiki K. Yamashita N. Lowen L. Thielen S. Chang Primary Sponsors energy. Requires the State and counties to incorporate predictions of sea level rise and other climate change hazards and mitigation opportunities into applicable plans, strategies, and mapping. Requires the Public Utilities Commission, and any public utility regulated by the Public Utilities Commission, to consider the findings in the Hawaii Sea Level Rise Vulnerability and Adaptation Report. Encourages each county to participate in the community rating system developed by the National Flood Insurance Program. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD2) Prohibits restaurants from serving prepared foods using polystyrene foam containers statewide. Authorizes the Department of Health to adopt rules. Takes effect on December 31, 2020. Requires the Office of Planning to update the Hawaii 2050 Sustainability Plan of and submit the updated plan to the Legislature prior to the Regular Session 2021 and every 10th session thereafter, using the goal and priority guidelines of the State Plan and the Hawaii Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Initiative as guiding principles. Effective 7/1/2050 Replaces the environmental response, energy, and food security tax with a carbon emissions tax. Repeals state fuel taxes under the fuel tax law. Requires the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism to submit an annual report to the Legislature. Takes effect 7/1/2050; provided that repeal of the fuel tax credit for commercial fishers takes effect on 1/1/2051 and shall apply to taxable years beginning after 12/31/2019. Establishes the Hawaii state energy office. Establishes the deputy director of energy. Ends funding for the Hawaii clean energy initiative from the energy security special fund. Increases the distribution of tax revenue to the energy systems development special fund. Appropriates funds from the general fund for the Hawaii state energy office. Takes effect 7/1/2050. Provides a tiered income tax credit to taxpayers who install or upgrade an electric vehicle charging system that is available for use by the public, unless otherwise required by law. Effective 7/1/2050. Establishes the Honolulu shoreline climate protection pilot project to develop a plan to protect urban Honolulu from the impacts of sea level rise, floodwater, storms, and other impacts of a rapidly changing climate. Appropriates funds to the Department of Land and Natural Resources for the development of the Honolulu shoreline climate protection pilot project. Appropriates funds to the Office of Planning to conduct a comprehensive study of a statewide carbon tax. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD2) Authorizes the Department of Education to evaluate the feasibility and cost- benefit of establishing and implementing a pilot microgrid to provide backup power in the event of a natural disaster or other similar emergency. Authorizes the Department of Transportation to evaluate the feasibility and cost-benefit of a renewable energy microgrid system to provide backup power in the event of a natural disaster or other similar emergency at one facility. Authorizes the Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawaii Authority to establish a microgrid demonstration project. Requires the agencies conducting the evaluations and pilots to report findings and data to the Public Utilities Commission for the Commission to consider in its evaluation of ways to incentivize the installation of renewable energy systems in public facilities that can provide backup power in the event the broader electric grid cannot provide power. Requires new developments to plan for the impacts of projected sea level rise to plan for the impacts of projected Requires new developments by projected sea in areas significantly affected and prohibits development zone policies and objectives related to coastal level rise. Amends and protect residential exposure to coastal hazards management to reduce and "coastal public shoreline access. Defines "beach" state beaches and hazards". (SD1) be a percentage of of renewable portfolio standard to Amends the definition 7/1/2100. (SD1) rather than sales. Effective electrical energy generation, against impacts of management laws to further protect Amends coastal zone erosion. