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HomeMy WebLinkAboutRES 203 Draft 01 2022-2024 �'TV OF J, C p ®# STATE OF C RESO LU A RESOLUTION TO ADOPTT E 2023 INTEGRATED CLIMATE ACTION PLAN A THE COUNTY'SFFICI T T G C PLAN TO ACHIEVE ITS EMISSIONS MITIGATION CLIMATE AI N GOALS AND TARGETS. WHEREAS, Hawaii County recognizes that there is overwhelming scientific evidence that atmospheric concentrations of carbon dioxide and other potent"greenhouse gases"is reaching historic levels driven by human activity and the burning of fossil fuels; and WHEREAS, this increase of greenhouse gases is the beginning of a cascading cycle of climate and environmental hazards, which will increase the average temperature of Earth's atmosphere and oceans and cause more extreme variations in the global climate and a rise in average sea levels; and WHEREAS, extreme variations in the global climate are predicted to increase the severity and frequency of tropical cylcones, storms,precipitation events, heat waves, and droughts, which will lead to more compounding natural hazards that pose direct and indirect threats to Hawaii Island commuities such as wildfires, landslides, invasive species, flooding, and soil and coastal erosion; and WHEREAS, in order to minimize Hawai`i's contributions to global climate change,the State Legislature passed H.B. 2182 in 2017, which set a goal to sequester more atmospheric carbon and greenhouse gases than emitted within the State as quickly as practicable, but no later than 2045; and WHEREAS, on October 16, 2019, the Council of the County of Hawaii adopted Resolution No. 322-19, Draft 2, which declared a Hawaii County climate emergency and requested regional collaboration towards an immediate and just transition and emergency mobiliziation effort to restore a safe climate; and WHEREAS, the Department of Research and Development and Department of Planning have developed an Integrated Climate Action Plan, attached hereto as "Exhibit A,"that outlines actions and strategies for the County to pursue to mitigate its greenhouse gas emissions and reinforce county assets, services, and infrastructure to adapt to the aforementioned impacts and hazards of climate change; and WHEREAS, actions taken by local governments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions can provide multiple benefits by providing energy and cost savings,public health improvements, local job creation, resource conservation, climate resilience, and enhanced equity; and now, therefore, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE COUNTY OF HAWAII that the Integrated Climate Action Plan shall be the County of Hawai`i's official strategic roadmap to achieve its climate change related goals and targets. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Integrated Climate Action Plan is the result of a FEMA Hazard Mitigation grant and will be integrated into other County efforts and will be a critical component in the next update to the County's Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan and the General Plan. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that County departments and agencies referenced in the Integrated Climate Action Plan shall complete the actions and strategies assigned to them and provide continuous feedback and communication on the status of implementation. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Integrated Climate Action Plan be submitted to the American Planning Association for its innovative and comprehensive framework outlining the cascading effects and hazards of climate change. BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED that the County Clerk shall transmit a copy of this resolution to Director Doug Adams, Department of Research and Development; Director Zendo Kern, Department of Planning, and Director Deanna Sako, Department of Finance. Dated at Hilo , Hawai`i, this 2nd day of August , 20 23. INTRODUCED BY: CO ,C 1, EMBER, COUNTY OF HAWAI`I COUNTY COUNCIL ROLL CALL VOTE County of Hawai`i AYES NOES ABS EX Hilo, Hawai`i EVANS X GALIMBA X I hereby certify that the foregoing RESOLUTION was by INABA X the vote indicated to the right hereof ado ted b,.y the COUNCIL of the County of Hawai`i on August 2� 2023 KAGIWADAA X KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER X KIERKIEWICZ X ATTEST: KIMBALL X LEE LOY X VILLEGAS X 8 0 1 0 C-361/PCCRRA -1 01111111111%,..., __ ��� Reference: e w' CLERK "`?•`. ' 'RSO &PRES ING OFFICER RESOLUTION NO. 203 23 2 EXHIBIT A 3 x' ``�"*� ��'' div: �.` °�'- v��'`-'�.s =## k'1 � rF� �,,,.� I.�f�� • i / • �'o?�� .a� LL�°�r:�r r,��' _dd,• '�TM�..�i• �,.y r� 1�.� r '�'G,,d ���'r e °�,2G .4n Yr low At ray • Al 6 x^ } r F r'� �. ..r � � - Ra� ���y�Y�.,.��" �. may/ � ��i• i t;`• 7 , N sb! f . Greenhouse Gas Reduction and Climate Adaptation Actions to a� p �I fwd IntegratedBuild Local Resilience to Climate Change SI��►�� LAND ACKNOWLEDGMENT We wish to recognize and respect Kanaka Maoli people as the original and continuing stewards of the land known as Hawaii County. Through the ahupua`a system, Kanaka Maoli people managed the island waters and land for over a thousand years. Acknowledging the land is an expression of gratitude to the territory that nurtures us and the host culture and people who have built a relationship with and understanding of the land. Climate change is inextricably linked to the exploitation of people, land, and nature. Land acknowledgements recognize that this exploitation is tied to colonialism as a current and ongoing process and that governments have played a significant role in facilitating colonization on this land. The pursuit of colonization has resulted in significant loss of traditional knowledge, cultural practices, and native ecosystems that are essential for stewarding nature and preventing climate change. While it is outside the scope of this document, it is essential that the restoration and conservation of these traditional systems of knowing and ecological stewardship guide climate change mitigation and adaptation. Climate change is an existential threat to all life and natural systems globally and here in Hawaii. The natural cycle of greenhouse gases flowing from land and water to air (the greenhouse gas effect) enables life as we know it to exist. However, human activities have created an enhanced greenhouse effect that causes unprecedented warming of the Earth's atmosphere and oceans. This warming triggers complex, cascading effects that jeopardize natural systems on Earth. To restore balance to our natural system, we need to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions at the local level. In order to prepare for the current and future effects of climate change, we need to weave climate adaptation into our efforts to build resilient communities. This Integrated Climate Action Plan (ICAP) for the Island of Hawaii establishes a greenhouse gas emissions baseline for the County, describes the impacts of climate change on natural hazards and community systems, and identifies both climate mitigation and adaptation actions that Hawaii County can take to reduce or minimize these effects. Land Acknowledgment II Greenhouse Gas Reduction and Climate Adaptation Actions to �r „r Integrated Climate Action Plan for the Island of Hawal'i Build Local Resilience to Climate Change 01111 ACKNOWLEDGMENTS The ICAP was developed and reviewed with the assistance of consultants, a Working Group and Technical Reviewers. Bethany Morrison, County Planning, and Kendra Obermaier, County Research and Development, led the planning effort. Amy DeBay (Focused Planning Solutions) and Kitty Courtney (Tetra Tech, Inc.) provided technical support in developing the plan framework, risk and exposure analysis, and Climate Cascade Mapping Tool. The Climate Action Working Group contributed to development and review of the plan. Members of County departments reviewed the actions. Members of the public submitted 247 comments and viewed the plan 3,000 times during the public review period. The County would like to extend a mahalo to all the community partners, reviewers, and County staff who contributed to the ongoing feedback and development of the ICAP. Climate Action Plan Working Group Graceson Ghen Hawaii Energy Dr. Peter Matlock University of Hawaii-Hilo Heather Kimball County Council, District 1 Noel Morin Hawaii EV Steve Hirakami Hawaii Academy of Arts &Sciences Erica Perez Coral Reef Alliance Kilohona Hirano Kamehameha Schools Cindi Punihaole Kennedy Hawaii Community College Nicole Larson Keahole Center for Sustainability Rachel Solemsaas Hawaii Community College Dr. Robin Martin Arizona State University Jennifer Zelko Hawaiian Electric County Staff Planning Finance Water Supply Zendo Kern, Director Deana Sako, Director Keith Okamoto, Director Bethany Morrison Diane Nakagawa Kawika Uyehara Natasha Soriano Sarah Yeckley Kurt Inaba Heather Bartlett Paka Davis Environmental Management Warren Ching Janice Hata Ramzi Mansour, Director Parks and Recreation Kara Neal Brenda lokepa-Moses Maurice Messina. Director Sam Bergstrom Sanne Berrig Michelle Hiraishi Research and Development Dora Beck James Komata Douglass Adams, Director Public Works Civil Defense Kendra Obermaier Steve Pause, Director Talmadge Magno, Director Jake Sykes Malia Kekai Berry Periatt Michelle Agbigay Keone Thompson Fire Riley Saito Julann Sonomora Moffett Kazuo Todd, Chief Issa Moffett Erika et Office of Housing Ian Chadwick Susan Kunz, Director Technical Review Dr. Makena Coffman University of Hawaii at Manoa, Department of Urban and Regional Planning; Institute for Sustainability and Resilience Dr. Victoria Keener Arizona State University and East-West Center, Pacific Regional Integrated Sciences and Assessments (Pacific RISA) Dr. Bradley Romine University of Hawaii Sea Grant College Program; Pacific Islands Climate Adaptation Science Center Dr. Clay Trauernicht University of Hawaii at Manoa, College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources Dr. Roberta Martin Arizona State University Acknowledgments III Greenhouse Gas Reduction and Climate Adaptation Actions to ��w� p Integrated Climate Action Plan for the Island of Hawal'i Build Local Resilience to Climate Change *00, *# Eay�= EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has concluded in its most recent report that human activities have unequivocally caused global warming.' Climate change is already impacting the lands and waters on which we live and the health of our communities. Purpose & Scope The ICAP introduces the County of Hawaii's strategic roadmap for implementing climate action. The plan identifies actions the County government itself can take and is a first step for the County holding itself accountable for climate action. The actions outlined in the ICAP will help the County achieve the following vision and goals, in alignment with existing State and County priorities. Vision" We ensure a just transition to a climate resilient island by addressing the causes and impacts of climate change through incorporating equitable climate mitigation and adaptation priorities into policies, programs, infrastructure, and decision making. Goals: 1. Improve county capacity to implement climate action. 2. Reduce the County's contribution to global greenhouse gas emissions. 3. Increase the resilience of County infrastructure, assets, and services to climate change impacts. Climate Action Framework To accomplish these goals, the ICAP identifies climate mitigation Climate Community systems g Change produce greenhouse and adaptation actions to be taken Drivers gases which are the b Hawaii County. Mitigation main drivers gf Y Y g � climate change includes actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and Climate Change intervention points adaptation includes actions that Indicators are where climate build resilience to climate change action can be taken impacts. Each action has social and Community economic co-benefits beyond Systems physical, climate change. A climate action Climate social,economic, framework was developed to Change cultural, describe the cascading effects of Hazards native ecosystems,governance climate change and identify intervention points for County action ystems see figure). Ex Exposure and risk Community impacted p are impacted byy analyses for the cascades were climate change and conducted using a geospatial compounding hazards overlay of climate hazards on maps of County assets. 1 United Nations, Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)(2023)Synthesis Report of the IPCC Sixth Assessment(AR6), Summary for Policy Makers. https://report.ipcc.ch/ar6syr/pdf/IPCC AR6 SYR SPM.pdf Executive Summary iv Greenhouse Gas Reduction and Climate Adaptation Actions to a� p �I fwd Integrated Climate Action Plan for the Island of Hawal'! Build Local Resilience to Climate Change *���►�� Five cascading areas of impact were identified. Key intervention points were determined under each cascade. County actions were identified within these key intervention points. Individual actions that can be taken and co-benefits of County actions were also highlighted for each cascade. The implementation section outlines the capacity and financing improvements required to execute the ICAP and the County's process for monitoring and evaluation. The five cascades are: • Climate Cascade 1 — Greenhouse Gas Emissions caused by human activities are the key drivers of human-induced climate change. This climate cascade establishes a baseline for greenhouse gas emissions for the Island of Hawaii from which to develop climate mitigation interventions to reduce Hawaii County contributions to global climate change. • Climate Cascade 2—Air and Sea Surface Temperature are directly influenced by greenhouse gas emissions. These climate change indicators have direct impacts on human and native ecosystem health. • Climate Cascade 3— Drought and Severe Rainfall Events are among the climate hazards resulting from increasing air and sea surface temperature and climate variability. Drought and severe rainfall impacts to community systems are exacerbated by the compounding hazards of wildfire, landslides, windstorms, and riverine flooding. • Climate Cascade 4— Sea Level Rise is a climate hazard with slowly emerging impacts on community systems, compounded by coastal and riverine flooding and landslides. • Climate Cascade 5—Tropical Cyclones and Storm Surge are climate hazards with extreme impacts on community systems. Although Hawaii Island alone will not reverse the harmful impacts of climate change, we can lead by example and set precedent for other island-states to become more sustainable through energy conservation and efficiency, clean transportation, zero waste initiatives, and better management of water, land, and natural resources. Executive Summary v Greenhouse Gas Reduction and Climate Adaptation Actions to � , p �I fee** Integrated Climate Action r of Build Local Resilience to Climate Change *���►�� tila�� Climate Cascade Summary COMMUNITY SYSTEMS global fossil fuels,waste, land use CLIMATE CHANGE DRIVERS f A climate CLIMATE variability CHANGE INDICATORS CLIMATE CHANGE HAZARDS extreme"dr ugh t-& 4—*rainfall �— events COMPOUNDING HAZARDS PHYSICAL SOCIAL ECONOMIC CULTURAL NATIVE GOVERNANCE SYSTEMS SYSTEMS SYSTEMS SYSTEMS ECOSYSTEMS ~� SYSTEMS n�w transportation systems (roads,ports,airports, human health&well- watersystems(drinking, government operations mass transit) being(disease,injuries, agriculture(farms, cultural resources& coastal(anchialine pools, ermittin land use, COMMUNITY stormwater,wastewater, (P g, anxiety,depression) ranches) practices beaches,coral reefs) building codes SYSTEMS dams,irrigation) 9 ) energy systems health infrastructure tourism hotels, historic (renewable,non- ( renewable energy) (hospitals,medical tours) resources terrestrial(montane, safety&security(fire, housing&community facilities upland/lowland forest, services) police,emergency (communication systems,cell parks&recreation indigenous&local riparian) management) waste systems towers,cable,internet, food production(small farms,subsistence knowledge invasive species (hazardous,solid) shelters) fishing) management Executive Summary A Greenhouse Gas Reduction and Climate Adaptation Actions to O—C-1r atad Integrated Climate Action Plan for the Island of Hawal'i Build Local Resilience to Climate Change *���►�� CONTENTS LandAcknowledgment........................................................................................................................ ii Acknowledgments.............................................................................................................................. iii ExecutiveSummary............................................................................................................................ iv Contents............................................................................................................................................. vii Acronyms............................................................................................................................................ xi KeyTerms .......................................................................................................................................... xii PlanningProcess................................................................................................................................. 1 Vision, Goals, and Alignment ............................................................................................................. 1 Vision............................................................................................................................................................... 1 Goals............................................................................................................................................................... 1 Alignment......................................................................................................................................................... 1 Greenhouse Gas Reduction Targets................................................................................................................ 3 Climate Action Framework.................................................................................................................. 4 ClimateCascades................................................................................................................................ 7 Climate Cascade Exposure Analysis................................................................................................................ 9 HazardMapping......................................................................................................................................... 10 AssetMapping........................................................................................................................................... 11 ExposureAnalysis ..................................................................................................................................... 11 Intervention Points and Actions...................................................................................................................... 12 ClimateAction Co-Benefits ............................................................................................................................ 13 Limitations and Future Data Needs ................................................................................................................ 14 Climate Cascade I: Greenhouse Gas Emissions............................................................................. 17 CascadeNarrative......................................................................................................................................... 18 Greenhouse Gas Inventory............................................................................................................................ 25 Intervention Points and Actions...................................................................................................................... 27 1A. Energy and Electricity Use................................................................................................................... 27 1 B. Transportation ..................................................................................................................................... 31 1C. Waste.................................................................................................................................................. 34 1 D. Land Use and Carbon Sequestration ................................................................................................... 38 ClimateAction Co-Benefits ............................................................................................................................ 41 ActionsYou Can Take ................................................................................................................................... 42 Climate Cascade 2: Air and Sea Surface Temperature ................................................................... 43 CascadeNarrative......................................................................................................................................... 44 Cascade Exposure Analysis........................................................................................................................... 47 Intervention Points and Actions...................................................................................................................... 48 Contents VII Greenhouse Gas Reduction and Climate Adaptation Actions to �r „r Integrated Climate Action Plan for the Island of Hawal'i Build Local Resilience to Climate Change *���►�� Ea� 2A. Human Health......................................................................................................................................48 2B. Energy Resilience................................................................................................................................ 50 2C. Coral Reefs ......................................................................................................................................... 50 ClimateAction Co-Benefits ............................................................................................................................ 52 ActionsYou Can Take ................................................................................................................................... 53 Climate Cascade 3: Drought and Extreme Rainfall Events............................................................. 54 CascadeNarrative......................................................................................................................................... 