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`ovNTY pFy MOP # <br />OF Wt <br />energy benchmarking is a useful starting point for nonresidential building owners <br />and operators to target energy savings opportunities. <br />CSCN-6: Kalo Production Protection <br />2020 Measure: SB0008 /l This measure seeks to exclude up to $100,000 of income <br />derived from taro production from the state income tax. <br />Food security continues to be of highest priority for our communities in the effort <br />to recover and sustain Hawai`i's economy in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. The <br />State has pledged to double food production by 2030, yet small farms—where a <br />significant portion of our locally grown, locally consumed food is sourced—are extremely <br />burdened by high costs of farming. This measure will address the urgent need to support <br />small farmers and achieve the State's local food production commitment. Loi kalo, or <br />wetland taro systems, have large potential to mitigate impacts of climate change and <br />survive and thrive under weather events of increased intensity. But acres of kalo <br />production have been in steady decline for decades and farmers face fierce competition <br />from importation. Stronger economic incentives for new taro farmers and livelihood <br />improvement for existing taro farmers recognizes of the critical importance of <br />protecting and perpetuating the traditional practice of taro farming as part of <br />Hawai`i's cultural identity and its role in local food security. <br />CSCN-7: Carbon Pricing <br />2020 Measure: SB3150 H This measure seeks to set a price on carbon dioxide emissions <br />with a refundable tax credit for lower-income individuals. <br />A carbon tax has been identified by the Hawaii Climate Change Mitigation and <br />Adaptation Commission as the most effective single action to achieve carbon emissions <br />reductions to in support of Hawai`i's goal of carbon neutrality by 2045. Carbon pricing <br />plays a key role in the calls,from our communities for economic recovery that "builds back <br />better". If the post-COVID-19 pandemic recovery does not assure that the social costs of <br />the adverse impacts of carbon pollution be included in future market pricing, recovery will <br />be distorted in favor of and lock in a high -carbon economy that is'even more vulnerable <br />to future risks and even more costly to reverse later. Putting a price on carbon with a <br />refundable tax credit moves taxes from people to polluters, raising revenue and <br />keeping up consumer spending with the return of revenue directly to consumers. <br />4 <br />