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1) sea level rise and coastal fee parking when parked for Requires electric vehicles to pay for unmetered Extends the repeal date of Act 168, any period longer than an initial 4 hours. to 6/30/2023. Effective Session Laws of Hawaii 2012, from 6/30/2020 7/1/2050. (SD2) based on the United Nations' Codifies sustainable development goals Effective 7/1/2050. (SD2) Sustainable Development Goals and indicators. Mitigation and Adaptation Commission Requires the Hawaii Climate Change its climate change mitigation and to prioritize nature-based solutions in market mechanisms that promote adaptation efforts and assess risk transfer of climate change. Defines "nature- investments in nature to reduce the risks Effective 7/1/2050. (SD2) based solutions". Appropriates funds. waste management goals to align Updates the Department of Health's solid with the Aloha+ Challenge. fuel tax from a specified amount per Changes the assessment of the state per gallon or an unspecified gallon to the greater of a specified amount gallon to the retailer. Subjects biodiesel percentage of the wholesale price per requirements as diesel oil. oil to the same tax rates and reporting revenue bonds to assist Kona Authorizes the issuance of special purpose the planning, design, and Coast Water, LLC, with the financing of to desalinate water using renewable construction of solar thermal facilities Description Mitigation Mitigation Adaptation Adaptation Mitigation Adaptation Mitigation Both Mitigation Adaptation Mitigation Adaptation Mitigation Both Mitigation Mitigation Mitigation Mitigation or Mitigation Adaptation Energy Transportation Disaster Disaster Energy Coastal Industry Sustainability Emissions Coastal Energy Coastal Transportation Sustainability Industry Waste Transportation Themes Relating to Electric Grid Resiliency Relating To Climate Change. Relating to Taxation Relating to the Hawaii Energy and Climate Change Office Relating to Taxation Relating To Planning Relating to Polystyrene Foam Containers Relating to Sustainability Relating to Motor Vehicles Relating to the Issuance of Special Purpose Enterprise Revenue Bonds to Assist an Industrial Relating To Coastal Zone Management. Relating To Coastal Relating To Electric Vehicles. Goals. Relating To Sustainable Development Relating To Climate Change. Relating to Solid Waste Disposal Goals Relating To The Environment. Energy. Relating To Renewable Title HB 1583 HB 1487 SB 1529 SB 438 SB 1463 SB 11 SB 1380 SB 1054 HB 204 HB 1016 HB 1467 SB 698 SB 944 SB 393 SB 657 HB 549 HB 550 Measure Passed second reading in first chamber, of 3 Passed second reading in first chamber, of 3 Passed second reading in first chamber, of 3 Passed second reading in first chamber, of 3 Passed second reading in first chamber, of 3 Passed second reading in first chamber, of 3 Passed second reading in first chamber, of 3 Passed second reading in first chamber, of 3 Passed second reading in first chamber, of 3 Passed second reading in first chamber, of 3 Passed second chamber Passed second chamber Passed second chamber Passed second chamber Passed second chamber Passed second chamber Passed second reading in first chamber, of 3 Passed second reading in first chamber, of 3 Passed second reading in first chamber, of 3 Passed second reading in first chamber, of 3 Passed second reading in first chamber, of 3 Activity February 15, 2019 February 12, 2019 February 15, 2019 February 15, 2019 February 15, 2019 February 15, 2019 February 15, 2019 February 15, 2019 February 15, 2019 February 15, 2019 April 23, 2019 April 25, 2019 April 22, 2019 April 26, 2019 April 24, 2019 April 18, 2019 February 13, 2019 February 15, 2019 February 15, 2019 February 15, 2019 February 12, 2019 Last Action Date Report adopted; Passed Second Reading, as amended (SD 1) and referred to WAM. Report adopted; Passed Second Reading and referred to WAM. Report adopted; referred to WAM Received notice of discharge of conferees (Hse. Received notice of Com. No. 828). Meeting will reconvene Conference Committee 11:30AM in conference on Friday 04-26-19 room 224. (Sen. Received notice of Senate conferees Com. No. 948). Died in Senate Conference to reconvene Senate Conferees Referred to the committee on FIN as Report adopted; Passed Second Reading, amended (SD 1) and referred to WAM. Report adopted; referred to JDC/WAM Report adopted; Passed Second Reading and referred to WAM. Report adopted; referred to CPH/JDC/WAM Report adopted; referred to JDC/WAM Report adopted; referred to WAM Report adopted; referred to WAM Report adopted; referred to WAM Report adopted, referred to WAM. Report adopted; referred to WAM Report