55 Cascade Exposure Analysis........................................................................................................................... 60 Intervention Points and Actions...................................................................................................................... 64 3A. New Development................................................................................................................................ 64 3B. Water Resources................................................................................................................................. 66 3C. Parks and Recreational Areas.............................................................................................................. 67 3D. Roads and Bridges.............................................................................................................................. 68 3E. Water and Wastewater Systems .......................................................................................................... 69 3F. Existing Development .......................................................................................................................... 69 ClimateAction Co-Benefits ............................................................................................................................ 71 ActionsYou Can Take ................................................................................................................................... 72 Climate Cascade 4: Sea Level Rise.................................................................................................. 73 CascadeNarrative......................................................................................................................................... 74 Cascade Exposure Analysis........................................................................................................................... 77 Intervention Points and Actions...................................................................................................................... 80 4A. New Development................................................................................................................................ 80 4B. Cultural and Historic Resources........................................................................................................... 82 4C. Parks and Recreational Areas.............................................................................................................. 83 4D. Water and Wastewater Systems.......................................................................................................... 83 4E. Roads and Bridges .............................................................................................................................. 84 4F. Existing Development .......................................................................................................................... 85 ClimateAction Co-Benefits ............................................................................................................................ 86 ActionsYou Can Take ................................................................................................................................... 87 Climate Cascade 5: Tropical Cyclones and Storm Surge............................................................... 88 CascadeNarrative......................................................................................................................................... 89 Cascade Exposure Analysis........................................................................................................................... 92 Intervention Points and Actions...................................................................................................................... 95 5A. Critical Infrastructure............................................................................................................................ 96 5B. Social Resilience ................................................................................................................................. 96 5C. Economic Resilience ........................................................................................................................... 97 5D. Cultural and Historic Resources........................................................................................................... 97 5E. Hazard Tree Management................................................................................................................... 98 5F. Operational Capacity............................................................................................................................ 98 Contents VIII Greenhouse Gas Reduction and Climate Adaptation Actions to �r „r Integrated Climate Action Plan for the Island of Hawal'i Build Local Resilience to Climate Change *���►�� Ea� Climate Action Co-Benefits .......................................................................................................................... 100 ActionsYou Can Take ................................................................................................................................. 101 PlanImplementation.........................................................................................................................102 CountyProcesses........................................................................................................................................ 103 Short-Term Implementation Priorities: (2023-2025) .................................................................................. 103 Mid-Term Implementation Priorities: (2025-2030)..................................................................................... 104 Long-Term Implementation Priorities: (2030-2040)................................................................................... 106 ClimateAction Financing.............................................................................................................................. 106 Monitoringand Evaluation............................................................................................................................ 107 Callto Action.....................................................................................................................................108 Figures Figure 1. Planning process for developing the Integrated Climate Action Plan...................................................... 1 Figure 2. Timeline of State and County climate action commitments.....................................................................2 Figure 3. Hawaii County greenhouse gas emission targets..................................................................................3 Figure 4. Climate action framework......................................................................................................................5 Figure 5. Climate cascade summary....................................................................................................................8 Figure 6. Exposure analysis components for Climate Cascades 3, 4, and 5..........................................................9 Figure 7. Example of cascade exposure levels................................................................................................... 11 Figure 8. Climate Cascade 1. Greenhouse gas emissions.................................................................................. 17 Figure 9. Locations of County buildings for potential energy retrofits................................................................... 21 Figure 10. Hawaii County sector overview of MTCO2e emissions for years 2005, 2015, and 2017 .................... 25 Figure 11. Climate Cascade 2. Air&sea surface temperature............................................................................43 Figure 12. Annual mean temperature (A) historical and (B) end-of century under the IPCC high-emissions scenario (Scenario RCP 8.5) ............................................................................................................45 Figure 13. Climate Cascade 3: Drought and extreme rainfall.............................................................................. 54 Figure 14. Sequence and duration of drought types ........................................................................................... 56 Figure 15. Climate Cascade 3: Areas exposed by number of overlapping hazard layers (drought, wildfire, riverine flooding, landslide susceptibility, high windstorms)................................................... 61 Figure 16. Climate Cascade 4: Sea level rise..................................................................................................... 73 Figure 17. Climate Cascade 4: Areas exposed by number of overlapping hazard layers (riverine flooding, chronic and event-based coastal flooding with sea level rise, landslide susceptibility)....................... 78 Figure 18. Climate Cascade 5: Tropical cyclones and storm surge..................................................................... 88 Figure 19. Climate Cascade 5: Areas exposed by number of overlapping hazard layers (hurricane wind and storm surge, riverine flooding, chronic and event-based coastal flooding with sea level rise, landslidesusceptibility)..................................................................................................................... 93 Figure 20. Plan Implementation Priorities......................................................................................................... 102 Contents ix Greenhouse Gas Reduction and Climate Adaptation Actions to bra� p �I fwd Integrated Climate Action Plan for the Island of Hawal'! Build Local Resilience to Climate Change *���►�� ly1 X Tables Table 1. Cascade exposure analysis: hazards analyzed by cascade.................................................................. 10 Table 2. Hawaii County departments with primary responsibilities in the ICAP................................................... 12 Table 3. Climate action co-benefits considered in evaluating climate actions...................................................... 13 Table 4. Climate Cascade 3: Number and type of County assets exposed to individual and overlapping hazards (drought, wildfire, riverine flooding, landslide susceptibility, high windstorms).......................... 62 Table 5. Climate Cascade 3: Number of County assets by district with high cascade exposure (4 or 5 hazard exposures).................................................................................................................... 63 Table 6. Climate Cascade 4: Number and type of County assets exposed to individual and overlapping hazards (riverine flooding, chronic and event-based coastal flooding with sea level rise, landslidesusceptibility) ........................................................................................................................ 79 Table 7. Climate Cascade 4: Number of County assets by district with high cascade exposure (4 or 5 hazard exposures).................................................................................................................... 80 Table 8. Climate Cascade 5: Number and types of County assets exposed to individual and overlapping hazards (hurricane wind and storm surge, riverine flooding, chronic and event-based coastal flooding with sea level rise, landslide susceptibility)............................................................................. 94 Table 9. Climate Cascade 5: Number of County assets by district with high cascade exposure (5 or 6 hazard exposures)................................................................................................................... 95 Contents X Greenhouse Gas Reduction and Climate Adaptation Actions to fir, p *I fwd IntegratedBuild Local Resilience to Climate Change *���►�� 19 1 ACRONYMS AFOLU Agriculture, Forestry, and Other Land Use CD Hawaii County Civil Defense CO2 Carbon Dioxide DEM Hawaii County Department of Environmental Management DFIRM Digital Flood Insurance Rate Map DPR Hawaii County Department of Parks and Recreation DPW Hawaii County Department of Public Works DWS Hawaii County Department of Water Supply ENSO EI Nino-Southern Oscillation EPA Environmental Protection Agency EV Electric Vehicle FD Hawaii County Fire Department FEMA Federal Emergency Management Agency FIRM Flood Insurance Rate Map GDE Groundwater-Dependent Ecosystems GHG Greenhouse Gas ICAP Integrated Climate Action Plan IPCC Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change MTA Mass Transit Agency MTCO2e Metric Tons of Carbon Dioxide Equivalent NASA National Aeronautics and Space Administration NOAA National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration PD Hawaii County Planning Department R&D Hawaii County Department of Research and Development RCP Representative Concentration Pathway SLR Sea Level Rise Acronyms XI Greenhouse Gas Reduction and Climate Adaptation Actions to O—C-1r atad Integrated Climate Action Plan for the Island of Hawal'i Build Local Resilience to Climate Change *���►�� KEY TERMS Carbon sequestration refers to actions that remove carbon from the atmosphere. Cascading effects refers to the network of interactions between human activities causing climate change and the impacts of climate change on community systems. These cascading effects are of greater magnitude than any individual element of the network. Climate adaptation refers to actions that adjust to actual or expected future climate with the goal of reducing risks from the harmful effects of climate change and maximizing any potential benefit opportunities.2 Climate cascade summarizes the cascading effects between human activities causing climate change and the impacts of climate change on community systems. Climate change refers to the long-term (usually at least 30 years) regional or even global average of temperature, humidity, and rainfall patterns over seasons, years, or decades.3 Human-induced climate change is resulting in global warming, the long-term heating of Earth's surface. Climate change drivers are greenhouse gases, primarily CO2, methane, and nitrous oxide, in the atmosphere resulting from human activities over the industrial era, that are the principal drivers of many changes observed across the atmosphere, ocean, cryosphere and biosphere.4 Greenhouse gas emissions from building electricity, energy production, transportation, waste, and land use are considered climate change drivers of focus in the ICAP. Climate change hazard refers to changes in a physical process or event (hydro-meteorological or oceanographic variables or phenomena) driven or amplified by human induced climate change that can harm human health, livelihoods, or natural resources. Drought, extreme rainfall events, sea level rise, and tropical cyclones and storm surge are considered climate change hazards of focus in the ICAP. Climate change indicators are observed climate changes linked to rising levels of greenhouse gases in our atmosphere caused by human activities.6 Increasing air and sea surface temperature and ocean acidification are considered climate change indicators of focus in the ICAP. Climate mitigation refers to actions that reduce the flow of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, either by reducing sources of these gases or enhancing the sinks that accumulate and store these gases. Climate mitigation and "GHG reduction" are used interchangeably throughout this document:6 • GHG sources refers to processes and behaviors that emit GHG, such as burning fossil fuels for electricity and transportation. • GHG sinks refers to processes and behaviors that sequester and store GHG, such as forests, oceans, and soils. 2 NASA, Global Climate Change, https://climate.nasa.gov/solutions/adaptation-mitigation/ 3NASA, Global Climate Change, https://climate.nasa.gov/qlobal-warming-vs-climate-change/ 4 NASA, Global Climate Change, https://climate.nasa.gov/causes/ 5 EPA, Global Climate Change Program, https://www.epa.gov/climate-indicators 6 NASA, Global Climate Change, https://climate.nasa.gov/solutions/adaptation-mitigation/ Key Terms XI I Greenhouse Gas Reduction and Climate Adaptation Actions to O—C-1r atad Integrated Climate Action Plan for the Island of Hawal'i Build Local Resilience to Climate Change *�VNI�►�� Climate resilience is the ability to anticipate, prepare for, and respond to hazardous events, trends, or disturbances related to climate change. Improving climate resilience involves assessing how climate change will create new, or alter current, climate-related risks, and taking steps to better cope with these risks.' Climate risk occurs from the interaction of hazard, exposure, and vulnerability.$ Co-benefits refer to the potential for actions to achieve multiple positive impacts and reinforcing outcomes.' Community systems are the diverse and interconnected physical, social, economic, ecological, cultural, and governance systems supporting the health and wellbeing of the people of Hawaii Island. Compounding hazards are hazards that are exacerbated by climate change indicators and hazards. Riverine flooding, landslides, wind storms, and coastal flooding and erosion are considered compounding hazards of focus in the ICAP. Global warming is the long-term heating of Earth's surface observed since the pre-industrial period (between 1850 and 1900) due to human activities, primarily fossil fuel burning, which increases heat- trapping greenhouse gas levels in Earth's atmosphere.10 Groundwater-dependent ecosystems are ecosystems that are supported by groundwater. These places include springs and seeps, caves and karst systems, and deep-rooted plant communities (phreatophytes). In many cases, rivers, wetlands, and lakes are also included. Where groundwater meets the surface, unique communities of plants and animals flourish. A wide variety of rare, threatened, and endangered species call these places home." In Hawaii, groundwater-dependent ecosystems include fish ponds, coastal springs, anchialine pools, and nearshore ecosystems. Hazard mitigation is any sustainable action that reduces or eliminates long-term risk to people and property from future disasters.12 Intervention points refer to specific points where a climate cascade could be disrupted by an action to prevent cascading effects and negative impacts on community systems. 7 Center for Climate and Energy Solutions, https://www.c2es.org/content/climate-resilience- overview/#:—:text=Climate%20resilience%20is%20the%20ability,better%20cope%20with%20these%20 risks. 8 International Atomic Energy Authority, https://www.iea.org/reports/climate-resilience-policy-indicator/climate-hazard-assessment 9 Mayrhofer, J. P., &Gupta, J. (2016).The science and politics of co-benefits in climate policy. Environmental Science &Policy, 57, 22-30.doi:https://doi.org/10.1016fj.envsci.2015.11.005 °NASA, Global Climate Change, nttps://climate.nasa.gov/global-warming-vs-climate-change/ USDA Forest Service,2023.Groundwater-dependent ecosystems. https://www.fs.usda.gov/managing-land/natural- resources/geology/groundwater/groundwater-dependent- ecosystems#:—:text=What%20are%20Groundwater%20Dependent%20Ecosystems,and%201akes%20are%20also%20included. 12 FEMA, Hazard Mitigation Assistance Grants, https://www.fema.gov/qrants/mitigation#:—:text=%22Hazard%20mitigation%22%20is%20any%20sustainable,damage%2C%20recons truction%20and%20repeated%20damage. Key Terms XII Greenhouse Gas Reduction and Climate Adaptation Actions to O—C-1r atad Integrated Climate Action Plan for the Island of Hawal'i Build Local Resilience to Climate Change *�N�►�� 19 , RCP 8.5 is the future greenhouse gas emissions scenario with the highest level of emissions of the standard scenarios in use for climate change projections. It assumes no measures will be taken to reduce emissions from current trends. Risk is the potential for an unwanted outcome resulting from an event, as determined by the likelihood of the event and the associated consequences.13 Threat is a natural, technological, or human-caused occurrence, individual, entity, or action that has or indicates the potential to harm life, information, operations, the environment, and/or property (FEMA). Vulnerability refers to the degree to which a community is susceptible to adverse effects of climate change, including climate variability and extremes. Vulnerability is a function of the character, magnitude, and rate of climate variation to which a system is exposed, its sensitivity, and its adaptive capacity (IPCC). 