adopted; Passed Second Reading, as amended (SD 1) and referred to WAM. Last Action R. Baker K. Kahele G. Wakai G. Wakai G. Wakai K. Kahele S. Saiki L. Thielen G. Wakai R. Ruderman G. Wakai M. Gabbard M. Gabbard R. Ruderman M. Gabbard K. Rhoads L. Inouye K. English T. Cullen R. Yamane D. Tarnas Primary Sponsors Amends policies and objectives related to coastal zone management to Amends policies and objectives related hazards and protect state beaches and reduce residential exposure to coastal public shoreline access. Defines "coastal hazard". (SD1) Prohibits the issuance of building permits beginning on January 1, 2022, for new single-family dwellings that are part of a development of twenty or more dwellings and do not include a rooftop solar energy generation system, unless a variance is granted Appropriates funds for disaster relief, recovery, mitigation, and remediation activities for the county of Hawai‘i. Bans the sale of beverage containers connected to each other with plastic connecting devices. Establishes fines. Establishes the plastic reduction special fund. Takes effect 1/1/2021. Prohibits the expenditure of state funds by state agencies for the purchase of beverages in plastic bottles or rigid plastic containers, except under certain circumstances. Prohibits offshore drilling for oil or natural gas in state marine waters. Prohibits issuance of permits for or in connection with the development or oil operation of any facility or infrastructure associated with offshore drilling for or natural gas in state waters. Takes effect 12/31/2050. Instructs the Hawaii Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission to assess the effects of tourism on climate change and publish a report on its findings. Appropriates moneys. Takes effect 12/31/2050. Requires the Hawaii Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission to review and report on the concept of food labeling based on the food's environmental impact and make recommendations on how to implement this type of food labeling. Appropriates funds. Requires the Hawaii Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission to determine areas in each county to designate for either armoring or managed retreat. Requires the commission to submit a report to the Legislature. Appropriates funds. Allows agencies to enter performance contracts to undertake or implement energy conservation or alternate energy measures for vehicles and vehicle fleets. Implements the recommendations of the Hawai‘i Sea Level Rise Vulnerability and Adaptation Report issued by the Hawai‘i Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission. Makes appropriations. (SD1) Establishes a Coastal Erosion Proactive Adaptation Plan Task Force, to be assisted by an Advisory Group, to develop a Coastal Erosion Proactive Adaptation Plan for streamlined and proactive shoreline permitting procedures that better mitigate impacts to Hawaii's coastal zone and lower the costs to public and private permit applicants. Appropriates funds to support the task force and establish one full-time equivalent (1.0 FTE) position in the Office of Planning to administer the coastal erosion proactive adaptation plan task force. (SD1) Requires the Hawaii climate change mitigation and adaptation commission and coordinator to assist the State and counties with developing and implementing various sea level rise adaptation plans and climate change mitigation efforts. Appropriate funds to support the Hawaii climate change initiative. Requires rental motor vehicle lessors to incorporate zero-emission vehicles into their fleets. Creates a Hawaii zero-emissions vehicle infrastructure special fund and grant program to promote development of zero-emission vehicle infrastructure. Effective 1/1/2020. Broadens the definition of "renewable energy" as used in the public utilities of "renewable energy" as used in Broadens the definition fuel, non-nuclear include other self-replenishing non-fossil commission law to tax credit by, the renewable energy technologies income resources. Amends systems. including commercial seawater air conditioning among other things, (SD1) Takes effect on 7/1/2050. of Planning to Sustainability Coordinator of the Office Requires the State green infrastructure and comprehensive study and plan for complete a holistic the green State. Appropriates funds to complete opportunities in the and plan. Effective 7/1/2150. (SD1) infrastructure study new plans and of sea level rise projections in all Requires incorporation under the Hawaii State Planning updates to existing state plans generated Commission. Appropriates funds for Act and the plans of the Public Utilities and public engagement related the facilitation of stakeholder communications ecosystem preservation and to environmental protection, clean waters, consideration of the Ala Wai restoration, and community and cultural 7/1/2035. (SD2) watershed and surrounding areas. Effective pursuant to an application initiated Prohibits the issuance of building permits residential multi-family buildings that on or after January 1, 2020, for all new commercial buildings that have have ten or more parking stalls and new certain percentage of the parking stalls twenty or more parking stalls unless a to superseding county ordinances. are electric vehicle charger ready, subject Alternative Energy Research and Appropriates funds into and out of the Technology Development Development Revolving Fund for the Hawaii Corporation to provide grants Division within the Office of Planning to Establishes a Statewide Sustainability and implementation of Hawaii's ensure long-term planning, coordination, funds sustainability goals and policies. Appropriates Development, and Tourism to Permits the Department of Business, Economic of Health for purposes of regulating share energy data with the Department greenhouse gas emissions. Description Adaptation Mitigation Adaptation Adaptation Adaptation Mitigation Adaptation Mitigation Adaptation Mitigation Mitigation Mitigation Mitigation Mitigation Mitigation Mitigation Adaptation Mitigation Mitigation Both Mitigation Mitigation or Mitigation Adaptation Disaster Transportation Coastal Coastal Coastal Transportation Coastal Energy Disaster Industry Industry Energy Emissions Industry Energy Infrastructure Coastal Transportation Energy Sustainability Emissions Themes Relating To Climate Change. Relating to Zero-Emission Vehicles Relating to Contracting for Public Facilities Relating To Climate Change. Relating To Coastal Erosion Proactive Adaptation Plan. Relating to Environmental Impact Food Labeling Relating to Climate Change Relating to Rooftop Solar Installation Relating To Natural Disasters. Relating to the Environment Relating to Procurement Relating to Offshore Drilling Relating to Greenhouse Gas Emissions Relating to Sustainability Relating to Energy Data Relating To Coastal Zone Management. Relating To Coastal Planning. Relating to Electric Vehicles and Relating to the Alternative Energy Research Development Fund Relating To Renewable Energy. Relating To Renewable Infrastructure. Relating To Green Title SB 996 SB 930 SB 828 SB 664 SB 690 SB 486 SB 644 SB 259 SB 435 SB 1527 SB 1543 SB 1289 SB 1302 HB 1015 SB 1113 SB 1291 SB 908 HB 765 SB 1000 HB 588 HB 307 Measure Passed second reading in second chamber Passed second reading in second chamber Passed second reading in second chamber Passed second reading in first Passed second reading chamber, of 4 in first Passed second reading chamber, of 4 Passed second reading in first chamber, of 4 Passed second reading in first chamber, of 4 Passed second reading in first chamber, of 4 Passed second reading in first chamber, of 4 Passed second reading in first chamber, of 4 Passed second reading in first chamber, of 4 Passed second reading in second chamber Passed second reading in second chamber Passed second reading in second chamber Passed second reading in second chamber Passed second reading in second chamber Passed second reading in second chamber Passed second reading in second chamber Passed second reading in second chamber Passed second reading in second chamber Activity March 21, 2019 March 21, 2019 March 21, 2019 February 15, 2019 February 8, 2019 February 8, 2019 February 12, 2019 February 13, 2019 February 15, 2019 January 31, 2019 February 5, 2019 March 22, 2019 March 20, 2019 March 18, 2019 April 3, 2019 March 20, 2019 March 14, 2019 March 15, 2019 March 20, 2019 March 15, 2019 Last Action Date Report adopted. referred to the committee(s) on Report adopted. referred HD 2 with none voting aye FIN as amended in voting no (0) and with reservations; none DeCoite, Nakamura, Representative(s) Aquino, (5). Quinlan, Thielen excused as amended in HD 1 Passed Second Reading committee(s) on CPC with and referred to the reservations; none voting none voting aye with Cabanilla no (0) and Representative(s) Thielen excused (3). Arakawa, Nakamura, in HD 1 Passed Second Reading as amended with and referred to the committee(s) on CPC voting none voting aye