13 FEMA, https://emilms.fema.gov/is 0870a/groups/22.htm1 Key Terms XIV Greenhouse Gas Reduction and Climate Adaptation Actions to p IntegratedBuild Local Resilience to Climate Change *��'y►r�� DI AN N I NG PROCESS The Hawaii County Integrated Climate Action Plan (ICAP) was developed over a three year period. Key planning activities are shown in Figure 1. The County engaged multiple stakeholders in the planning process through the Climate Action Plan Working Group, County department working sessions, technical reviews, and a public review period. Key Planning Activities 2021 2022 2023 Greenhouse Gas Inventory Risk&Vulnerability Assessment Working Group Development&Facilitation Community Sentiment Survey Cascade Framework Action&Implementation Strategy Development Interdepartmental Engagement Technical Review Draft ICAP Public Review Finalize&Adopt ICAP Figure 1.Planning process for developing the Integrated Climate Action Plan Climate Action Plan Working Group In the summer of 2021, Hawaii County hosted three Climate Action workshops in Hilo and Kona. The County produced a Hawaii Island Climate Action simulation for the workshops. During the workshops, the County presented the proposed Climate Action Plan scope, goals, and development process and facilitated the simulation with the group. The County formed a Climate Action Plan Working Group with the workshop participants. The Working Group met monthly from July 2021 — December 2021. The group then met every 3 months from January—June 2022. The Working Group was re-convened to review the draft plan in 2023. The Working Group advised the County on the focus of the Plan. They also helped develop and distribute a Climate Change Community Sentiment Survey with the County. The high-level results and recommendations from the survey informed the identification of co-benefits for actions and the stakeholder engagement outlined in the Implementation section. For more information on the survey results, see Appendix C. Long-term climate action planning and implementation should include continued partnerships like those described in the Implementation section. Planning Process 1 Greenhouse Gas Reduction and Climate Adaptation Actions to fir, p �I fwd Integrated Climate Action Plan for the Island of Hawal'! Build Local Resilience to Climate Change *���►�� County Staff The County Climate Action Team hosted a series of interdepartmental meetings from October 2022 through January 2023 to review the outline and technical analysis of the ICAP with department directors and deputy directors. The Team then met one-on-one with the departments that are leads for the actions in the plan to review and amend plan actions. The actions in this document are the finalized actions approved by the departments. Technical Review The County Climate Action Team reached out to academic researchers focused on climate adaptation and mitigation in Hawaii to review the ICAP. The technical reviewers provided feedback on the scientific framework, analyses and references in the ICAP. The International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives (ICLEI) also provided technical feedback as part of the County's participation in the ICLEI Integrated Climate Action Planning Cohort. Public Review The draft ICAP opened for comment May 1, 2023 and closed for comment June 1, 2023. The draft was published using Konveio, an interactive website. Konveio has features that easily guide the community through the document with summaries, videos, links, and GIS. The ICAP received 247 comments and over 3,000 views. The County incorporated revisions addressing the public comments into the final plan. Planning Process 2 Greenhouse Gas Reduction and Climate Adaptation Actions to a� p �I fwd IntegratedBuild Local Resilience to Climate Change *���►�� VISION , GOALS, AND ALIGNMENT Hawaii Island has long held a reciprocal relationship between land and people. As an island community, we can tangibly experience the cascading effects of our actions on the people and places surrounding us. Island communities such as Hawaii Island are at the forefront of climate change, as we experience impacts such as sea level rise and coral bleaching. Our small population and island geography make us feel more deeply the cascading effects of any impact on the health and the land of the people. The ICAP is a first step by Hawaii County to address the causes and effects of climate change. The County has a dual role to play: reducing the County's contribution to global climate change; and building the resiliency of our programs, policies, and infrastructure to climate change. The actions outlined in the ICAP will help the County achieve the following vision and goals, in alignment with existing State and County priorities. Vision We ensure a just transition to a climate resilient island by addressing the causes and impacts of climate change through incorporating equitable climate mitigation and adaptation priorities into policies, programs, infrastructure, and decision making. U0alis 0 Improve County capacity to implement climate action. 49 Reduce the County's contribution to global greenhouse gas emissions. Alignment Several commitments at the State and County level have set mandated and non-mandated greenhouse gas emissions goals for select industries (Figure 2). Targets have been set for greenhouse gas emissions, renewable energy standards, and transportation reform. However, clear and explicit goals codified at the County level are needed to emphasize the urgency and commitment this plan requires. To demonstrate the County's commitment to climate action, the County should codify climate mitigation and adaptation goals. This plan recommends that the County codify mitigation goals in alignment with State renewable energy goals, County renewable energy for transportation goals, and the County's zero waste resolution. This plan recommends that the County codify adaptation goals in alignment with the Climate Adaptation Priority Guidelines defined in the State Planning Act. Vision,Goals and Alignment 1 Greenhouse Gas Reduction and Climate Adaptation Actions to ��: p , IntegratedBuild Local Resilience to Climate Change SO IMF" Hawai'i State Climate Commission Established Mayor Harry Kim joined the Climate Mayors Network, Clean Energy pledging to uphold the Initiative&Goals Paris Climate Agreement Draft Climate Hawaii State&U.S. to reduce greenhouse gas Action Plan Department of Energy signed a emissions,keep global Hawai'i County memorandum of understanding warming to below 1.5 C°. released its to establish the Hawai'i Clean Mayor Harry Kim signed a first draft Energy Initiative and establish proclamation pledging all Climate Action goals to produce 70%of the Hawai'i public and private Plan,focused state's energy from clean, transportation to be on mitigation renewable energy by 2030 and fueled by renewable energy efforts to reduce 100%by 2045. by 2045. emissions. 2008 2010 2011 2012 2M 2, 2016 2017 0,a 2019 2020 Climate Change Adaptation Declaration of Priority Guidelines Climate Emergency Hawai'i State Legislature adopts Hawai'i County Council climate change adaptation priority signed a proclamation guidelines to prepare the State that Hawai'i was to address the impacts of climate experiencing a Climate change, including impacts to the Emergency and asking areas of agriculture;conservation for an immediate, lands;coastal and nearshore marine just renewable areas; natural and cultural resources; J energy transition. education;energy; higher education; health; historic preservation;water resources;the built environment,such as housing, recreation,transportation; and the economy. Figure 2.Timeline of State and County climate action commitments Vision,Goals and Alignment 2 Greenhouse Gas Reduction and Climate Adaptation Actions to ' : ' of Hawai'i Build Local Resilience to Climate Change 1��ri1 Greenhouse Gas Reduction Targets The County greenhouse gas emission reduction targets are shown in Figure 3, in alignment with the State goals and Aloha + Challenge dashboard. The County commits to upholding these targets and tracking the contribution of County operations to island-wide emissions. More information on County emissions tracking and reporting is included in the Cascade 1 actions and the Plan Implementation sections. below 2005 emission levels by 2030 carbon neutral Hawai'i Island by 2045 below 2005'emission levels in 2017 Targets Renewable energy-powered County fleet by 2035 Renewable energy-powered County facilities by 2040 Figure 3.Hawaii County greenhouse gas emission targets Vision,Goals and Alignment 3 Integrated Island , Greenhouse Gas Reduction and Climate Adaptation Actions to N Climate Action Plan for the Build Local Resilience to Climate Change � �� CLIMATE ACTION FRAMEWORK The climate action framework was developed to illustrate the cascading nature of climate change. Cascading effects result from interdependencies between natural and socioeconomic systems.14 The term "cascading effects" has been increasingly used to describe the network of impacts across various systems that are of greater magnitude than any individual element of network.15 The cascading effects of climate change represent extremely complex interactions between global climate change and local physical, ecological, social, and economic systems. The framework captures how what we do as communities causes climate change, which in turn impacts our same communities. Increased use of fossil fuels is causing greenhouse gases in the atmosphere to rise. Greenhouse gases are causing global air and sea surface temperature to rise and oceans to become more acidic. These changes in temperature and ocean pH are the key indicators of climate change. They directly trigger climate hazards including sea level rise, drought, extreme rainfall events, and tropical cyclones. The impacts of those climate hazards can be heightened by compounding hazards such as landslides, wildfire, and flooding. Together, the impacts of these climate and compounding hazards cascade across multiple social, cultural, economic, ecological, and governance system S.16 A climate action framework was developed to describe these cascading effects of climate change and to identify intervention points where both climate mitigation and adaptation actions can be implemented by the County (Figure 4). Understanding the cascading impacts of climate change on human-environmental systems is a growing area of research.17 Better accounting of these interactions is needed to identify potential feedback loops. The cascading effects of climate change on infrastructure and social-ecological systems related to extreme rainfall events,18 sea level rise,19 wildfires and other disasters'20 wastewater system S,21 electrical system S,22 and fisheries and agriculture 23 are some emerging topics of new research. 14 Lawrence,J., Blackett, P., &Cradock-Henry, N.A. (2020). Cascading climate change impacts and implications. Climate Risk Management,29, 100234.doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.crm.2020.100234 15 Schauwecker, S., Gascon, E., Park, S., Ruiz-Villanueva,V., Schwarb, M., Sempere-Torres, D., Rohrer, M. (2019).Anticipating cascading effects of extreme precipitation with pathway schemes-Three case studies from Europe. Environment International, 127, 291-304.doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envint.2019.02.072 16 Lawrence,J., Blackett, P., &Cradock-Henry, N.A. (2020). Cascading climate change impacts and implications. Climate Risk Management, 29, 100234.doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.crm.2020.100234 17 Cradock-Henry, N.A., Connolly,J., Blackett, P., &Lawrence,J. (2020). Elaborating a systems methodology for cascading climate change impacts and implications. Methods X, 7.doi:10.1016/j.mex.2020.100893 18 Schauwecker,et.al, (2019). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envint.2019.02.072 19 Yin,J.,Yu, D., Lin, N., &Wilby, R. L. (2017). Evaluating the cascading impacts of sea level rise and coastal flooding on emergency response spatial accessibility in Lower Manhattan, New York City.Journal of Hydrology, 555,648-658. doi:https:Hdoi.org/l 0.1 016/j.jhydrol.201 7.10.067 20 Duvat,V. K. E.,Volto, N., Stahl, L., Moatty,A., Defossez, S., Desarthe,J., Pillet,V. (2021). Understanding interlinkages between long-term trajectory of exposure and vulnerability, path dependency and cascading impacts of disasters in Saint-Martin (Caribbean). Global Environmental Change,67, 102236.doi:https:Hdoi.org/10.1016/j.gloenvcha.2021.102236 21 Hughes,J., Cowper-Heays, K., Olesson, E., Bell, R., &Stroombergen,A. (2021). Impacts and implications of climate change on wastewater systems:A New Zealand perspective. Climate Risk Management, 31, 100262. doi:https:Hdoi.org/l 0.1016/j.crm.2020.100262 22 McMahan, B., &Gerlak,A. K. (2020). Climate risk assessment and cascading impacts: Risks and opportunities for an electrical utility in the U.S. Southwest. Climate Risk Management,29, 100240.doi:https:Hdoi.org/10.1016/j.crm.2020.100240 23 Thiault, L., Mora,C., Cinner,J. E., Cheung,W.W. L., Graham, N.A.J.,Januchowski-Hartley, F.A., Claudet,J. Escaping the perfect storm of simultaneous climate change impacts on agriculture and marine fisheries. Science Advances,5(11),eaaw9976. doi:1 0.1 126/sciadv.aaw9976 Climate Action Framework 4 Greenhouse Gas Reduction and Climate Adaptation Actions to �� Build Local Resilience to Climate Change ���� IslandIntegrated Climate Action Plan for the , � Climate Action Framework Addressing the Cascading Effects of Climate Change Climate Community systems Change produce greenhouse Drivers gases which are the main drivers of climate change Climate Change Intervention points Indicators are where climate action can be taken Community Systems Climate physical, Change social, economic, cultural, Hazards native ecosystems, s �i ---° governance Community systems are impacted by Compounding climate change and Hazards compounding hazards Figure 4.Climate action framework Climate Action Framework 5 Greenhouse Gas Reduction and Climate Adaptation Actions to �� Build Local Resilience to Climate Change L4 IslandIntegrated Climate Action Plan for the , W, HazardThe Natural Cascade of : . Hawaii Island is no stranger to cascading effects. On April 2, 1868, a 7.9-magnitude earthquake, the largest in recorded history for Hawaii Island, shook the island north of Pahala. The quake was preceded by hundreds of smaller tremors. This earthquake reactivated the Hilina Slump, which resulted in a tsunami that produced waves as high as 49 feet and killed 46 people. The quake also triggered numerous landslides, the largest of which was nearly 2 miles wide and as much as 30 feet thick, causing widespread damage and another 31 fatalities. Although not climate-related, this event exemplifies how cascading hazard events can affect people and property. Source: "The Great Ka`u Earthquake of 1868."Hawaiian Volcano Observatory.April 1, 1994 Climate Action Framework 6 Integrated Island , Greenhouse Gas Reduction and Climate Adaptation Actions to N Climate Action Plan for the Build Local Resilience to Climate Change � �� CLIMATE CASCADES A climate cascade represents one component of the cascading effects and interactions of climate change. Using the climate action framework, five climate cascades were developed to address the three goals of the ICAP. All actions and plan implementation seek to address Goal 1, to increase the County capacity to address climate change. Actions in Cascades 1 and 2 address Goal 2, to reduce GHG emissions. Actions in Cascades 3, 4 and 5 address Goal 3 to increase resilience of County infrastructure and services to climate change impacts. • Climate Cascade 1 — Greenhouse Gas Emissions caused by human activities are the key drivers of human-induced climate change. This climate cascade establishes a baseline for greenhouse gas emissions for the Island of Hawaii from which to develop climate mitigation interventions to reduce Hawaii County contributions to global climate change. • Climate Cascade 2—Air and Sea Surface Temperature are directly influenced by greenhouse gas emissions. These climate change indicators have direct impacts on human and native ecosystem health. • Climate Cascade 3— Drought and Severe Rainfall Events are among the climate hazards resulting from increasing air and sea surface temperature and climate variability. Drought and severe rainfall impacts to community systems are exacerbated by the compounding hazards of wildfire, landslides, windstorms, and riverine flooding. • Climate Cascade 4— Sea Level Rise is a climate hazard with slowly emerging impacts on community systems, compounded by coastal and riverine flooding and landslides. • Climate Cascade 5—Tropical Cyclones and Storm Surge are climate hazards with extreme impacts on community systems. A graphic and narratives were developed for each cascade based on the current state of knowledge and experience gleaned from global, regional, and local information and data. The ICAP analyzes exposure and risk associated with each climate cascade using a geospatial overlay of climate hazards on County assets and a social vulnerability analysis of the population. County actions for climate change mitigation and adaptation were identified for key intervention points within each climate cascade. Co-benefits of climate action were identified to highlight opportunities to build climate resilience action by action. A summary of the cascading effects is depicted in Figure 5. Key climate change drivers, indicators, climate hazards, and compounding hazards used to develop the climate cascades were identified from the County of Hawaii Hazard Mitigation Plan 2020, the Hawaii State Climate Summary, the 4th National Climate Assessment, and other relevant literature. A closer look at the climate hazards can be found in Appendix A. Community systems were defined as physical, social, economic, cultural, native ecosystem, and governance assets and services. County assets and services were identified within these community systems as the focus for action in this plan. Climate cascades are intended as a starting point in describing the complexities of climate change impacts in order to better anticipate feedback loops and avoid maladaptation. These cascades will be reviewed, revised, and expanded as new research becomes available and conditions change. Climate Cascades 7 Greenhouse Gas Reduction and Climate Adaptation Actions to 0_0 "1 11 �` Integrated Climate Action Plan r Build Local Resilience to Climate Change ri► COMMUNITY SYSTEMS global fossil fuels,waste, land use CLIMATE CHANGE DRIVERS A climate CLIMATE variability CHANGE air&sea emperature ocean pH INDICATORS surface CLIMATE CHANGE drought& HAZARDS extreme rainfall sea level (— events rise COMPOUNDING —_� �_ —► HAZARDS riverine flooding PHYSICAL t SOCIAL ECONOMIC CULTURAL —� NATIVE —� GOVERNANCE SYSTEMS SYSTEMS SYSTEMS SYSTEMS ECOSYSTEMS SYSTEMS transportation systems (roads,ports,airports, - human health&well water systems(drinking, government operations (disease,mass transit) being(diinjuries, agriculture(farms, cultural resources& coastal(anchialine pools, COMMUNITY stormwater,wastewater, practices beaches,coral reefs) (permitting,land use, energy systems ranches) p SYSTEMS dams,irrigation) anxiety,depression) building codes) health infrastructure tourism hotels, historic (renewable,non- ( montane,terrestrial renewable energy) (hospitals,medical tours) resources ( safely&security(fire, housing&community facilities d forest, upland/lowlan services) police,emergency (communication systems,cell parks&recreation indigenous&local riparian) management) waste systems towers,cable,Internet, food production(small farms,subsistence knowledge invasive species (hazardous,solid) shelters) fishing) management Figure 5.Climate cascade summary Climate Cascades 8 Integrated Island , Greenhouse Gas Reduction and Climate Adaptation Actions to N Climate Action Plan for the Build Local Resilience to Climate Change � 1 � Climate Cascade Exposure Analysis Exposure analysis is the process of identifying assets that may experience each hazard associated with a climate cascade. Exposure analysis for Climate Cascades 3, 4, and 5 is based on the climate hazards and compounding hazards associated with each climate cascade. For each of these climate cascades, County assets exposed to these multiple hazards were identified using geospatial mapping to determine: • Areas in Hawaii County where each hazard may occur (this mapping is specific to each analyzed climate cascade) • Locations of the County's assets (this mapping is the same for all analyzed climate cascades) Climate Cascade 1 does not include hazard exposure, so no analysis was conducted. Cascade 2 was limited by data availability. Exposure analysis was not conducted but could be in the future. The components of the exposure analysis are shown in Figure 6. Climate & Compounding Hazards Drought Flooding• Wildfire • s Landslide • Hi - • County Assets Sea Level Rise-Chronic I ME - Structures - Roads CLIMATE CASCADE EXPOSURE shoreline) * Water/Wastewater by Asset winds - Parks Landslide (near shoreline) Hurricane-Storm Surge Hurricane-Extreme FloodingRiverine FloodingCoastal * Sea Level Rise-Event-based Landslide Figure 6.Exposure analysis components for Climate Cascades 3,4,and 5 Climate Cascades 9 Integrated Island , Greenhouse Gas Reduction and Climate Adaptation Actions to N Climate Action Plan for the Build Local Resilience to Climate Change � �� Hazard Mapping Climate Cascades 3 and 4 are characterized by five hazards each, and Climate Cascade 5 is characterized by six hazards. The datasets used to map hazard areas for each cascade are listed in Table 1 and described in more detail in Appendix A. Table 1.Cascade exposure analysis:hazards analyzed by cascade CASCADE3 CASCADE41 Drought an• Sea Level TropicalCyclones • Extreme Rainfall Rise and Storm Drought(93-year drought trends) • Wildfire communities at risk rating (high) • Riverine flooding(FEMA FIRM A/AE Zones) • • • High winds (Average wind speeds at 50m above ground: moderate (greater the 5 meters/second) and high (greater • than 8.5 meters/second)severity) Landslides (medium/high susceptibility) • • • Chronic coastal flooding with 3.2 feet of sea level rise (passive inundation only, SLRXA-3.2) • Event-based coastal flooding with 3.2 feet of sea level rise(projected future, 1%Annual Chance Coastal Flood • • Zone, 1%CFZ-3.2) Event-based coastal flooding (historical; FEMA DFIRM V/VE Zone) • • Hurricane—Wind(Category 4 with peak gusts greater than 125 miles per hour.) • Hurricane—Storm surge(Category 4) • Total Number of Hazards 5 5 6 By mapping all relevant hazards, this analysis was able to identify the number of hazards with the potential to occur at any location in the County for each climate cascade. A given location might be susceptible to multiple hazards. An example of the cascade exposure levels for a cascade with five hazards is shown in Figure 7. Climate Cascades 10 Greenhouse Gas Reduction and Climate Adaptation Actions to �� IslandIntegrated Climate Action Plan for the of Hawal'i Build Local Resilience to Climate Change �� �� Climate Cascade Exposure Levels 5 rn 4 a es ra 3 0 E � 1 ■ ■ ■ 04° lop ■Hazard 1 Hazard 2 ■Hazard 3 ■Hazard 4 ■hazard 5 Figure 7.Example of cascade exposure levels Asset Mapping Asset data was compiled from all County departments. This included County structures, water and wastewater lines, on-site disposal systems, roads, bridges, and parks, as well as proposed and planned capital improvement projects. Interviews were conducted with each County department to review existing County assets and existing departmental priorities for proposed and in progress projects. A map of asset locations was generated from the information collected. More details on assets and projects are available on the County Climate Cascade Exposure Tool. Exposure Analysis The exposure analysis overlaid the hazard area mapping on top of the asset location map. This allowed assets to be tallied by number of potential hazards at the asset location for each climate cascade. County assets exposed to the greatest number of hazards could be candidates for interventions. The County Climate Cascade Exposure Tool can help County staff better understand climate-related hazards potentially impacting County-managed assets and projects. The Cascade Exposure Tool also contains the results of a risk analysis conducted based on the distribution of socially vulnerable populations. The description of the risk assessment methodology and results are provided in Appendix B. Climate Cascades 11 Integrated Island , Greenhouse Gas Reduction and Climate Adaptation Actions to N Climate Action Plan for the Build Local Resilience to Climate ChangeNO � �� Intervention Points and Actions Intervention points were identified for each climate cascade. These