with reservations; none no (0) and Representative(s) Cabanilla (3). Arakawa, Nakamura, Thielen excused that The committee(s) on CPC recommend(s) the measure be deferred. that The committee(s) on TRN recommend(s) the measure be deferred. on FIN Report adopted, referred to committe Referred to the committee(s) on CPC Referred to the committee on CPC Report adopted; Passed Second Reading, as amended (SD 1) and referred to WAM. Report adopted and referred to JDC/WAM Report adopted and referred to WAM Committee on WAM defers Report adopted and referred to WAM Referred to EEP, LMG, FIN Referred EEP, CPC, FIN Referred to EEP, CPC/JUD, FIN Referred to committee on PVM Referred to the committee on FIN Referred to the committee on FIN Referred to the committee on FIN Last Action R. Yamane C. Lee R. Yamane N. Lowen L. Inouye R. Kouchi D. Dela Cruz C. Nishihara L. Inouye K. English K. English R. Yamane N. Lowen S. Saiki A. McKelvey H. Aquino A. McKelvey N. Lowen C. Lee R. Yamane Primary Sponsors profits to be deposited into a subaccount of the Corporation's Revolving Fund. profits to be deposited into a subaccount air permits for coal-burning Prohibits the issuance of covered source Prohibits the approval of a new, electricity generation facilities after 2022. agreement for electricity generated modified, or renewed power purchase from coal. Requires the Social Science Research Institute of the University of Hawaii to conduct a study to determine whether the use of parametric disaster insurance policies for the State is feasible, practical, affordable, and in the public interest. Appropriates funds. Requires the Commission on Water Resource Management to conduct an update of the statewide framework for the Hawaii water plan to provide guidance for Hawaii's future water plan. Makes an appropriation. Takes effect 12/31/2050. (SD1) Requires DLNR to work collaboratively with the Game Management Advisory Commission to develop and implement sustainable game management practices in areas of watershed protection. Requires BLNR to give prior notice to the Game Management Advisory Commission prior to issuing or renewing a water rights lease. Takes effect on 7/1/2050 Amends the Greenhouse Gas Sequestration Task Force nomination and appointment process. Appropriates funds to the Office of Planning to administer the Greenhouse Gas Sequestration Task Force Authorizes the development of utility scale solar projects on class A agricultural lands, subject to certain requirements. Repeals 6/30/2025 Amends and expands the purpose of the Building Energy Efficiency Revolving Loan Fund to a Clean Energy Revolving Loan Fund. Transfers administration of the Clean Energy Revolving Loan Fund to the Hawaii Green Infrastructure Authority. Sunsets the renewable energy technologies income tax credit after 7/1/2045 Establishes state appliance efficiency standards. Prohibits sale of polystyrene foam food service containers and the sale or service of food using polystyrene containers statewide. Authorizes the Department of Health to adopt rules for implementation including for enforcement, exemptions, and consumer education. Establishes a Homeland Security and Resiliency Council to identify electric grid and other critical infrastructure needs and provide recommendations for enhancing the State's grid and critical infrastructure resiliency. Appropriates funds Requires the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism to provide rebates to persons who install a new electric vehicle charging system or upgrade an existing electric vehicle charging system. Creates, and appropriates moneys out of, the electric vehicle charging station rebate program special fund. Amends the uses of funds in the energy security special fund. Department of Health; University of Hawaii; Cesspool Conversion Working Group Extension; Cesspool Study ($) Authorizes the Department of Budget and Finance to enter into a financing agreement in an amount not to exceed $125,000,000 to fund the local match for the Ala Wai Flood Risk Management Project. Appropriates funds for fiscal biennium 2019-2021 for the Ala Wai Flood Risk Management Project. Expands the scope of the carbon offset program and funds six new positions of the carbon offset program and funds Expands the scope fund to assist in the Establishes a carbon offset revolving within the program. funds. of the carbon offset program. Appropriates fulfillment of the purposes (HB1407 HD2) benefit reports with business corporations to file annual Requires