are points where the cascading effects of climate change could be disrupted by a project or action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions or impacts on community systems. An intervention early in the sequence that makes up a cascade is considered more effective as it can address multiple cascading effects and thereby enhance community resilience and save money, time, and effort. This ICAP focuses on actions that County departments can take to improve climate resilience based on areas of responsibility as listed in Table 2. For each cascade, actions were identified at each intervention point based on County assets exposed and population at risk. An estimate for the cost of each action is noted as follows: $ - action can be accomplished within the current County budget and staff $$ - action requires additional funding for consultants or studies $$$ - action requires major investment for infrastructure design and implementation Projects proposed or recently completed under the County's capital improvement program and Multi- Hazard Mitigation Plan were reviewed for inclusion in this plan. Table 2.Hawaii County departments with primary responsibilities in the ICAP ---------- County Department •• • Civil Defense Disaster response Finance Financing for capital improvement, open spaces management Environmental Management Solid waste and wastewater systems Fire Department Emergency response Mass Transit Agency Public transportation Parks and Recreation Beach parks, senior centers, and sports centers Planning Land use and coastal zone management Public Works Roads, bridges, floodplain management, energy efficiency, County fleet maintenance, building and energy codes, and building permits Research and Development Emissions data and reporting, agriculture and tourism industry support, energy transformation, and grants Water Supply Water tanks, reservoirs, and water lines Individual actions were also included for every cascade after the County actions and co-benefits. These are actions that members of the community, homeowners, and businesses can take to contribute to climate action. Climate Cascades 12 Greenhouse Gas Reduction and Climate Adaptation Actions to �� IslandIntegrated Climate Action Plan for the of Hawal'i Build Local Resilience to Climate Change ��"�� Climate Action Co-Benefits Co-benefits refer to the potential for actions to achieve multiple positive impacts and reinforcing outcomes. The concept of co-benefits implies a `win—win' strategy where a single policy or action can address two or more goals.24 The term co-benefits is also referred to as "multiple benefits" or "synergies." Each action has co-benefits beyond impact on climate change. Table 3 describes the co- benefits that may come with climate actions. The evaluation of co-benefits for each action is a key activity in monitoring and evaluation (see the section on Plan Implementation). Table 3.Climate action co-benefits considered in evaluating climate actions Purpose Actions that reduce greenhouse gas • Improved public health through reducing local co- emissions through using technology that pollutants to improve air quality •0 does not burn materials,especially • Increased economic independence from international imported fossil fuels,and through reducing markets for fossil fuels Greenhouse Gas Decreased cost of living through lowering electricity and Reduction the amount of energy or fuel needed. 9 9 9 Y gas bills Actions that reduce cascading effects of • Reduced disruptions to government operations and the climate change and increase the resilience economy 0 ? R of communities, infrastructure,and • Faster recovery from disaster events ecosystems to prepare and plan for, • Safer communities due to reduced loss of life and property Climate Risk absorb, recover from,and more damage Reduction successfully adapt to adverse events and • Reduced financial impact of climate change on individuals, changing conditions. communities,and society as a whole Actions that prioritize historically • Conserving native ecosystems that are fundamental to marginalized peoples and disproportionally cultural practices impacted communities in receiving support • Decreasing pollution and corresponding public health risks for community services at greatest risk to in historically marginalized and underserved communities Social-Cultural climate change, reduce barriers,and • Improving access to land and water for recreation, cultural Equity increase opportunities so all people can practice,and self-sufficient practices like farming get help when they need it. • Reducing cost of living Actions that result in positive impacts on • Reducing air and water pollution Ar the environment beyond mitigating or • Removing invasive species adapting to climate change. • Restoring ecosystems Environmental • Protecting soil to reduce erosion and nutrient loss Protection • Preserving native species and pollinating species Actions that result in positive impacts on • Job creation f' the economy. • Industry advancement 9 Workforce training Economic Resilience • Reduced financial impact of climate change on businesses and residents U Actions that align priorities and investment • General Plan toward climate risk reduction with existing • Multi-Modal Transportation Plan policies across County, State,and federal • Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan Plan Integration plans. • Integrated Solid Waste Plan 24 Mayrhofer,J.P.,&Gupta,J.(2016).The science and politics of co-benefits in climate policy.Environmental Science&Policy,57,22-30. doi:https://doi.org/l 0.1016/j.envsci.2015.11.005 Climate Cascades 13 Integrated Island , Greenhouse Gas Reduction and Climate Adaptation Actions to N Climate Action Plan for the Build Local Resilience to Climate Change � �� Limitations and s=uture Data Needs Framework: The climate action framework was developed to illustrate the cascading nature of climate change. The framework is intended to show Hawaii County's role in reducing our contribution to global climate change while preparing for the local effects. The cascading effects of climate change represent extremely complex interactions between global climate change and local physical, ecological, social, and economic systems. The framework captures how what we do as communities causes climate change, which in turn impacts our same communities. The framework simplifies this relationship and is intended to be improved over time as new knowledge, studies, and data emerge. Exposure and Data Availability: The climate cascade exposure analysis presents a limited view of the cascading effects of climate change, focusing on exposure associated with climate hazards and compounding hazards. Geospatial analysis of exposure is constrained by data availability. Greater investment in monitoring and analyzing climate hazards and impacts is needed to document observed impacts of climate change on community systems, especially native ecosystems. The analysis of overlaps among the various hazards used in the exposure analysis was limited by the following: • Greenhouse Gas Emissions: The Greenhouse Gas Inventory was limited by data availability. Due to limited island-specific data, Ground and marine transportation, solid waste, and AFOLU (agriculture, forestry, and other land use) were calculated from state-level emissions based on de facto population. Future inventories should include more data specific to the island. Further analysis is needed to determine the contribution of industry- specific emissions. • Air and Sea Surface Temperature Change. No geospatial analysis of climate exposure was conducted for air and sea surface temperature change (Climate Cascade 2). Literature was reviewed to describe cascading effects. An assessment of exposure and vulnerability of parcels and County infrastructure to increased temperature is needed, including parcels on which the County provides community services (activity type, vulnerable populations (i.e., keiki, kupuna), number of people served) and facilities with high levels of technology use that may need extra cooling infrastructure. To accomplish this, the assessment should follow a similar structure to the analyses for Climate Cascades 3, 4, and 5. The County should gather datasets on air temperature on Hawaii Island and stack the datasets to determine the vulnerability of County assets and sites where services are provided to determine the effects of increased air and sea surface temperature. Notably, projected changes to air temperature are not measured just by air temperature data, but also by surface temperature, land cover type, and potential evapotranspiration. These variables will need to be included in the stacking process to accurately capture air temperature trends and potential solutions, such as planting more trees in an exposed area (not something that we could do in an area that already has vegetation). As part of this project, the County should partner with the University of Hawaii-Hilo to utilize the Hawaii Mesoscale Network (Mesonet) data to use data from its mesoscale network of climate stations across the state. The County should also partner with the Department of Land and Natural Resources to utilize the urban canopy tree viewer co- developed with the U.S. Forest Service. • Wildfire. Wildfire mapping differs from the other hazard mapping used in the exposure analysis as it does not show wildfire risk over the entire island, but only the risk in populated areas. Climate Cascades 14 Integrated Island , Greenhouse Gas Reduction and Climate Adaptation Actions to N Climate Action Plan for the Build Local Resilience to Climate Change � �� • Drought. Drought trends were based on data for the period 1920 to 20128. Incorporating the most current decade into the trend analysis is recommended to build on that dataset moving forward. The Hawaii Mesonet is being expanded to provide advanced weather and climate monitoring with funding from the National Science Foundation, the Hawai'i Commission on Water Resources Management, and others. The County should actively partner with the Hawaii Commission on Water Resources Management and DLNR Department of Forestry and Wildlife on drought projections and management. • Sea Level Rise. The Sea Level Rise Exposure Area with 3.2 feet of sea level rise (SLRXA-3.2) is the best available projection for the end of the century available at this time. Local projections from NOAA point to closer to 4 ft of SLR by 2100 in an Intermediate scenario. In addition, SLRXA-3.2 for Hawaii Island is based solely on passive inundation. New wave modeling with sea level rise conducted by the University of Hawaii is anticipated over the next 5 years. • Extreme Rainfall Events. Riverine flood zones (FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) A/AE zones), mapped based on modeling historical floods, were used as a proxy for extreme rainfall events. In a changing climate, extreme rainfall events will not be confined to these zones. Further, riverine flood zones do not overlap with coastal flood zones (FEMA FIRM V/VE zones). This results in an underestimation of the hazard risk in areas where a river meets the sea. Finally, the riverine flood zones have not been mapped everywhere in the County, creating gaps in the data, especially in Hamakua, and therefore underestimating the number of overlapping climate hazards. • Coastal Flooding and Erosion with Sea level Rise. For Hawaii Island, coastal flooding with sea level rise was modeled only for passive inundation, with the highest sea level rise scenario at 3.2 feet by 2100. Without considering coastal erosion and wave runup with sea level rise, the Sea Level Rise Exposure Area with 3.2 feet of sea level rise (SLRXA-3.2) for Hawaii Island underestimates the total land area exposed by 35 to 54 percent, depending on location and sea level rise scenario.25 Shoreline change rate studies are being conducted by the University of Hawaii for two pilot sites. • Landslides. Geological studies are needed to better understand the conditions for cliff erosion and failure, especially along the Hamakua coast. • Tropical Cyclones and Storm Surge. Tropical cyclones may make landfall anywhere on Hawaii Island or just come near enough to cause storm surge and high winds. A Category 4 tropical cyclone, modeled to make landfall in Kona and travel northeast, was used in the cascade exposure analysis. Overall, exposure to climate hazards in Cascade 5 should be considered island wide. Focus on Hazards: The cascade exposure and risk analyses completed for this plan focus on climate change related hazards and social vulnerability. A more complete analysis would need to include more detailed data and socioeconomic and environmental indicators. Future cascades should include more detailed analyses of critical infrastructure and hubs beyond County assets, environmental pollution, and historical marginalization. 25 Anderson,T. R., Fletcher, C. H., Barbee, M. M., Romine, B. M., Lemmo, S., &Delevaux,J. M. S. (2018). Modeling multiple sea level rise stresses reveals up to twice the land at risk compared to strictly passive flooding methods. Scientific reports,8(1), 14484. doi:10.1038/s41598-018-32658-x Climate Cascades 15 Integrated Island , Greenhouse Gas Reduction and Climate Adaptation Actions to N Climate Action Plan for the Build Local Resilience to Climate Change � �� Vulnerability Analysis: This analysis was limited to the variables considered and does not fully capture the complex, multidimensional aspects of social vulnerability, such as social networks, self- sufficiency, and neighborhood conditions. These variables are also subjective to different contexts and cultures. What is considered "vulnerable" to some may be a strength or may be unimportant to others. Census data is limited by time lags, spatial scale, and missing or inaccurate information, specifically from hard-to-reach populations such as rural communities and non-English speakers. A more complete analysis would need to include a more comprehensive set of factors and qualitative, place-based community engagement and research to supplement the data and better define "social vulnerability" for communities on Hawaii Island. A future analysis should also cross-reference the EPA's Environmental Justice Screening and Mapping Tool or other such tools to include the impact of historic marginalization and disproportionate effects from pollution or other environmental hazards. Justice40 communities, communities that are disadvantaged according to Justice40 Initiative criteria in the U.S. and its territories, should be highlighted in future mapping efforts. Invasive Species: Invasive species data was not included in the exposure analysis or greenhouse gas inventory. Future analysis of greenhouse emissions and hazard exposure should include analyses of the impact of invasive species. The County should partner with federal and state agencies and local non-profits to incorporate existing data of land cover type into emissions calculations and land use policy. Invasive species data should also be incorporated into hazard analyses. For example, invasive trees such as albizia and eucalyptus are prone to falling and damaging infrastructure during storms. Invasive grasses can enhance wildfire vulnerability. Invasive ungulates, such as wild goats, can cause damage to ecosystems through deforestation, increasing vulnerability to wildfires and decreasing carbon sequestration. Climate Cascades 16 ' , Greenhouse Gas Reduction and Climate Adaptation Actions to �.,�� IntegratedBuild Local Resilience to Climate Change xIN►'�► - CLIMATE CASCADE I : GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS Climate Cascade 1 focuses on the primary drivers of climate change - anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) - and the community systems on Hawaii Island that emit GHGs (Figure 8). This section describes and evaluates this climate cascade and identifies intervention points for County actions and the potential co-benefits of such actions. The County of Hawaii Greenhouse Gas Inventory, summarizing island-wide emission sources and sinks, provides a baseline for the intervention points and informs the cascade narrative. Intervention points for County actions are identified along with climate co-benefits. Cascade 1: Greenhouse Gas Emissions COMMUNITY SYSTEMS building electricity 8 energy production transportation waste land use housing fossil fuels mass transit solid waste deforestation family farms schools on-site energy commutes wastewater production development ranching recreational facilities trucking land management industrial farming commercial facilities aviation invasive species marine transportation 1A 1B 1C 1D __j greenhouse gas emissions Figure 8.Climate Cascade 1.Greenhouse gas emissions Climate Cascade 1:Greenhouse Gas Emissions 17 ' , Greenhouse Gas Reduction and Climate Adaptation Actions to � IntegratedBuild Local Resilience to Climate Change WPM 0# Cascade Narrative Human activities are increasing greenhouse gas emissions globally to levels that are changing the climate and the Earth's ecosystem. The natural carbon cycle includes sources that emit GHGs and sinks that sequester GHGs. Greenhouse gases include carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, and fluorinated gases. The "greenhouse gas effect" occurs when GHGs trap heat by impeding the release of infrared light waves back into the atmosphere. Before 1850, global sources and sinks maintained a stable cycle of GHGs and therefore stable temperature patterns. Since 1850, GHGs have been released at unprecedented levels, creating today's climate crisis. In 2021, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) reported that anthropogenic (human-originated) emissions are the cause of global climate change.26 In 2017, Hawaii County produced 2,779,683 metric tons of GHGs.21 As of 2023, GHG sources in Hawaii County include emissions from burning of fossil fuels and biofuels for energy and transportation and from decomposition of organic and inorganic waste. GHGs are emitted to support community systems such as electricity, transportation, waste, and industries from agriculture to healthcare to tourism. Simultaneously, the cycle of land development and underdevelopment has led to deforestation and biodiversity loss, decreasing natural carbon sinks on Hawaii Island. The early 20th century expansion of plantation and cattle industries followed by the contraction of farming and ranching in the 21 sl century were major drivers of these impacts. Deforestation and biodiversity loss will continue without increased investment in appropriately managing our open spaces. As the effects of climate change emerge, so does the urgency to understand how to reduce emissions and ensure equity while pursuing solutions. While Hawaii County's contribution to global emissions may be small by proportion, it's essential that we take responsibility for our contribution to global climate change and reduce our sources of emissions alongside the rest of the world. Increasing use of fossil fuels to generate electricity for commercial, industrial, and residential activity emits increasing amounts of greenhouse gases. Hawaii Island has a long history of utilizing renewable energy. In 1890, Hilo was the site of one of the first hydropower projects in the state.28 Hawaii Island also has the state's only geothermal plant, Puna Geothermal Ventures, founded in 1993.29 In 2022, Hawaiian Electric has made a commitment to cut its 26 IPCC (2021)Climate Change 2021:The Physical Science Basis.Contribution of Working Group I to the Sixth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change[Masson-Delmotte,V., P.Zhai,A. Pirani, S.L. Connors, C. Pean, S. Berger, N. Caud,Y. Chen, L. Goldfarb, M.I. Gomis, M. Huang, K. Leitzell, E. Lonnoy,J.B.R. Matthews,T.K. Maycock,T.Waterfield, O.Yelekgi, R.Yu, and B.Zhou (eds.)]. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, United Kingdom and New York, NY, USA, In press, doi:10.1017/9781009157896. 27 County of Hawaii Department of Research and Development. (2021). Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory for 2017.County of Hawai`i.https://www.hawaiicounty.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/304504/637834584810900000. Note: Emissions calculations do not include emissions from volcanic eruptions,although these emissions amplify the impacts of human-caused emissions on health. 28 Hawaiian Electric. (2023). https:Ilhawaiiainelectric.com 29 Hawaii Energy Facts&Figures (2020). Hawaii State Energy Office. https://energy.hawaii.gov/wp- content/uploads/2020/11/HSEO_FactsAndFigures-2020.pdf Climate Cascade 1:Greenhouse Gas Emissions 18 Greenhouse Gas Reduction and Climate Adaptation Actions to Aa�� *�r1 Integrated ' of Hawal'i Build Local Resilience to Climate Change � carbon emissions by 70 percent by 2030. Current renewable energy sources on-island include solar, wind, hydroelectric, geothermal, and biofuels. v I 011-1w. r h .w r w r Solar-paneled parking lot in the West Hawaii Civic Center On and off-grid energy production and electricity use is the second-largest source of emissions on Hawaii Island, with a total of 959,900 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (MTCO2e) released per year.30 Energy production provides electricity, air conditioning, and heat that support commercial, industrial, and residential activity. The population of Hawaii County is projected to increase a little over 1 percent annually between now and 2045.31 As the population grows, additional building infrastructure and electricity will be necessary for housing and social services such as schools, grocery stores, and medical care. The rise in technology use places an additional burden on electricity needs, as devices such as computers, televisions, and cellphones require immense amounts of electricity to run. Despite potential increase in energy efficiency from digitalization, the greenhouse gas emissions and toxic waste associated with usage and disposal of technologies outweigh the reduction in greenhouse gas 30 County of Hawai'i Department of Research and Development. (2021). Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory for 2017.County of Hawai'i.https://www.hawaiicounty.gov/homoishiowpublishioddocument/304504/637834584810900000 31 State of Hawaii Department of Business, Economic Development,and Tourism. (2018). Population and Economic Projections for the State of Hawaii to 2045. https://files.hawaii.gov/dbedt/economic/data_reports/2045-long-range- forecast/2045-long-range-forecast.pdf Climate Cascade 1:Greenhouse Gas Emissions 19 ' , Greenhouse Gas Reduction and Climate Adaptation Actions to ., ' : Build Local Resilience to Climate Change *,i►�r►�� emissions from energy efficiency.32 Increased infrastructure will augment energy demand and the resulting carbon footprint. On the state level, Hawaii homes use 40 percent less electricity on average than the national average.33 However, the State of Hawaii has the highest energy cost of any state in the United States, at 42.37 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh), compared to the national average of 12.52 cents.34 These high prices partially stem from the state's dependence on energy importation. Foreign oil generates 60 percent of the state's energy, and Hawaii uses 12 times more energy than is produced in-state. Pricing structures are dependent on the cost of foreign oil, even for renewable energy generation. High prices on Hawaii Island are also impacted by fuel costs, low customer density, and geographic isolation. In 2022, Hawaii Island's electric grid was 50.1 percent dependent on foreign oil when all its renewable power plants were running.35 However, the grid does not account for propane use, meaning Hawaii Island is more dependent on foreign fuel than reflected by the grid. Therefore, operations cost is higher for businesses in Hawaii, even when using less energy than comparable businesses on the continent. In the face of international oil shortages or economic disruptions, the dependence on foreign oil will continue to increase the costs of living and operating businesses on the island. Hawaii residents have already experienced increased cost of electricity as a result of the Ukraine-Russia war. The County government can reduce its footprint by increasing the percentage of renewable fuel used to power County buildings and infrastructure, reducing vehicle miles traveled, and establishing more energy efficient buildings. Inefficient energy use in existing and new buildings emits increasing amounts of greenhouse gases. Building energy efficiency refers to how effectively infrastructure uses energy generated. Building design determines energy efficiency. For example, buildings that are designed with natural cooling systems (such as windows and doors that allow for cross-ventilation or siding that better reflects sunlight) require fewer fans or small air conditioning units. Upgrading appliances such as light bulbs, refrigerators, and washing machines also reduces electricity usage. New building development inevitably increases greenhouse gas emissions by adding an additional load on or off grid. New development also includes embodied emissions from harvesting, transportation, and construction of materials. However, buildings that are developed efficiently emit less than those that are not. Retrofitting older buildings can also decrease electricity use and therefore greenhouse gas emissions. This is one of the most cost-effective ways to reduce emissions, as improving energy standards costs less than 1 cent per kWh saved.36 County facilities can be retrofitted to be more efficient using solar panels in areas with higher solar radiance (Figure 9). 32 Steffen Lange, Johanna Pohl,Tilman Santarius (2020) Digitalization and energy consumption. Does ICT reduce energy demand?, Ecological Economics,Volume 176, 106760, ISSN 0921-8009, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecolecon.2020.106760. 33 Hawaii State Energy Profile. U.S. Energy Information Administration. https://www.eia.gov/state/print.php?sid=Hl. 1 Nov.2022. 34 Average Price of Electricity to Ultimate Customers by End-Use Sector. U.S. Energy Information Administration. https://www.eia.gov/electricity/monthly/epm_table_g rap her.php?t=epmt_5_6_a. 1 Mar.2023. 35 Hawaii State Energy Profile. U.S. Energy Information Administration. https://www.eia.gov/state/print.php?sid=Hl. 1 Nov.2022. 36 Hawaii Energy Facts&Figures (2020). Hawaii State Energy Office. https://energy.hawaii.gov/wp- content/uploads/2020/11/HSEO_FactsAnd Fig ures-2020.pdf Climate Cascade 1:Greenhouse Gas Emissions 20 Island , Greenhouse Gas Reduction and Climate Adaptation Actions to Integrated Climate Action Plan for the Build Local Resilience to Climate Change 90 a{ I �'i�uuuuuuu� i r Solar Radiance 1♦130- 160 160.1- 175 175.1 - 190 „ p 190.1 -205 v 205.1 220 220.1-235 235.1 -250 250.1 -265 ®265.1 -280 280.1 -300 "1 County Buildings & Solar Potential This map shows the location of County buildings 1,000 sq. ft 0 5 10 20 Kilometers inventoried for potential energy retrofits. The base map shows l ` ` ' 1 ' ' ' solar radiance (calories per sq. centimeter per day). The asterisk denotes ideal solar energy potential for photovoltaics. 0 5 10 20 Miles IRCredits:Developed by Research and Development using DBEDT Energy Division Radiance Data.Projected Hawaii State Plane Zone 1 UTM. Created 11th of April,2023 1 Scale:1:715,000 Figure 9.Locations of County buildings for potential energy retrofits Climate Cascade 1:Greenhouse Gas Emissions 21 Greenhouse Gas Reduction and Climate Adaptation Actions to Integrated Climate Action Plan for the Island of Hawal'i Build Local Resilience to Climate Change *��►�� Increasing ground, air, and marine transportation for commercial, industrial, and residential activity emits increasing greenhouse gases. Transportation is a key facet of residential, commercial, and industrial activity. Transportation is the largest source of emissions for Hawaii County, with a total of 1,742,191 MTCO2e released per year. In Hawaii, transportation emissions are generated from ground, air, and marine transportation. Ground transportation contributes 16.8 percent of emissions annually on Hawaii Island.37 Ground transportation includes individual and public vehicles used by residents and visitors for all purposes from daily life to construction, trucking, and agriculture. The visitor industry adds to the use of cars on the island. Because of the size and rural nature of our island, visitors often rent cars and drive to "hot spot" attractions around the island.38 With increasing population and commercial activity, ground transportation emissions increased 17.31 percent from 2015 to 2017 and are expected to continue to increase.39 More people will be commuting and recreating, and more businesses will need to transport goods around the island to service them. On Hawaii Island, 71.4 percent of workers rely on individual modes of transportation. In Hawaii, the cost of gas is higher than any state except Alaska and is almost double the cost of states with the cheapest gas. The Ulupono Initiative estimates that the public costs of the vehicle economy, including roadway and bridge maintenance and public transportation, are around $15,000 per taxpayer with an additional $8,100 annual cost per vehicle. Therefore, 71.4 percent of workers are paying at least $8,100 per year to cover their transportation needs before taxes.40 Forty-eight percent of people on Hawaii Island are living below the ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) threshold.41 The annual cost of vehicle ownership is 33 percent of the annual total income of an ALICE-qualified single adult households. Airline transportation emissions are the dominant source of transportation emissions, accounting for 54 percent of total annual emissions. Airline emissions include all flights that originate from Hawaii Island. Airline travel is an essential part of residential, commercial, and visitor industry activity on island. Interisland commutes are a standard part of many industries, including construction. Airlines are also an essential means of importing goods to the island. Increasing population and commercial activity augment the need for flights and imported goods, so airline emissions are expected to increase. 37 County of Hawaii Department of Research and Development(2021). Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory for 2017.County of Hawai`i.https://www.hawaiicounty.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/304504/637834584810900000 38 Hawaii Tourism Authority(2021). "Hawai`i Island Destination Management Action Plan." https://www.hawaiitourismauthority.org/media/7040/hta-hawaii-island-action-plan.pdf 39 County of Hawaii Department of Research and Development. (2021). Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory for 2017.County of Hawai'i.https://www.hawaiicountV.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/304504/637834584810900000 40 Ulupono Initiative. (2022). The Costs of the Vehicle Economy in Hawaii. https://ulupono.com/project-list/the-costs-of-the-vehicle- economy-in-hawaii/ 41 ALICE Threshold,2007-2018.American Community Survey,2007-2018. Climate Cascade 1:Greenhouse Gas Emissions 22 ' , Greenhouse Gas Reduction and Climate Adaptation Actions to +�� � ' : Build Local Resilience to Climate Change *��►�� Eat Increasing waste and wastewater production from commercial, industrial, and residential activity emits increasing amounts of greenhouse gases. Waste emissions account for 8.79 percent of Hawaii Island emissions.42 Hawaii County collected 203,872 tons of waste in its landfill in 2022. Solid waste produces emissions through the process of decomposition, which releases nitrogen gases and methane. The process of transporting waste to transfer stations and from transfer stations to the landfill produces additional emissions. Waste can be diverted from the landfill or incinerator by reducing, reusing, recycling, or composting waste. Wastewater (sewage) produces emissions during treatment processes, including nitrification and denitrification. Managing waste is especially important for an island community, which has limited land for waste disposal and watersheds that are easily polluted. Residential, commercial, and industrial activity add to waste production on the island through materials used in construction, agriculture, and the visitor industry. Without finding ways to repurpose and reduce waste, waste production will continue to grow as population expands and economic activity increases. Historical deforestation and degradation of native ecosystems and open spaces reduce carbon sinks. Hawaii Island forests are the largest source of carbon sequestration in the state.43 Pre-Western- contact, native habitat made up 85 percent of Hawaii's landscape. Post-contact, it fell to a little more than 40 percent of Hawaii's landscape.44 Most deforestation in Hawaii occurred in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Recent analysis indicates that forest cover is increasing.45 As forest or shrubland is repurposed for commercial and residential activities, ranching, and agriculture, natural carbon sinks and vital cultural resources vanish. Additionally, land management practices, such as outplanting non-native species, have further reduced the prevalence of native ecosysteMS.46 Forests are also essential pieces of the watershed. Forested lands at higher elevation catch and collect water that then travels down to lower elevation zones, providing fresh water from mauka to makai. Deforestation and degradation of native forests can decrease the availability of fresh water, affecting potable water supply, agriculture, and ecosystem health. Forest composition is changing due to invasive trees and shrubs47 which decreases groundwater recharge.48 Improved watershed management is needed to improve groundwater recharge and protect drinking water.49 Declines in 42 County of Hawai'i Department of Research and Development.(2021). Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory for 2017.County of Hawai`i.https://www.hawaiicountV.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/304504/637834584810900000 43 Hawaii State Department of Health (2021). Hawaii Greenhouse Gas Emissions Report for 2017. https://health.hawaii.gov/cab/files/2021/04/2017-Inventory_Final-Report_April-2021.pdf 44 Gon, S.M.;Tom, S.L.;Woodside, U.Aina Momona, Honua Au Loli—Productive Lands, Changing World: Using the Hawaiian Footprint to Inform Biocultural Restoration and Future Sustainability in Hawai'i.Sustainability 2018, 10,3420. 45 Lucas, M. (2017). Spatially quantifying and attributing 17 years of vegetation and land cover transitions across Hawaii. MSc Thesis. University of Hawaii at Manoa 46 A. C. Medeiros, E. I.von Allmen, C. G. Chimera. (2014)."Dry Forest Restoration and Unassisted Native Tree Seedling Recruitment at Auwahi, Maui," Pacific Science,68(1), 33-45. 47 Weller, S.G., Cabin, R.J., Lorence, D.H., Perlman, S.,Wood, K., Flynn,T.and Sakai,A.K. (2011).Alien plant invasions, introduced ungulates,and alternative states in a mesic forest in Hawaii. Restoration Ecology, 19(5), pp.671-680. 48 Kagawa,A., Sack, L., Duarte, K.E.and James, S. (2009). Hawaiian native forest conserves water relative to timber plantation: species and stand traits influence water use. Ecological Applications, 19(6), pp.1429-1443. 49 Bremer, L.L., DeMaagd, N.,Wada, C.A.and Burnett, K.M. (2021). Priority watershed management areas for groundwater recharge and drinking water protection:A case study from Hawai'i Island.Journal of Environmental Management,286, p.111622. Climate Cascade 1:Greenhouse Gas Emissions 23 Greenhouse Gas Reduction and Climate Adaptation Actions to Aa�� Build Local Resilience to Climate Change *�� �� IslandIntegrated Climate Action Plan for the , forest cover have also been found to increase fecal bacteria in Hawaii Island soil and nearby streams, compromising the health of the ecosystems dependent on affected watersheds.50 Urban soils on Hawaii Island are at most risk for potentially damaging fecal indicator bacteria and the staph bacteria MRSA.51 Moreover, urban runoff carried by polluted water upstream impacts the health of coral reefs, increasing coral bleaching and reducing coral spawning and fish nurseries.52 Reduction in fresh water and the proliferation of invasive species contribute to biodiversity Ioss.53 Over 90 percent of the species in Hawaii are found nowhere else in the world.54 Approximately half the species that have gone extinct in the world are island species, and over one-third of the plant species on Hawaii Island are categorized as endangered or threatened by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Invasive species, such as coqui frogs, gorse, and albizia, reduce the ability of native ecosystems to support biomass and sequester carbon. Native species also increase the resilience of watersheds to extreme precipitation and warming temperatures.55 The effect of urban runoff on groundwater discharge also feeds the growth of invasive algae species while decreasing the prevalence of native algae species, affecting the health of coastal waters.56 On Hawaii Island, there have already been extensive efforts to combat the reduction of`ohi`a and nene species. However, not all native plants and animals have been able to survive the impacts of invasive species and biodiversity loss. Native species carry immense cultural significance. `Ahu`ula feather capes were traditionally made from feathers of birds, some of which are now endangered like `i`iwi.57 `Uala has long been a staple food. Already, the `uala season in Maui has been affected by decreases in annual precipitation associated with climate change, as the amount of precipitation changes the zones in which `uala can be grown.58 Traditional agriculture is a crucial piece of culture and food security in Hawaii. Continued deforestation will only decrease the prevalence of native species. Kumu Hula Pua Kanahele said, "If we cut down the forests, we cut down ourselves." 59 50 Strauch,A.M.; MacKenzie, R.A.; Bruland, G.L.;Tingley, R.; Giardina, C.P. (2014).Climate Change and Land Use Drivers of Fecal Bacteria in Tropical Hawaiian Rivers.J. Environ. Qual. 2014,43, 1475 51 Tyler Gerken,Tracy N.Wegner, Louise M. Economy. (2022). "A comparison of soil Staphylococcus aureus and fecal indicator bacteria concentrations across land uses in a Hawaiian watershed."Journal of Environmental Quality, 10.1002/jeg2.20380,51,5, (916-929). 52 Stender,Y.;Jokiel, P.L.; Rodgers, K.S. (2014). "Thirty Years of Coral Reef Change in Relation to Coastal Construction and Increased Sedimentation at Pelekane Bay, Hawai'i."PeerJ 2014, 2,e300. 53 Barton, K.E.,Westerband,A., Ostertag, R., Stacy, E.,Winter, K., Drake, D.R., Fortini, L.B., Litton, C.M., Cordell, S., Krushelnycky, P.and Kawelo, K. (2021). Hawai'i forest review:synthesizing the ecology,evolution,and conservation of a model system. Perspectives in Plant Ecology, Evolution and Systematics, 52, p.125631. 54 Timmons, G.and Gon III, S. (2016)The Last Stand:The Vanishing Hawaiian Forest.The Nature Conservancy of Hawai'i. https://www.nature.org/media/hawaii/last– stand_web_lo.pdf 55 Strauch,A.M., Giardina, C.P., MacKenzie, R.A.et al. (2017). Modeled Effects of Climate Change and Plant Invasion on Watershed Function Across a Steep Tropical Rainfall Gradient. Ecosystems 20, 583-600 https://doi.org/l 0.1007/s10021-016-0038-3 56 Dulai, H., C. M. Smith, D.W.Amato,V. Gibson,and L. L. Bremer. (2021). Risk to native marine macroalgae from land-use and climate change-related modifications to groundwater discharge in Hawai'i. Limnol. Oceanogr. Lett. 8: 141–153. doi:10.1002/lol2.10232 57 Mallon, S., Kanawa, R.T., Collinge, R., Balram, N., Hutton, G.,Carkeek,T.W., &Kapeliela, K. (2017).The 'ahu 'ula and mahiole of Kalani 'opu 'u:A journey of chiefly adornments.Tuhinga,4. 58 Gon SM,Tom SL,Woodside U. 'Aina Momona, Honua Au Loli—Productive Lands, Changing World: Using the Hawaiian Footprint to Inform Biocultural Restoration and Future Sustainability in Hawai'i. Sustainability.2018; 10(10):3420. https://doi.org/10.3390/su10103420 59 Timmons, G.and Gon III, S. (2003).The Last Stand:The Vanishing Hawaiian Forest.The Nature Conservancy of Hawai'i. https://www.nature.org/media/hawaii/last–stand–web_lo.pdf Climate Cascade 1:Greenhouse Gas Emissions 24 ^.\,�, Greenhouse Gas Reduction and Climate Adaptation Actions to r IntegratedBuild Local Resilience to Climate Change *���►�� Greenhouse Gas Inventory Sources of emissions for Hawai'i County are documented by the County of Hawai'i 2017 Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Inventory. This inventory informs key intervention points; helps identify and prioritize sector- specific carbon mitigation and reduction strategies, and aids as a benchmark to gauge progress. Data for this report was collected from seven GHG-producing sectors made up of 42 sources, for the years 2005, 2015, and 2017 (Figure 10). These sectors and sources correspond with the State's GHG inventory, which was developed in accordance with the 2006 IPCC Guidelines for National GHG I nventories. Sector Emission Totals by Year 2 N U 1.5 f- 0 1 U O c �0 0.5 U i a-+ cv C Q ilillllllll. ,�u ■ .XPi ' O u Transportation Commercial Industrial Energy Residential rAFOLUNI Water and Solid Waste &Mobile Energy Energy Wastewater Sources AFOLU=Agriculture,Forestry,and Other Land Use ■2005 Iul 2015 ■2017 Figure 10.Hawaii County sector overview of MTCO2e emissions for years 2005,2015,and 2017 The County of Hawai'i GHG Inventory is guided by the Global Protocol for Community-Scale Greenhouse Gas Emission Inventories and estimates GHG emissions that occur in the County's jurisdiction encompassing the entire island of Hawai'i. The Global Protocol is a carbon emissions accounting and reporting standard for cities and municipalities developed by the World Resources Institute, C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group, and the International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives Local Governments for Sustainability. In 2017, overall emissions had decreased by 23 percent since 2005. The Transportation and Mobile Sources sector remained relatively stagnant over the years and remained the largest contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. Notably, Aviation accounted for 51 percent of total transportation emissions, compared to 32 percent from On-Road Motor Gasoline. The second largest contributor was Commercial Energy, but emissions from this sector decreased by approximately half between 2005 and 2017. The Residential Energy sector was the third largest contributing sector in 2005, but emissions from residential energy steadily declined due to —28 percent increase in renewable energy capacity. By Climate Cascade 1:Greenhouse Gas Emissions 25 ' , Greenhouse Gas Reduction and Climate Adaptation Actions to ., ' : Build Local Resilience to Climate Change *,i►�r►�� 2017, Solid Waste became the third largest source of emissions. Volcanic emissions are not included in this inventory. Climate Cascade 1:Greenhouse Gas Emissions 26 Greenhouse Gas Reduction and Climate Adaptation Actions to �.,f t Integrated ' of Hawal'! Build Local Resilience to Climate Change *���►�� Intervention Points and Actions Actions are associated with four intervention points (1 A— 1 D) within the greenhouse gas emissions cascade (Figure 8). Entities responsible for implementing these actions are mostly County departments but also include the private sector and individuals. Lead County departments for this cascade are as follows: • Research and Development Department (R&D) • Planning Department (DP) • Department of Human Resources (HR) • Department of Public Works (DPW) • Department of Finance (DF) • Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) • Mass Transit Agency (MTA) • Department of Environmental Management (DEM) 1A. Energy and Electricity Use Recommended actions at this intervention point fall under seven strategies, with a total of thirty-four actions, as presented in the sections and tables below. 1A1. Develop energy benchmarking standards for Hawaii County buildings ActionProject Duration <2 2-5 >5 ActionNumber yrs yrs yrs 1A1.1 Aggregate all County meter data to create a R&D $ 2023 • baseline portfolio in Energy Star Establish an online platform to streamline R&D, 1A1.2 gathering and reporting of monthly County DPW, DF $ 2023 • meter data 1A1.3 Create an energy benchmarking dashboard R&D $ 2024 • and update monthly 1A1.4 Publish an annual report on County energy use R&D $ 2025 • and energy efficiency improvements Hire or contract a certified energy manager to 1A1.5 manage Energy Star portfolio and building DPW $ 2025 • energy contracts 1A1.6 Develop an Energy Management Plan for DPW $$ 2025 • County owned facilities 1A1.7 Purchase an Energy Management System for DPW $$ 2025 • County buildings Climate Cascade 1:Greenhouse Gas Emissions 27 Ab Greenhouse Gas Reduction and Climate Adaptation Actions to �._1 Integrated ' , Build Local Resilience to Climate Change *���►�� 107M 1A2. Transition Hawaii County buildings to net zero emissions ActionProject Duration Numberyes yes yes Screen all capital improvement projects (CIP) 1A2.1 and maintenance projects for eligibility for DF, DP $ 2024 • energy rebates as part of the CIP project - - - - - - proposal checklist.