sustainable corporation DCCA to terminate sustainable business DCCA. Authorizes Division to Requires the Business Registration status for noncompliance. on its on sustainable business corporations post searchable information website. (HB1409 HD1) for all nonresidential buildings. Requires energy consumption benchmarking and aggregated benchmarking Requires disclosure of resulting, anonymized or lender. (HB 1520 HD1) data to a prospective property buyer, lessee, Revolving Fund within the State Establishes the Hawaii Beach Preservation Mortgage Financing Pilot Treasury. Establishes a low-interest Contingent property owners to relocate mauka of Program to encourage certain shoreline zones. Amends coastal zone expected sea level rise and erosion hazard impacts of sea level rise and management laws to further protect against HD1) coastal erosion. Appropriates funds. (HB1564 public purchasing priorities to fuel cell Applies the same rules, incentives, and vehicles. Amends parking fee electric vehicles as to other types of electric sunset date for electric vehicle rules exemptions for electric vehicles. Extends 2030. (HB238 HD1) and incentives by 10 years to June 30, Corporation from investing in Prohibits the Hawaii Strategic Development a portion of the Corporation's fossil fuel or firearm companies. Earmarks Description Mitigation Mitigation Mitigation Mitigation Mitigation Adaptation Adaptation Mitigation Mitigation Adaptation Adaptation Both Mitigation Mitigation Mitigation Mitigation Mitigation Mitigation Adaptation Mitigation Mitigation or Mitigation Adaptation Energy Energy Industry Energy Transportation Waste Disaster Emissions Energy Disaster Water Conservation Emissions Energy Energy Emissions Industry Energy Coastal Transportation Themes Relating to Capital Improvement Projects Relating to Environmental Protection Relating to Critical Infrastructure Resiliency Relating to Electric Vehicles Relating to Cesspools Relating to Land use Relating to Clean Energy Financing Relating to Renewable Energy Relating to Appliance Efficiency Standards Relating to Natural Disaster Protection Relating To Water Security. Relating to the Department of Land and Natural Resources Relating to Climate Change Relating to A Coal-Free Hawaii Relating To Energy Efficiency. Relating To Coastal Zone Management. Relating To Electric Vehicles. Relating to the Hawaii Strategic Development Corporation Relating To The Environment. Business Corporations. Relating To Sustainable Title SB 77 SB 653 SB 696 SB 609 SB 367 HB 855 SB 1163 SB 1323 HB 1483 HB 593 HB 1121 HB 1325 HB 714 HB 563 HB 342 HB 1564 HB 238 HB 1520 HB 1409 HB 1407 Measure Passed second reading in Passed second reading second chamber in Passed second reading second chamber Sent to Governor Sent to Governor Sent to Governor Sent to Governor Sent to Governor Sent to Governor Sent to Governor Sent to Governor Sent to Governor Sent to Governor Sent to Governor Sent to Governor Sent to Governor Activity March 20, 2019 March 20, 2019 May 1, 2019 May 1, 2019 May 1, 2019 May 1, 2019 May 1, 2019 May 1, 2019 May 1, 2019 May 6, 2019 May 6, 2019 May 6, 2019 May 6, 2019 May 6, 2019 May 6, 2019 Last Action Date Referred to the committee on FIN Referred to the committee on FIN Referred to the committee Transmitted to Governor Transmitted to Governor Transmitted to Governor Transmitted to Governor Transmitted to Governor Transmitted to Governor Transmitted to Governor Enrolled to Governor Enrolled to Governor Enrolled to Governor Enrolled to Governor Enrolled to Governor Enrolled to Governor Last Action C. Todd R. Yamane N. Lowen N. Lowen N. Lowen R. Kouchi G. Wakai K. Rhoads L. Inouye M. Gabbard L. Inouye D. Kanuha G. Wakai S. Saiki S. Saiki Primary Sponsors adopt minimum appliance efficiency standards for certain products sold or adopt minimum appliance efficiency standards equivalent to existing appliance installed in the State that are substantially and by the federal government. efficiency standards established in California energy systems and technology Requires UH community colleges to establish training courses for county officers and employees responsible for permitting, inspecting, licensing, and approving construction projects and an advisory committee of industry stakeholders and to submit a report to the Legislature. Appropriates funds. (HB560 CD1) to Permits the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism share energy data with the Department of Health for purposes of regulating greenhouse gas