- - Create a list of eligible rebates and specs R&D $ 2023 • necessary for rebate eligibility Conduct a cost-benefit analysis to determine 1A2.2 the benefit of establishing an energy projects DF $ 2023 • revolving fund to utilize rebates and electricity savings for future energy investments. 1A2.3 Capture methane from County facilities to DEM $$$ 2025 • replace and reduce propane sources - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - --- - - - - - J - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Conduct a feasibility assessment 1A2.4 Apply for Energy Efficiency and Conservation R&D $ 2023 • Block Grants annually. 1A3. Implement renewable and energy efficient purchasing policies Project Duration Action County Cost Start 2 Numberyes yes yes Establish an energy efficiency standard 1A3.1 checklist for all new County equipment and DF, R&D $ building purchases --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- - Create a cost-benefit analysis and specifications list that can be used by depts. to determine if there is a cost-appropriate energy efficient 2024 • option for County equipment and building purchases Climate Cascade 1:Greenhouse Gas Emissions 28 Ab Greenhouse Gas Reduction and Climate Adaptation Actions to �._1 Integrated ' , Build Local Resilience to Climate Change *���►�1 1A4. Inventory greenhouse gas emissions at the municipal and County level Action] Project Duration a 2-5 Number <2 yrs yrs >5 yrs Continue to publish a municipal greenhouse gas 1A4.1 inventory for County buildings,transportation, R&D $ 2024 • waste,wastewater, and land use. 1A4.2 Publish a county-wide greenhouse gas R&D $ 2024 • inventory every 3 years. 1A4.3 Develop an embodied carbon baseline for R&D $ 2024 • County buildings, transportation, and waste. 1A5. Revise building and energy codes to incentivize energy efficiency measures for buildings, electric vehicle (EV) use, low-cost sustainable materials, and energy efficiency standards Action <2 2-5 >5 Numberyrs yrs yrs Amend Chapter 5 of the Hawaii County Code 1A5.1 to adopt the 2021 IECC energy code with DPW $ 2024 • j modifications specific to Hawaii County. I Create a dependable permitting system by 1A5.2 identifying and addressing inefficiencies in DPW $ 2023 • County permitting process. 1A5.3 Incentivize developments that align with County DPW $ 2026 • sustainability goals and plans. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- - Partner with on-island developers to identify ways to offset development costs associated with green infrastructure and promote environmentally friendly, locally produced building materials Amend Chapter 25 of the Hawaii County Code 1A5.4 to require all public and private parking lots to Council, $ 2023 • maintain a 25% parking stall minimum to be PD EV-charger ready by 2035. Conduct a study to determine financial impact 1A5.5 of waiving all permitting and review fees for DPW $$ 2026 • development projects that have a minimum LEED certified credential or similar credential. Pilot low-emissions landscaping equipment and 1A5.6 landscaping practices to determine DPW $ 2025 • effectiveness of equipment and practices. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- - Identify on-island partner organizations that can guide pilots Climate Cascade 1:Greenhouse Gas Emissions 29 ' , Greenhouse Gas Reduction and Climate Adaptation Actions to � "�f�`� IntegratedBuild Local Resilience to Climate Change *��►�� Eat 1A6. Support residents and businesses in producing environmentally friendly on-site energy and implementing energy efficient cooling technologies Action County Cost Start 2-5 Number <2 yrs yrs >5 yrs Expand outreach for community rebate 1A6.1 incentives by pursuing more public-private R&D $ 2023 • partnerships with Hawaii Energy Advocate to the PUC in support of renewable 1A6.2 energy sources and social equity in regard to R&D $ 2023 • rates, grid planning, and energy project siting Create educational workshops and an online- 1A6.3 web series with partners to increase awareness R&D $ 2023 • of and access to rebates, tax credits, and energy conservation technology. Release grants to encourage development and 1A6.4 implementation of new on-site energy R&D $$ 2024 • construction and energy efficiency measures on island 1A6.5 Conduct a study to evaluate the environmental R&D $ 2024 • impact of hydrogen energy production on-island. 1A7. Reduce the energy cost of the municipal water supply ActionI Project Duration 2-5 Number, <2 yrs yrs >5 yrs 1A7.1 Replace old pumps with higher efficiency pumps DWS $$ 2023 • for energy savings. — Prioritize based on payback period analysis 1A7.2 Install new Hydro-turbine at Waimea Water DWS $$ 2024 • Treatment Plant. 1A7.3 Pursue additional renewable energy projects. DWS $$ 2025 • 1A7.4 Install power factor correction equipment at DWS $$ 2024 • large facilities to increase power factor. 1A7.5 Conduct energy study to establish baseline and DWS $ 2023 • detail power and energy savings opportunities. 1A7.6 Continue to optimize operations to reduce DWS $ 2023 • power demand and energy use. Continue to purchase and utilize leak detection 1A7.7 equipment to reduce water leaks in water DWS $ 2023 • transmission systems. Reducing water loss will reduce DWS energy use. Climate Cascade 1:Greenhouse Gas Emissions 30 .\,�, ' , Greenhouse Gas Reduction and Climate Adaptation Actions to ONO ' : Build Local Resilience to Climate Change *���►�� ActionProject Duration 2-5 Number <2 yrs yrs >5 yrs - Continue partnership with Hawaii Energy to help fund rebate leak X detection equipment purchases Continue to conduct and improve public outreach on water conservation, including drought-resistant landscapes,water 1A7.8 conservation practices, and reducing waters DWS $ 2023 • leaks. Reducing water use will reduce DWS energy use. 1B. Transportation Recommended actions at this intervention point fall under four strategies, with a total of twenty actions, as presented in the sections and tables below. 1131. Continue implementation of the Multi-Modal Transportation Plan to decrease emissions from individual commutes and decrease emissions of the public transit fleet Action County 7cost Start 2-5 Number <2 yrs yrs >5 yrs Make riding transit easier, reliable, and 1131.1 compatible with other multi-modal options MTA $$ - Continue the multi-modal program to increase access to biking and 2023 • walking options for residents - Implement the multi-modal complete streets program for island-wide 2025 • with a focus on urban areas. 1131.2 Create a transit system to serve the MTA $$ 2023 • employment and social needs of all people - Continue to sustain and maintain the transit network and adjust as demographics and socioeconomic conditions change. • Implement technology to provide information to riders and others, including helping to achieve 1131.3 clean energy goals through alternate energy MTA $$$ bus and infrastructure purchase, doing so in a fiscally responsible-manner- - Three (3)hydrogen buses go into service on Kailua-Kona routes 2023 • - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Five (5) electric battery buses and charging equipment purchased 2024 • - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Three (3)diesel hybrid buses purchased 2023 • - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 28 future purchases would be a combination of diesel-electric, hybrid, 2025 • electric, and/or hydrogen if approved by HDOT. Climate Cascade 1:Greenhouse Gas Emissions 31 Ab Greenhouse Gas Reduction and Climate Adaptation Actions to ' : ' , Build Local Resilience to Climate Change *���►�� Actionect Duration 2-5 Numberj <2 yrs yrs >5 yrs Create transit hubs and bus stops with 1131.4 amenities that provide rider comfort and safety MTA $$$ and that help support community and village gathering - Plan, design, and build the Kailua-Kona hub. Consider options to 2023 • provide light service from Kailua-Kona side. - Design and develop a Puna hub and complete roadway improvements 2023 • to allow for Intra-Puna service. 1131.5 Phase implementation in a fiscally sustainable MTA $ manner - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - Test hydrogen and EV fueled buses on the island to demonstrate how 2023 • well they work on the island's various climate and terrains. -Add staffing to include an Assistant Mass Transit Administrator, Inventory Clerk, and a second shift of four mechanics and working 2023 • supervisor. 1132. Transition the County fleet to zero emissions Action2-5 NumberIM <2 yrs yrs >5 yrs 1 B2.1 Create a shared-use mobility program among R&D, $ 2024 • County depts. that use vehicles intermittently DPW, DF Develop an online platform to consolidate 1132 2 County vehicle fuel use, vehicle miles traveled, R&D, $ 2025 • elevation profile of vehicle routes, and vehicle DPW maintenance data - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - Integrate platform with energy management system identified in 1A1.6 Conduct a study to identify high-priority vehicles 1 B2.3 for fleet transformation, including vehicles that R&D $$$ 2025 • need to be replaced and highest-emitting vehicles 1 B2.4 Publish an internal annual report and external R&D $ 2023 • annual summary on fleet use and fleet transition 1 B2.5 Create a fleet transformation plan for each dept. All,DR&D, $$ 2025 • - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Conduct an alternative fuel vehicle cost-benefit analysis for new vehicle purchases. The analysis should include IRA tax credits, third party financing, rebates, and methane-conversion. Climate Cascade 1:Greenhouse Gas Emissions 32 Ab Greenhouse Gas Reduction and Climate Adaptation Actions to ' : ' , Build Local Resilience to Climate Change *���►�� ActionProject Duration 2-5 Number <2 yrs yrs >5 yrs - Conduct feasibility study on retrofitting heavy-duty vehicles with zero- emissions or renewable fuel technology. Include a cost-benefit analysis - - - - - - - - - -of retrofitting-engines versus purchasing new vehicles - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Determine necessary, feasible steps and cost to build the capacity of the Automotive Division to work on zero emission vehicles, including: Training; Equipment Purchasing; and Public-Private partnerships with local automotive shops and dealerships to invest in training and equipment necessary for fleet transition. Place charging infrastructure in all County 1 B2.6 buildings, public parks, and baseyards for DPW $$$ 2027 • County use, including developing hydrogen fueling stations in Hilo and Kona 1133. Implement carbon-free vehicle purchasing policies in Hawaii County and improve purchasing policies to reduce emissions associated with importation Action Number7077 1 B3.1 Establish an alternative fuel checklist for all new DF, R&D $ 2024 County vehicle purchases - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Utilize cost-benefit analysis(B2.5)to determine cost of alternative fuel vehicles Mandate reporting of all new vehicle purchases County 1 B3.2 including average mpg, emissions equivalent Council, $ 2024 • per gallon of fuel (or kWh), and estimated R&D, DF, annual operation and maintenance costs DPW Revise County purchasing process to prioritize 1 B3.3 local purchasing to reduce the emissions from DF $ 2024 • importation of goods and services to the County. Climate Cascade 1:Greenhouse Gas Emissions 33 ' , Greenhouse Gas Reduction and Climate Adaptation Actions to 0-21 � ' : Build Local Resilience to Climate Change *��►�� Eat 1134. Increase accessibility of zero emissions vehicle infrastructure and alternative transportation options to the public Action County Cost Start Number Lead $$,$$$) Year 25yrs<2 yrs >5 yrs Pass an ordinance to require County-built roads 1 B4.1 to include complete street measures where County $ 2025 • most effective to promote alternative transit Council options and pedestrian-friendly development Increase and maintain electric vehicle and 1 B4.2 hydrogen vehicle charging stations on County DPW $ 2028 • sites at low to no cost for users 1 B4.3 Create a shared-use mobility system for R&D, $ 2026 • County-owned electric vehicles DPW Partner with non-profits, schools, and State agencies to increase community-wide 1 B4.4 awareness and accessibility re: reducing R&D $ 2023 • transportation cost and emissions (i.e., the impact of keeping tires inflated on efficiency of cars)through education awareness program. Conduct public outreach around charging DPW, 1 B4.5 stations to align new construction of County R&D $ 2024 • infrastructure with business and community 1C. Waste Recommended actions at this intervention point fall under five strategies, with a total of twenty-two actions, as presented in the sections and tables below. M. Reduce the carbon footprint of the landfill. Action County Cost Start 2_5 Number Action Lead $$,$$$) Year <2 yrs yrs >5 yrs Implement methane collection systems at landfill 1C1.1 and wastewater treatment facilities so that the R& p' $$$ 2023 • methane can be stored or converted for fuel - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - -Acquire grant monies to conduct an assessment to determine methane produced at wastewater and waste facilities Create a strategic plan for reducing the 1 C1.2 emissions of the landfill and wastewater DEM $$ 2024 • treatment plant - Engage community stakeholders, businesses, and policymakers in plan creation through a taskforce Climate Cascade 1:Greenhouse Gas Emissions 34 .\,�, Greenhouse Gas Reduction and Climate Adaptation Actions to 0 ' : ' , Build Local Resilience to Climate Change *���►�� ActionProject Duration 2-5 Numberj <2 yrs yrs >5 yrs Continue to explore opportunities with third 1 C1.3 parties to divert the waste from the landfill DEM $$$ 2023 • and/or repurpose the waste for economic development and energy needs Explore opportunities with third parties to reduce 1 C1.4 greenhouse gas emissions from the wastewater DEM $$$ 2024 • treatment plants 1C2. Advocate for policies that promote waste diversion through source reduction and recycling. Project Duration Action County Cost Start 2-5 Number <2 yrs yrs >5 yrs Amend Chapter 20 of the HCC to establish waste management goals that are expressed and measured in terms of environmental and County 1C2.1 community impacts (e.g. greenhouse gas Council, $$ 2024 • emissions, toxicity, energy use) and consider DEM life cycle impacts, in addition to tonnage-based landfill diversion and waste recovery goals %% - Create recommendations based on the lifecycle impact report Amend administrative rules and procedures to 1 C2.2 include a differential tipping fee and to mandate DEM $ 2023 • solid waste collection fees be reviewed and equitably updated on a regular basis. Amend Chapter 20 of the HCC to include a County 1 C2.3 schedule of select materials that shall be Council, $ 2023 separately collected, recycled, and prohibited • DEM from entering the landfill. - Continue ongoing initiatives to implement extended producer responsibility Continue to advocate for and streamline the 1 C2.4 process of state policy to increase accessibility DEM $ 1 2023 • of recycling - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -Advocate for mandated recycling and organic waste infrastructure be available in all public waste collection contracts Develop legislation that requires owners and County 1C2.5 managers of multi-family dwellings and multi- Council, $ 2028 • tenant commercial building to provide recycling DEM receptacles Climate Cascade 1:Greenhouse Gas Emissions 35 Greenhouse Gas Reduction and Climate Adaptation Actions to � ' : ' , Build Local Resilience to Climate Change *��►�� Eat 1C3. Support local businesses and community members in reusing goods and materials. Action County Cost Start 25yrs<2 yrs >5 yrs Hire staff to track waste collected at landfills, , 1 C3.1 report findings, and connect local businesses to DEM, $ waste streams. - - - - - - - - Procure a Landfill Diversion (LD)Database Software to collect primary data to track type, amount, and source, when possible, of materials 2024 • diverted from the West Hawaii Sanitary Landfill. - Procure a Surplus Database Software to establish a database for surplus materials and goods through redistribution, re-sale, or donation. Members can post listings or search for available surplus 2024 • items or materials, automating the process of connecting those who have items they no longer need with those who do. 1 C3.2 Conduct assessment of current operational DEM $$ 2024 • methodologies to improve efficiency 1C3.3 Expand opportunities to recycle in public areas DEM $$ and during public events - Continue to install additional recycling bins in parks and other public 2023 • areas - Increase recycling opportunities at community events 2025 • 1C3.4 Expand opportunities for commercial recycling DEM $$ 2024 • - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - Continue to work with HDOH Solid and Hazardous Waste Branch to modify recycling and transfer station operating permits to accommodate expanded residential recycling services. 1C3.5 Expand and improve public education and DEM $ awareness programs - Develop a business waste audit and education program to build 2023 • capacity for source reduction within the local business community - Develop a waste reduction education program that specifically targets educating visitors and the hotel and lodging industry on circular 2023 • economy principles - Continue reuse education, outreach, and public awareness campaigns 2023 • to encourage public participation and use of the reuse centers - Improve signage at recycling and transfer stations to provide the public • with comprehensive information about recycling opportunities and 2023 procedures - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Increase participation and vendor partnerships for used motor oil 2023 • program Continue partnerships with organizations such 1C3.6 as Goodwill Industries to develop reuse centers DEM $ 2023 • at existing outlets within the County Climate Cascade 1:Greenhouse Gas Emissions 36 .\,�, Greenhouse Gas Reduction and Climate Adaptation Actions to 0 ' : ' , Build Local Resilience to Climate Change *���►�� Actionect Duration 2-5 Number <2 yrs yrs >5 yrs 1 C3.7 Establish a building deconstruction reuse and DEM, $$ 2025 • recycling program. R&D - Conduct a feasibility assessment of best practices and opportunities 1C4. Support mulching operations to allow for soil enhancement County-wide. Project Duration ' mom • 1 C4.1 Continue to explore decentralized options for DEM $ 2024 • mulching - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -I-n - - - - - - - - - - - - - Partner with others to establish mulching demonstration gardens at recycling and transfer stations or other visible locations in the community 1 C4.2 Continue to apply for grants and implement DEM $ 2023 • pilot composting systems for homeowners. 105. Decrease waste of County operations ActionProject Duration mom • 1 C5.1 Mandate end-of-life requirements for County- County owned renewable energy infrastructure. Council, $ 2025 • R&D - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Conduct an end-of-life environmental impact assessment of County- owned renewable energy and battery storage infrastructure, including analysis of existing infrastructure, community outreach, and best practices for disposal. Continue and expand the system for sharing 105.2 infrequently used items among departments DF $ 2023 • through Property Management. 105.3 Continue to pilot procurement models that encourage reuse, including product-as-a- DF $ 2024 • service, e-leasing, and product take-back. Establish composting sites at County facilities DPW, 1 C5.4 and parks with proper management to prevent DPR $ 2027 • scavenging and unsanitary conditions. Climate Cascade 1:Greenhouse Gas Emissions 37 Greenhouse Gas Reduction and Climate Adaptation Actions to �.,f t Integrated ' of Hawal'! Build Local Resilience to Climate Change *���►�� 1D. Land Use and Carbon Sequestration Recommended actions at this intervention point fall under four strategies, with a total of eighteen actions, as presented in the sections and tables below. 1D1. Establish a system for collecting, monitoring, and evaIuatingthe carbon sequestration potential of Hawaii Island and the impact of land use ActionProject Duration mom • Partner with State and federal agencies to 1D1.1 identify a carbon sequestration baseline for R&D, PD $ 2023 • Hawaii Island Partner with State and federal agencies to 1 D1.2 develop a standardized platform to monitor R&D, PD $ 2024 • carbon sequestration potential and land use over time - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - Publish a report that evaluates the impact of development and land use on Hawaii Island carbon sequestration utilizing the platform. • Create policy recommendations based on 1 D1.3 carbon sequestration trends observed through PD $ 2028 • monitoring system Conduct a study to identify County-owned 1 D1.4 undeveloped or vacant lands that can be R&D $ 2025 • reforested Continue to pilot regional examples of carbon 1 D1.5 sequestering landscaping on public access and DF, DPR $$ 2023 • open spaces lands, County parks, and County assets - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - Conduct an inventory of existing studies done on public access and open space lands to demonstrate models for evaluating carbon sequestration Climate Cascade 1:Greenhouse Gas Emissions 38 .\,�, Greenhouse Gas Reduction and Climate Adaptation Actions to 0 ' : ' of Hawal'! Build Local Resilience to Climate Change *���►�� 1D2. Promote reforestation and conservation of forest canopies, especially in mauka areas that benefit watershed capacity and quality Action <2 2-5 >5 Numberyrs yrs yrs Continue to plant only native or non-invasive 1 D2.1 species as part of public access and open DF $ 2024MINN • spaces lands management practices Establish an ordinance to require all County County 1 D2.2 owned lands to plant only native or non- Council, $ 2024 • invasive species, specifically plants most able DPR, to thrive in the local environment DPW - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - Partner with state agencies, the conservation and landscaping industries, and local community members to develop a preliminary list of plants for specific sites and best management practices, such as mulching, to prevent invasive species growth. Amend Chapter 2,Article 42 of the Hawaii County 1 D2.3 County Code to prohibit the planting of invasive Council, $ 2024 • species in public access and open spaces DF lands In every grubbing and grading permit, include a 1 D2.4 list of local nurseries with which developers can DPW $ 2023 • partner for landscaping needs - Partner with local non-profits to create a list of nurseries, such as Plant Pono certified nurseries Amend Chapter 25 to require a percentage of County 1 D2.5 open space to be preserved as open space as Council, $ 2023 a condition of approval for any rezone or time • PD extension to maintain forest and plant cover. 