emissions. Authorizes the issuance of special purpose revenue bonds to assist Trevi Systems, Inc., or its related entity, Kona Coast Water LLC, to fund the planning, designing, construction, equipping, land leases, and other assets for two or more plants to desalinate water using one hundred per cent renewable solar energy and supply it to customers on Hawaii island and potentially on other islands as well. Clarifies the conditions under which condominium unit owners can install solar energy devices. Amends the definition of "solar energy devices" to include building-applied and building-integrated photovoltaics and to exclude passive solar skylights and windows. (CD1) Establishes an annual vehicle registration surcharge fee for electric vehicles and alternative fuel vehicles to be deposited into the State Highway Fund. Effective 1/1/2020. (CD1) Creates the plastic source reduction working group to make recommendations to reuse, reduce, recycle, and recover plastic waste Grants procurement priority for fuel cell electric vehicles for state and county vehicle purchases. Includes fuel cell electric vehicles in the definition of "electric vehicles" for purposes of parking fee exemption, high occupancy vehicle lane use, registration, and required parking spaces in places of public accommodation. (CD1) Prohibits counties with a population less than 500,000 from rejecting number a population less than 500,000 from Prohibits counties with the bottles are presented for recycling solely because 1 and 2 plastic bottles Requires and adjoined to nonrecyclable bottle caps. accompanied by or dispose of for the counties to separate and appropriately appropriates funds include a feasibility bottle caps. Requires the counties to such nonrecyclable PP materials. assessment of recycling to assist Hawaiian of special purpose revenue bonds Authorizes the issuance and Hawaii Electric Inc.; Maui Electric Company, Limited; Electric Company, programs and to fund multi-project capital improvement Light Company, Inc., energy. the general public in providing electric assist utilities serving be deposited into the Endangered Expands the type of revenue that can Species Trust Fund. for Hawaiian Electric Company, Authorizes special purpose revenue bonds Company and Hawaii Electric Light Inc. and its subsidiaries Maui Electric programs. Company for multi-project capital improvement of Land and Natural Resources to Appropriates funds to the Department study and combat rapid ohia death the Hawaii 2050 Sustainability Plan Requires the Office of Planning to update prior to the Regular Session of and submit the updated plan to the Legislature using the goals and priority 2021 and every tenth session thereafter, Act and the Hawaii Climate Change guidelines of the Hawaii State Planning guiding principles. Appropriates funds. Mitigation and Adaptation Initiative as (HB1558 CD1) of eligible new or upgraded Establishes a rebate program for installation Authorizes the Public Utilities multi-user electric vehicle charging systems. administration of the rebate program. Commission to contract for third-party Appropriates funds. (HB1585 CD1) economic development, and tourism to Requires the department of business, Description Mitigation Mitigation Mitigation Mitigation Mitigation Mitigation Mitigation Mitigation Mitigation Mitigation Adaptation Adaptation Adaptation Both Mitigation Mitigation or Mitigation Adaptation Transportation Energy Energy Emissions Energy Energy Transportation Industry Industry Energy Conservation Energy Conservation Sustainability Transportation Themes Relating To Electric Vehicles. Relating to Plastic Relating To Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles. Relating to Energy Training Relating to Energy Data Relating to Special Purposed Revenue Bonds for Trevi Systems, Inc., or its Related Entitiy, Kona Coast Water LLC. Relating To Solar Energy Devices. Relating To The Environment. Relating to Energy Efficiency Hawaiian electric Company, Inc; Maui Electric Hawaiian electric Company, and Hawaii Electric Light Company, Limited; Company, Inc. Fund Relating to the Endangered Species Trust for Relating to special purpose revenue bonds electric public utilities Relating to Rapid Ohia Death Relating to Sustainability Relating to Recycling Relating to Recycling Purpose Revenue Bonds for Relating to Special Title SB 522 SB 661 SB 272 SB 409 SB 1440 HB 560 SB 1241 HB 1585 HB 556 HB 1558 HB 1319 HB 1548 SB 998 HB 1028 SB 893 Measure E kū i ka pono Stand for what is right