1D3. Encourage farming practices that increase soil quality and ability to capture carbon ActionT" 'Irloject Duration Numberyrs yrs yrs Continue to provide funding to farmers through 1 D3.1 small grants, prioritizing projects that increase R&D $ 2023 • soil quality and improved manure management I Explore the potential cost-benefits of creating a 1 D3.2 new category within the real property tax code DF $ 2027 • with benefits for carbon neutral or carbon negative agricultural lands Partner with State agencies, local universities, 1 DU and non-profits to provide technical assistance R&D $ 2024 • and educational materials on best farming Climate Cascade 1:Greenhouse Gas Emissions 39 .\,�, Greenhouse Gas Reduction and Climate Adaptation Actions to O ' : ' of Hawal'! Build Local Resilience to Climate Change *���►�� ActionProject Duration <2 2-5 >5 Numberyrs yrs yrs practices that improve carbon sequestration potential and increase soil quality 1D3.4 Increase tool-sharing, including maintenance, R&D $ 2025 • to-increase-accessibility of local farming Collect baseline data on food importation and 1 D3.5 inform local producers and distributors on high R&D $ 2024 • demand products and incorporate this data into future County Greenhouse Gas Inventories Continue partnerships with State and federal 1 D3.6 agencies to expand programs like Da Bux to R&D $ 2023 • increase accessibility of local food 1D4. Carbon Credit Programs ActionProject Duration moo • 1 D4.1 Partner with the State to explore carbon R&D $ 2023 • markets for which the County is eligible — Establish reporting standards to measure carbon sequestration of ag and conservation land. r„ Partner with State agencies to investigate the 1 D4.2 potential of accessing national carbon credit R&D, DF $ 2028 • markets for County-owned and managed properties Climate Cascade 1:Greenhouse Gas Emissions 40 Greenhouse Gas Reduction and Climate Adaptation Actions to Aa�� *�r1 Integrated ' of Hawal'i Build Local Resilience to Climate Change � Climate Action Co-Benefits Climate co-benefits describe the potential for actions to achieve multiple outcomes. In order to realize a co-benefit, each action must be planned, designed, and implemented with a conscious consideration of co-benefits. Co-Benefit Action Number. • Increased heat waves and average temperature will increase energy demand. 1A2, 1A3, 1A4, Reducing dependence on fossil fuels for electricity will minimize the cost of A5, 1A6, 1A7 -� increased demand on the County, residents, and businesses. Climate Risk • Reducing emissions via restoring native ecosystems can increase wetland 1134.1, 1 D1.4, Reduction barriers against sea level rise and decrease urban heat zones through cooling. 1D1.5, 1D2 • Incentivizing new and implementing existing energy efficiency measures for LMI 1A5.2, 1A5.3, communities will decrease the percentage of income spent on electricity. 1A5.5, 1A6, 1A7 • Increasing building energy efficiency increases access to temperature-regulated 1A5.2, 1A5.3, buildings for vulnerable members of the population, including kupuna, keiki, and 1A5.5, 1A6 people with chronic health conditions. • Increasing transit-oriented development and public transit accessibility decreases cost of transportation and commute time, allowing people to spend more time 1131, 1134 with their families. Socio-Cultural . Reducing waste decreases toxic runoff and water table pollution, increasing 1 C2, IC3, IC4, Equity healthy watersheds that support families harvesting their own food. IC5 • Restoring and conserving native ecosystems preserves plants that are Native 1 D2.1, 1 D2.2, Hawaiian cultural staples. 1 D2.3, 1 D2.4 • Increasing equitable resilience to climate hazards will benefit historically marginalized and frontline communities and communities that have been made All actions vulnerable to climate change impacts. • Vegetation management focused on removal of non-native and invasive trees 1D2.1, 1D2.2, and vegetation and restoration of native trees and vegetation will reduce risks 1 D2.3, 1 D2.4, from both wildfire and flooding and improve management of debris flows and 1 D2.5 sediment runoff during severe rainfall events. Conservation of forest canopy and reforestation mauka decreases stream 1 D2.1, 1 D2.2, diversion and increases water tables. 1 D2.3, 1 D2.4 Environmental • Incentivizing waste reduction decreases leakage of toxic chemicals from 1C1, 1C2, IC3, Protection landfilled and non-landfilled waste. IC4, IC5 • Incentivizing waste repurposing can build soil. 1 C4, 1 C5.4 • Restoring and conserving native ecosystems reduces the vulnerability of native 1 D2.1, 1 D2.2, plants to invasive species. 1 D2.3, 1 D2.4 • Increasing re-use of waste creates local jobs that support local businesses. 1 C3, 1 C5.2 • Reducing landfilled waste also reduces environmental externalities that are Economic penalized by the EPA, require resources to address, and decrease the viability of IC Resilience land for agriculture. • Incorporates policies and actions in Multi-Modal Transportation Plan and 113, IC 0 Integration Solid Waste Management Plan. Plan Integration • Consistent with Hawaii General Plan 1A, 113, ID Climate Cascade 1:Greenhouse Gas Emissions 41 ' , Greenhouse Gas Reduction and Climate Adaptation Actions to +� "�f�`� IntegratedBuild Local Resilience to Climate Change MEMO# Actions You Can Take What can you do to reduce = your emissions? '"NNO-0,w7duce Your redu ur Energy t1nese UPS to ' • Replace light bulbs with LEDs L energy and gas bills! • Invest in rooftop PV panels and home batteries • Contact Hawaii Energy for energy audits for your home and apply for their rebates ($$ back) • Purchase electric lawn equipment (weedwhackers, leaf O blowers, lawn mowers, etc) ` • Update your home's insulation to reduce AC Waste • Compost your food Transportation • Shop with reusable bags • Carpool with friends and • Avoid single use plastics coworkers • Bring your own plates, utensils, • Drive less by combining trips water bottles, coffee cups • Use Hele-on public transit • Reuse and repurpose goods and • Bike or walk when you can materials where possible • Choose a fuel-efficient vehicle such as a hybrid or electric car • Maintain your vehicle. Regular maintenance, such as changing the oil and keeping tires A/ properly inflated, can improve fuel efficiency Land Use • Use organic fertilizers, reduce pesticides . Plant trees ® • Grow your own garden Climate Cascade 1:Greenhouse Gas Emissions 42 Integrated Island , Greenhouse Gas Reduction and Climate Adaptation Actions to 0-5-1 � Climate Action Plan for the Build Local Resilience to Climate Change MEMO# t CLIMATE CASCADE 2: AIR AND SEA SURFACE TEMPERATURE Climate Cascade 2 focuses on the primary indicators of climate change: increasing air and sea surface temperature and lowering ocean water pH (acidification) (Figure 11). This section describes and evaluates this climate cascade and identifies intervention points for County actions and the potential co- benefits of such actions. Cascade 2: Air & Sea Surface Temperature '(`greenhouse gas emissions invasive species& tair&sea surface temperature land management ntanelforest permafrost ecosystems air&sea surface agriculture temperature ocean pH 214 human 2C 2C coral reef health gy 2B ecosystems i economy Figure 11.Climate Cascade 2.Air&sea surface temperature Climate Cascade 2:Air and Sea Surface Temperature 43 .\,�, Greenhouse Gas Reduction and Climate Adaptation Actions to 0 ' : ' of Hawal'! Build Local Resilience to Climate Change *���►�� Cascade Narrative Rising greenhouse gas emissions increase air and sea surface temperature. Increasing greenhouse gas emissions result in higher air and sea surface temperatures and greater absorption of carbon dioxide in the ocean, which decreases ocean pH (in other words, increases acidity). The number of hot days per year in Hawaii has increased dramatically over the last decade.60 Temperature is predicted to continue rising above historical averages (Figure 12).61 Coastal communities on the island are especially susceptible to increased temperatures, with longer stretches of temperatures well above 80 OF. Higher temperatures alone can be dangerous for the health of humans and other living creatures. Higher temperatures also change the natural cycles of our planet. For example, higher temperatures can affect how the atmosphere retains water, leading to increased rain in some areas and drought in others. Global warming may accelerate even more as increasing air temperature mobilizes the release of methane from thawing Arctic permafrost.62 60 Stevens, L.E., R. Frankson, K.E. Kunkel, P.-S. Chu, and W. Sweet(2022). Hawai'i State Climate Summary 2022. NOAA Technical Report NESDIS 150-HI. NOAA/NESDIS, Silver Spring, MD, 5 pp. https://statesummaries.ncics.org/chapter/hi/ 61 Hawai'i Department of Transportation.2021. Hawai'i Highways, Climate Adaptation Action Plan, Exposure Assessments, https://hidot.Hawai'i.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/HDOT-Climate-Resilience-Action-Plan-Exposure-Assessments-April-2021.pdf 62 Froitzheim, N., Majka, J., &Zastrozhnov, D. (2021). Methane release from carbonate rock formations in the Siberian permafrost area during and after the 2020 heat wave. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 118(32),e2107632118. doi:10.1073/pnas.2107632118 Climate Cascade 2:Air and Sea Surface Temperature 44 .\,�, Greenhouse Gas Reduction and Climate Adaptation Actions to 0 ' : ' of Hawal'! Build Local Resilience to Climate Change *���►�� A Temperature 81.3 73 64 56 47 38.5 Roads At 30 Miles B 01.3 64 Be 47 39.5 r —Roads Figure 12.Annual mean temperature(A)historical and(B)end-of century under the IPCC high-emissions scenario(Scenario RCP 8.5) Climate Cascade 2:Air and Sea Surface Temperature 45 Island , Greenhouse Gas Reduction and Climate Adaptation Actions to Aa�� Integrated Climate Action Plan for the Build Local Resilience to Climate Change Hotter air temperature poses risks to human health. Hot temperatures can be unsafe, especially for vulnerable populations and people exposed for extended periods of time. Kupuna and keiki, especially keiki playing outside, are even more susceptible to the effects of extreme heat. Prolonged exposure to extreme heat can cause heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and death, as well as exacerbating preexisting chronic conditions such as respiratory, cerebral, and cardiovascular diseases.63 Hot temperatures become more dangerous when combined with high humidity, as humidity compromises the effectiveness of sweat cooling the body. This means the higher the humidity, the hotter temperatures feel Heat indices measure the combination of humidity and temperature. Urban areas lack the tree canopy and green spaces that absorb heat and provide shade. Instead, infrastructure, like buildings and roads, increases the surrounding temperature, creating an urban heat island effect. Plants, birds, and other living beings will migrate and will likely be more stressed with increasing air temperature. Temperature is an essential part of how living beings regulate our behavior. The gender of honu `ea [hawksbill turtles] is affected by temperature, with warmer temperatures leading to more female honu born.64 Mamo and other damselfish species regulate their metabolism through temperature. Higher temperatures have been shown to negatively affect their ability to metabolize and swim.65 Increased air temperature will affect the behavioral patterns of living beings on Hawaii island, often in ways we can't yet predict. For example, avian mosquitoes are migrating mauka with warmer air temperatures, harming native bird populations that live at higher elevations.66 Some plant species may benefit from higher concentrations of atmospheric carbon dioxide. Increased carbon may boost forest growth and crop yields by increasing rates of photosynthesis and decreasing the loss of water from transpiration.67 However, other factors critical to plants' growth, such as nutrients, temperature, and water, may limit growth.68 For example, the seed production of koa decreases in response to higher temperatures.69 There are many ways living creatures can adapt to increased temperature. In alpine ecosystems across the Pacific, species have been migrating to higher elevations in response to climate change.70 Increasing temperature exacerbates drought intensity due to higher 63 National Institutes of Environmental Health.2022. Climate and Human Health. https://www.niehs.nih.gov/research/programs/climatechange/health impacts/heat/index.cfm#:—:text=Prolonged%20exposure%20to% 20extreme%20heat,%2C%20cerebral%2C%20and%20cardiovascular%20diseases. 64National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. (2022). Hawaiian Hawksbill Sea Turtle Brochure. https://media.fisheries.noaa.gov/2022-02/hawaiian-hawksbill-sea-turtle-brochure-PIRO.pdf 65 Johansen,J.L.and Jones, G.P. (2011), Increasing ocean temperature reduces the metabolic performance and swimming ability of coral reef damselfishes. Global Change Biology, 17:2971-2979. https://doi.org/10.1111/1.1365-2486.2011.02436.x 66 L. B. Fortini, L. R. Kaiser, D.A. LaPointe, Fostering real-time climate adaptation:Analyzing past,current,and forecast temperature to understand the dynamic risk to Hawaiian honeycreepers from avian malaria. Glob. Ecol. Conserv.23, e01069 (2020). 67 NASA.2022. NASA Study: Rising Carbon Dioxide Levels Will Help and Hurt Crops https://www.nasa.gov/feature/goddard/2016/nasa-study-rising-carbon-dioxide-levels-will-help-and-hurt-crops fi8 Cho, Renee.2022. How will climate change affect plants? https://news.climate.columbia.edu/2022/01/27/how-climate-change-will- affect-plants/ fi9 Pau, S, Cordell, S, Ostertag, R, Inman, F, Sack, L. Climatic sensitivity of species'vegetative and reproductive phenology in a Hawaiian montane wet forest. Biotropica.2020; 52: 825—835. 1-ttps://doi.orq/10.1111/btp.12801 70 Frazier,A. G., &Brewington, L. (2020). Current Changes in Alpine Ecosystems of Pacific Islands. In M. I.Goldstein &D.A. DellaSala (Eds.), Encyclopedia of the World's Biomes (pp. 607-619). Oxford: Elsevier. Climate Cascade 2:Air and Sea Surface Temperature 46 .\,�, Greenhouse Gas Reduction and Climate Adaptation Actions to OEM Integrated ' of Hawal'i Build Local Resilience to Climate Change *���►�� evaporation which can increase tree mortality and therefore contributing to forest decline." Species in Hawaii are most vulnerable when they are also threatened by habitat loss and invasive species.72 Increased temperature places greater demand on energy systems. Increasing air temperature places greater demand on energy consumption. Increased use of air conditioners will be necessary for organizations that serve vulnerable populations, such as hospitals and schools. Additionally, technology like data servers require immense amounts of cooling, which will increase energy demand as temperatures and technology use rise. Disasters from climate change can also increase energy demand, as power sources go out and need to be replaced with fossil fuel.73 Heightened energy demand further increases greenhouse gas emissions, especially without renewable and reliable energy sources. A warmer ocean and more acidic ocean stresses coral reef ecosystems. Decreasing ocean pH (ocean acidification) can damage coral reefs directly and indirectly from increasing rainfall and runoff from sewage and chemicals application, including pesticides and fertilizers. Increasing sea surface temperature, also associated with increasing storm intensity74 can cause similar damage. This ultimately affects fish populations, the food web in marine ecosystems, and the people who depend on them. Hawaii is impacted not only by global ocean acidification, but also coastal acidification resulting from localized land-based pollution, such as runoff and cesspools.75 Coral bleaching may occur annually with increasing ocean temperature. Rising levels of carbon dioxide dissolved in the ocean and the resulting increase in acidity changes the balance of minerals in the water.76 Ocean acidification makes it more difficult for corals, some types of plankton, and other creatures to produce calcium carbonate used to produce hard skeletons or shells, making it more difficult for these animals to thrive and jeopardizing the health of the reef. Cascade Exposure Analysis Climate exposure analysis was based on a literature review. A geospatial analysis of climate exposure and risk (as conducted for Climate Cascades 3, 4, and 5) was not conducted. Climate exposure and risk analyses for air temperature should be conducted as described in the Limitations section. 71 Brodribb,T.J., Powers, J., Cochard, H.and Choat, B. (2020). Hanging by a thread? Forests and drought. Science,368(6488), pp.261-266. 72 Lucas Fortini, Jonathan Price, James Jacobi,Adam Vorsino,Jeff Burgett, Kevin Brinck, Fred Amidon, Steve Miller, Sam 'Ohukani'ohi'a Gon III, Gregory Koob, and Eben Paxton (2013)A Landscape-based assessment of climate change vulnerability for all native hawaiian plants.Technical Report HCSU-044. https://hilo.hawaii.edu/hcsu/documents/TR44_Fortini_plant_vulnerability_assessment.pdf 73 Perera,A.T.D., Nik,V.M., Chen, D. et al. (2020)Quantifying the impacts of climate change and extreme climate events on energy systems. NatEnergy5, 150-159. https://doi.org/10.1038/s4l560-020-0558-0 74 Walsh, K.J., McBride, J.L., Klotzbach, P.J., Balachandran, S., Camargo, S.J., Holland, G., Knutson,T.R., Kossin,J.P., Lee,T.C., Sobel,A. and Sugi, M. (2016).Tropical cyclones and climate change.Wiley Interdisciplinary Reviews:Climate Change, 7(1), pp.65- 89. 75 State of Hawai'i (2021). State of Hawai'i Ocean Acidification Action Plan 2021 —2031 https://dinr.hawaii.gov/dar/files/2021/09/State of Hawaii OA Action Plan.pdf 76 EPA(2022). Climate Change Indicators: Ocean Acidity. https://www.epa.gov/climate-indicators/climate-change-indicators-ocean- acidity Climate Cascade 2:Air and Sea Surface Temperature 47 .\,�, Greenhouse Gas Reduction and Climate Adaptation Actions to O ' : ' of Hawal'! Build Local Resilience to Climate Change *���►�� �V Intervention Points and Actions Actions are associated with three intervention points (2A—2C) within the climate change indicators cascade (Figure 11). Entities responsible for implementing these actions are mostly County departments but also include the private sector and individuals. Lead County departments for this cascade are as follows: • Planning Department (DP) • Department of Public Works (DPW) • Department of Finance (DF) • Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) • Department of Environmental Management (DEM) • Research & Development (R&D) 2A. Human Hearten Recommended actions at this intervention point fall under three strategies, with a total of seven actions, as presented in the sections and tables below. 2A1. Reduce risk to community members participating in events at Parks facilities ActionProject Duration ActionNumber yes yes yes Track the temperature and humidity of parks 2A1.1 facilities weekly to determine trends in DPR $ 2024 • temperature and heat index. - Determine parks that are experiencing significant increases in 2025 • temperature - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Conduct community meetings to determine which policies, such as hours of sport events or providing water to keiki during after-school 2026 • events, need to change. Include a requirement for forest canopy or a 2A1.2 facility that provides shade in future parks DPR $ 2028 • developed. Climate Cascade 2:Air and Sea Surface Temperature 48 Ab Greenhouse Gas Reduction and Climate Adaptation Actions to ' : ' of Hawal'! Build Local Resilience to Climate Change *���►�� 2A2. Increase tree canopy in urban areas to reduce urban heat island effect Action ��M <2 2-5 >5 Numberyrs yrs yrs Pass an ordinance to require new County-built roads to include complete street measures County 2A2.1 where most effective to encourage planting of Council, $ 2024 • trees along streets to provide shade for DPW pedestrians. [See also 161.1] Identify and rank roads that would be most 2A2.2 feasible and beneficial to retrofit to include DPW $$ 2024 • complete street measures — Conduct a vulnerability assessment for existing roads. This assessment should include vulnerability of population to heat and should identify most-highly traversed areas. — Identify trees that are most appropriate to plant to minimize infrastructure damage from root systems or falling trees. Pass an ordinance to require all development in County 2A2.3 urban zones to include urban tree cover. This Council, $ 2024 • requirement should be scaled based on the PD increasing temperature of the area 2A2.4 Create a County-sponsored tree-planting R&D $ 2026 • program 2A3. Increase awareness of effects and prevention of heat exposure ActionProject Duration Numberyrs yrs yrs Partner with public and private entities to 2A3.1 increase awareness of heat risks and care for R&D $ 2024 • people exposed to extreme heat Climate Cascade 2:Air and Sea Surface Temperature 49 Ab Greenhouse Gas Reduction and Climate Adaptation Actions to ' : ' of Hawal'! Build Local Resilience to Climate Change *���►�� 213. Energy Resilience Recommended actions at this intervention point include one action under one strategy, as presented in the section and table below. 2131. Ensure County facilities are resilient to increased temperatures m Action <2 2-5 >5 Numberyrs yrs yrs Include an energy resilience assessment and 2131.1 roadmap in the Energy Management Plan for DPW $ 2025 • County facilities. [See 1A1.5, 1A1.6, 1A1.7] — Include an assessment of energy load from technology and vulnerability of populations that utilize facilities. Identify County • facilities that could be cooling centers during heat waves or blackouts. 2C. Coral Reefs Recommended actions at this intervention point include six actions under two categories, as presented in the section and table below. 2C1. Encourage preservation of coral reefs at County beach parks ' <2 Om • yrs 2C1.1 Include infographics about reef-safe activities at DPR $ 2024 • every County beach park 2C1.2 Assist with enforcement of restriction of non- DPR $ 2025 • reef safe sunscreen Continue to partner with the Kohala Center to 2C1.3 provide educational resources to visitors and DPR $ 2023 • residents at Kahalu`u Bay 2C2. Encourage conversion of cesspools ActionProject Duration Numberyrs yrs yrs Continue to partner with State and other entities 2C2.1 to fund cesspool conversions, research best DEM $$$ 2023 • conversion practices, and expand wastewater lines in urban areas to connect those Climate Cascade 2:Air and Sea Surface Temperature 50 .\,�, ' , Greenhouse Gas Reduction and Climate Adaptation Actions to O—C—A ' : Build Local Resilience to Climate ChangeOMAN *���►�� ActionProject Duration <2 2-5 >5 ActionNumber yes yrs yrs converting from OSDS within wastewater service areas (see also 3E1.1 and 4D2.1) Promote findings of State Cesspool Conversion 2C2.2 Working Group and integrate findings into DEM $$ 2024 • wastewater management, planning, and outreach Explore additional opportunities to fund cesspool conversions for individuals and DEM, 2C2.3 publicize opportunities to make them easily R&D $$ 2024 • accessible to the public Climate Cascade 2:Air and Sea Surface Temperature 51 .\,�, Greenhouse Gas Reduction and Climate Adaptation Actions to O ' : ' of Hawal'! Build Local Resilience to Climate Change *���►�� �V Climate Action Co-Benefits Climate co-benefits describe the potential for actions to achieve multiple outcomes. In order to realize a co-benefit, each action must be planned, designed, and implemented with a conscious consideration of co-benefits. Co-Benefit Action Number Do Preserving and restoring coral reef systems preserves corals 2C1.1, 2C1.2, 2C1.3 0 9 9 as a source of carbon sequestration. Greenhouse Gas • Increasing tree canopy to reduce ambient temperature Reduction increases carbon sinks. 2A1, 2A2 • Increasing tree canopy and green infrastructure in areas ? c experiencing flooding and sea level rise will help absorb the excess water. 2A1, 2A2, 2C2 Climate Risk • Preserving and restoring reefs provides natural protection from Reduction high waves and inundation. • Restoring and preserving coral reefs preserves the cultural 2C1, 2C2 resources associated with reefs. • Greening urban areas and developing climate-resilient energy systems increases the availability of cool areas for vulnerable 2A1, 2A2, 2A3, 2B1 Socio-Cultural populations, such as kupuna and keiki, to live and recreate. Equity • Increasing equitable resilience to climate hazards will benefit historically marginalized and frontline communities and All actions communities that have been made vulnerable to climate change impacts. • Increasing urban forestry can create corridors for species to migrate, so they can survive reductions in their natural habitat 2A2.1, 2A2.2, 2A2.3, 2A2.4 Environmental caused by development. Protection • Preserving and protecting coral reefs preserves the industries 2C1, 2C2 that rely on reefs, such as fishing. Economic Resilience E�H • Consistent with Hawaii State Cesspool Conversion Working Group Research Summary Report 2C2.1, 2C2.2, 2C2.3 Plan Integration Climate Cascade 2:Air and Sea Surface Temperature 52 Greenhouse Gas Reduction and Climate Adaptation Actions to Aa�� Integrated Climate Action Plan for the Island of *�►r�► • Build Local Resilience to Climate Change � Actions You Can Take What can you do to prepare? �.a 0 Plant trees in places that don't have shade 0 Respect signs asking you not to touch fish or reefs © Bring extra water to outdoor events with keiki and kupuna Before swimming, take off 0 Use reef-safe sunscreen to makeup, hair products, and lotions minimize damage to coral that may damage reefs reefs Place benches in shaded areas so 0 keiki and kupuna can rest when it's hot Replace your cesspool with a } septic tank or other system to reduce sewage leaking into reefs Climate Cascade 2:Air and Sea Surface Temperature 53 Greenhouse Gas Reduction and Climate Adaptation Actions to �.,� � Integrated ' of Hawal'! Build Local Resilience to Climate Change owl•WIT►��F CLIMATE CASCADE 3: DROUGHT AND EXTREME RAINFALL EVENTS Climate Cascade 3 focuses on how climate change—specifically changes in temperature and climate variability—can impact drought and extreme rainfall events, with compounding risks from wildfire, landslides, riverine flooding, and high winds (Figure 13). This section describes and evaluates this climate cascade and identifies intervention points for County actions and the potential co-benefits of such actions. Cascade 3: Drought & Extreme Rainfall Events '`greenhouse gas emissions 'Pair&sea surface temperature 4 climate variability drought invasive species& extreme land& land management rainfall water use events 3A native forest ecosystems run-off& 3C sedimentatio parks& 3B recreation groundwater,water human catchment, dams&irri ion health systems tourism groundwater dependent ecosystems waterlwastewater coral reefs systems 3D 3E parks& —► human health agricu ure recreation &well-being roads&bridges emergency 3F response services homes&community food production facilities Figure 13.Climate Cascade 3:Drought and extreme rainfall Climate Cascade 3:Drought and Extreme Rainfall Events 54 .\,�, Greenhouse Gas Reduction and Climate Adaptation Actions to OEM Integrated ' of Hawal'i Build Local Resilience to Climate Change *���►�� Cascade Narrative Rising global air and sea surface temperatures are changing rainfall patterns which may impact the frequency and intensity of future drought and extreme rainfall events Climate change and climate variability lead to changing drought and extreme rainfall conditions. Rainfall trends from 1920 to 2012 show a decrease in annual rainfall for all Hawaiian Islands, with the sharpest decline in the western part of Hawaii Island." The worst drought of the past century on Hawaii Island occurred from 2007 to 2014. Droughts have become hotter and longer, cover larger areas, and are increasingly exacerbated by human demands for water.'$ Extreme rainfall events on Hawaii Island have become more frequent.79 Extreme rainfall refers to the intensity of a rainfall event that delivers a high quantity of rainfall over a period of time. Rainfall patterns in Hawaii are influenced by natural climate variability from the EI Nino-Southern Oscillation (ENSO), the Pacific Decadal Oscillation, and the Pacific North American teleconnection pattern.80 Extreme rainfall events increase in La Nina years and decrease in EI Nino years.81 Drought has cascading effects on agriculture, native ecosystems, and the socioeconomy Prolonged drought has cascading effects on native ecosystems, the economy, agriculture, and public health. Drought can be classified into five categories depending on effects and duration: meteorological, agricultural, hydrological, socioeconomic, and ecological (Figure 14).82 The first three types of drought typically occur in sequence, while socioeconomic and ecological drought can occur at any point in a drought's progression and depends on the capacity of state and county resources to respond and the degree to which other ecosystem threats are mitigated.83 Drought reduces stream flow, which decreases the water available to support stream and wetland habitats, agricultural irrigation, cultural practices, and aquifer recharge and freshwater supplies.84 Rain-fed fields and pasture lands are the most vulnerable to drought effects in Hawaii; although if a drought persists, irrigated areas also can 77 Frazier,A. G., &Giambelluca,T.W. (2017).Spatial trend analysis of Hawaiian rainfall from 1920 to 2012. International journal of climatology,37(5),2522-2531.doi:10.1002/joc.4862 78 Crausbay, S.; Ramirez,A.R.; Carter, S.L.; Cross, M.S.; Hall, K.R.; Bathke, D.J.; Betancourt, J.L.; Colt,S.; Cravens,A.E.; Dalton, M.S.; et al. (2017). Defining Ecological Drought for the Twenty-First Century. Bull.Am. Meteorol. Soc.98,2543-2550. 79 Chen,Y. R., &Chu, P. S. (2014).Trends in precipitation extremes and return levels in the Hawai'ian Islands under a changing climate. International Journal of Climatology,34(15),3913-3925.doi:10.1002/joc.3950 ao Frazier,A. G., Elison Timm, O., Giambelluca,T.W., &Diaz, H. F. (2017).The influence of ENSO, PDO [Pacific Decadal Oscillation] and PNA[Pacific North American teleconnection pattern]on secular rainfall variations in Hawai'i. Climate dynamics,51(5-6),2127- 2140.doi:10.1007/s00382-017-4003-4 81 Chen,Y. R., &Chu, P. S. (2014).doi:10.1002/joc.3950 82 Frazier,A.G.; Giardina, C.P.; Giambelluca,T.W.; Brewington, L.;Chen,Y.-L.; Chu, P.-S.; Berio Fortini, L.; Hall, D.; Helweg, D.A.; Keener,V.W.; et al. (2022).A Century of Drought in Hawai'i: Geospatial Analysis and Synthesis across Hydrological, Ecological, and Socioeconomic Scales. Sustainability, 14, 12023. https://doi.org/10.3390/sul4l9l2O23 83 Crausbay, S.; Ramirez,A.R.; Carter, S.L.; Cross, M.S.; Hall, K.R.; Bathke, D.J.; Betancourt, J.L.; Colt,S.; Cravens,A.E.; Dalton, M.S.; et al. (2017). Defining Ecological Drought for the Twenty-First Century. Bull.Am. Meteorol. Soc.98,2543-2550. 84 Hawai'i County Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan 2020. )ttps://www.Hawai'icounty.gov/departments/civil-defense/multi-hazard- mitigation-plan-2020 Climate Cascade 3:Drought and Extreme Rainfall Events 55 Integrated Island , Greenhouse Gas Reduction and Climate Adaptation Actions to d"Q Climate Action Plan for the Build Local Resilience to Climate Change *���►�� become vulnerable.85 The two worst droughts for the State of Hawaii in the past century were 1998- 2002 and 2007-2014. Over$80 million in drought relief was provided to the agriculture sector as a result of these droughts.Ss Ecological Drought Meteorological Agricultural Hydrological Drought Drought Drought Socioeconomic Drought INCREASING DURATION . Figure 14.Sequence and duration of drought types Native forests are degraded by warming and drought through increased tree mortality and accelerated grass invasion, which together can reduce the cover of high quality forest and increase vulnerability to fire impacts.87 Freshwater ecosystems are particularly vulnerable to drought. Stream fauna are negatively affected by reductions in stream flow through the limited availability of freshwater habitat, loss of hydrological connectivity, and impaired water quality.88 Reduced surface water and groundwater inputs into nearshore environments may also have negative effects on organisms in brackish and marine environments. Groundwater discharge to streams has significantly decreased over the past 100 years, indicating a decrease in groundwater storage.89 Groundwater-dependent ecosystems (GIDE), such as fish ponds, anchialine pools, and coastal springs, are culturally and ecological important ecosystems that are impacted by drought exacerbated by unsustainable water use.90 Longer and more frequent droughts increase the demand for potable and non-potable water for municipal and agricultural uses. Water supply from County, private, and individual systems will be impacted by drought conditions and increased water use to support residents, agriculture, ranching, and tourism. 85 Frazier,A.G.; Giardina, C.P.; Giambelluca,T.W.; Brewington, L.;Chen,Y.-L.; Chu, P.-S.; Berio Fortini, L.; Hall, D.; Helweg, D.A.; Keener,V.W.; et al., (2022).A Century of Drought in Hawai'i:Geospatial Analysis and Synthesis across Hydrological, Ecological,and Socioeconomic Scales. Sustainability 2022, 14, 12023. https://doi.org/l0.3390/su14191202 , 86 Frazier,A.G.et al.,2022. https://doi.org/10.3390/sul4l9l2O23 87 Pacific Islands Climate Science Center. (2017). Ecological Drought in the Hawai'ian Islands: Unique tropical systems are vulnerable to drought. (Report from the Pacific Islands Climate Science Center Workshop, March 6-8,2017). Honolulu, HI. 88 Clilverd, H.M.,Tsang,Y.P., Infante, D.M., Lynch,A.J. and Strauch,A.M.,2019. Long-term streamflow trends in Hawai'i and implications for native stream fauna. Hydrological Processes,33(5), pp.699-719. 89 Hawai'i Water Resources Commission.2019. Hawai'i Water Resources Protection Plan. https://files.Hawai'i.gov/dlnr/cwrm/planning/wrpp20l9update/WRPP 201907.pdf 90 Gibson,V. L., Bremer, L. L., Burnett, K. M., Lui, N. K., &Smith, C. M. (2022). Biocultural values of groundwater dependent ecosystems in Kona, Hawai'i. Ecology and Society,27(3).doi:10.5751/ES-13432-270318 Climate Cascade 3:Drought and Extreme Rainfall Events 56 Integrated Island , Greenhouse Gas Reduction and Climate Adaptation Actions to SM Climate Action Plan for the Build Local Resilience to Climate Change *���►�� Improving water infrastructure and conservation by increasing water storage capacity, reducing leakages from water systems, providing backup water systems, using stormwater to recharge groundwater aquifers, integrating GDE needs in sustainable water yield analysis, and conducting education and outreach activities are some of the key pre-drought management actions needed in a changing climate.91 Severe rainfall events, compounded by flooding and landslides, increase risks to critical infrastructure, communities, and coastal ecosystems Heavy continuous rainfall over a period of several hours can create disaster conditions in high-sloping areas of the island, which are prone to landslides, and in low-lying areas with poor drainage. Runoff and flooding are some of the most disastrous impacts of severe rainfall events. As stream flows and velocities change, erosion patterns also change, altering channel shapes and depths, possibly increasing sedimentation behind dams, and affecting habitat and water quality. Changes in watershed vegetation and soil moisture conditions also change runoff and recharge patterns. Deforestation augments the impact of extreme rainfall events. When forests are removed from a watershed, stream flows can easily double. Increased sediment prevents streambeds from carrying the increased discharge, causing floodplains and floodplain elevations to increase. ;,r vrr ? �.'�•it I f (, i `N" rr . r u y ..� fig' `� �,, ''� ,,,`•. � Compounding effects of severe rainfall and landslides on cliff erosion and public safety Source:Photo obtained by County after Hurricane Lane 91Abby G. Frazier,Jonathan L. Deenik, Neal D. Fujii, Greg R. Funderburk,Thomas W. Giambelluca,Christian P. Giardina, David A. Helweg,Victoria W. Keener,Alan Mair, John J. Marra, Sierra McDaniel, Lenore N. Ohye, Delwyn S. Oki, Elliott W. Parsons,Ayron M. Strauch, Clay Trauernicht(2019), Managing Effects of Drought in Hawai'i and U.S.-Affiliated Pacific Islands. In:Vose,James M.; Peterson, David L.; Luce,Charles H.; Patel-Weynand,Toral,eds. Effects of drought on forests and rangelands in the United States: translating science into management responses. Gen.Tech. Rep.WO-98.Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service,Washington Office.95-121. Chapter 5. Climate Cascade 3:Drought and Extreme Rainfall Events 57 Integrated Island , Greenhouse Gas Reduction and Climate Adaptation Actions to OU Climate Action Plan for the Build Local Resilience to Climate Change *���►�� Many County roads, bridges, and structures are exposed to severe rainfall events and compounding hazards, especially flooding and landslides. Impacts to roads, powerlines, and other critical facilities result in disruption of emergency services. Increasing numbers of severe flood events will result in increasing numbers of brown water advisories that carry land-based sediment and contaminants, including sewage, dead animals, and pesticides, to the shoreline, beach parks, and coastal waters, impacting both public safety and coastal ecosystems. Wildfires compounded with heavy rainfall events, hot dry weather, and windstorms increase risk to native ecosystems and human health Rainfall-vegetation interactions are key predictors of fire risk.92 Heavy rainfall events prior to a drought season magnify the growth of vegetation that serves as fuel for wildfires.93 Subsequent declining rainfall and stream flow increase the likelihood of wildfire by drying out the vegetation that serves as fuel. As a result, forests are more susceptible to wildfires. Invasive species further compound the impacts of wildfire. Fire that spreads through fire-adapted invasive grasses and shrubs kills native plants that are highly vulnerable to fire.94 Hot dry spells create the highest fire risk. Increased temperatures may intensify wildfire danger by warming and drying out vegetation. Future drying with climate change will shift peak fire risk to higher elevations, endangering native forests mauka.95 High windstorms spread fire, increasing the risk of wildfire. The probability of high windstorms increases in a warmer climate, so climate change may increase the frequency of high windstorms and therefore the frequency and intensity of fires. Faster, wind-driven fires are harder to contain, and thus are more likely to expand into residential neighborhoods. High winds reduce the effectiveness of fuels reduction strategies, such as mown and grazed fuel breaks, and emphasize the need for additional strategies, especially reforestation of grasslands. Direct impacts of wildfires may include loss of structures, crops, and grazing land. Indirect impacts include health and safety issues, loss of nutrients from the soil, soil runoff to coral reefs, and economic impacts on agriculture and tourism. When heavy rains occur following a wildfire, flooding and landslides release sediment into rivers, permanently changing floodplains and damaging sensitive habitat and riparian areas. Fire followed by a severe rainfall event could release millions of cubic yards of sediment into streams and nearshore waters. 92 Trauernicht, C. (2019).Vegetation—rainfall interactions reveal how climate variability and climate change alter spatial patterns of wildland fire probability on Big Island, Hawai'i.The Science of the Total Environment, 650(Pt 1),459-469. doi:10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.08.347 93 Pacific Islands Climate Science Center. (2017). Ecological Drought in the Hawai'ian Islands: Unique tropical systems are vulnerable to drought. (Report from the Pacific Islands Climate Science Center Workshop, March 6-8,2017). Honolulu, HI. 94 Helweg, Dave; Giardina,Christian (2017). Ecological drought in the Hawaiian Islands: unique tropical systems are vulnerable to drought. University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science (UMCES) Integration &Application Network Newsletter 581.4p. 95 Trauernicht, C. (2019).Vegetation—rainfall interactions reveal how climate variability and climate change alter spatial patterns of wildland fire probability on Big Island, Hawai'i.The Science of the Total Environment, 650(Pt 1),459-469. doi:10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.08.347 Climate Cascade 3:Drought and Extreme Rainfall Events 58 Integrated Island , Greenhouse Gas Reduction and Climate Adaptation Actions to 0.,�� Climate Action Plan for the Build Local Resilience to Climate Change *���►�� Potential losses from wildfire include human life, structures and other improvements, and natural resources. Given the immediate response times to reported fires, the likelihood of injuries and casualties is minimal. Smoke and air pollution from wildfires can be a health hazard, especially for sensitive populations including children, the elderly and those with respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. Wildfire may also threaten the health and safety of those fighting fires. First responders are exposed to the dangers from the initial incident and after-effects from smoke inhalation and heat stroke. In addition, wildfire can lead to ancillary impacts such as landslides in steep ravine areas and flooding due to silt in local watersheds and nearshore receiving areas. w r* •" - M#L �''iii.`r _. ,r S_ Wildfire near Waimea on July 31,2021, prompts evacuations and threatens ranches and native forests. Source:25th Infantry Division/Handout Climate Cascade 3:Drought and Extreme Rainfall Events 59 Greenhouse Gas Reduction and Climate Adaptation Actions to O ' : ' of Hawal'! Build Local Resilience to Climate Change owl•MIT►��F Cascade Exposure Analysis The exposure analysis for this climate cascade identified County assets exposed and socially vulnerable communities at risk to multiple hazards. The County can use the information from these analyses to identify areas and assets to prioritize climate action. For Climate Cascade 3, exposure and risk were assessed from the geographic overlap of five hazards: 1. Drought 2. Wildfire 3. Riverine flooding 4. Landslide susceptibility (moderate or high) 5. High windstorms The following are key take-aways from the exposure analysis for this climate cascade: • Example areas with high climate cascade exposure (exposure to four or five hazards) are in South Kohala, North Kona, and South Hilo (Figure 15). • All types of County assets are exposed to the high cascade exposure level (exposure to four or five hazards; Table 4). • The low and medium exposure levels (exposure to one to three hazards; Table 4) can still pose a risk to County assets and communities. • North Kohala and South Kona had the highest number of County assets exposed to the high cascade exposure level (exposure to four or five hazards; Table 5). • Census block groups in South Hilo, Puna, and North Kona have the highest climate cascade risk (exposure to five or six hazards) (See Appendix B). For more information on the individual hazards see Appendix A. The climate risk analysis methodology and maps are provided in Appendix B. To fully explore the exposure and risk analysis, please visit the County's Climate Cascade Exposure Tool. Climate Cascade 3:Drought and Extreme Rainfall Events 60 Greenhouse Gas Reduction and Climate Adaptation Actions toIntegrated Climate Action Plan for the Island of Hawai'i ����w� p Build Local Resilience to Climate Change *���►�� Cascade 3 Hazard Exposure Overlap Exposure Overlap o 1 2 3 0© None Low Medium High Hawi Waimea Nlahukona Hanoka'a KgwaahaeWaimea Pa'auilo ! '" U ahoehoe t ai Waikoloa \Ninole i f' Honomu Hakalat Pepeekeo Kailua-Kana Kailua-Kona K�a'au eauhou View" K lakekua Pahoa Hamakua Honaunau Volcano -Kapoho lfa apana +Ivliloli r Pahal ce View-- l\ alehu North Kona ' 1 dcean View r `' tt Kalapair'a South Kona Miloli°i Ka`u Kalapana Figure 15.Climate Cascade 3:Areas exposed by number of overlapping hazard layers(drought,wildfire,riverine flooding,landslide susceptibility,high windstorms) Climate Cascade 3:Drought and Extreme Rainfall Events 61 Greenhouse Gas Reduction and Climate Adaptation Actions to ��1� IntegratedBuild Local Resilience to Climate Change *���►�� $410 Table 4.Climate Cascade 3:Number and type of County assets exposed to individual and overlapping hazards(drought,wildfire,riverine flooding,landslide susceptibility,high windstorms) Number of Assets CASCADE3 DROUGHT CoCn Drought 137 4,224 27 234 9,816 14,497 1,719 62 a) U) Wildfire 130 3,357 24 118 6,157 9,253 1,691 51 O Q X Riverine Flooding 33 597 28 6 1,047 1,030 326 48 Landslide (moderate or high) 461 8,737 182 265 14,472 39,243 2,322 174 x High Winds 129 3,136 107 147 4,448 9,780 160 58 None No Exposure 4 33 12 2 69 21 7 1 4, 0 1 Hazard Exposure 363 7,188 90 261 13,669 35,810 1,965 87 N O O_ X2 Hazard Exposures 177 5,150 124 214 8,917 15,602 1,859 85 LU Ea M N (D _ 3 Hazard Exposures 44 679 7 23 1,192 1,665 169 29 a) N U Hazard Exposures 9 114 1 3 179 366 7 11 Exposures5 Hazard 1 29 66 1 Climate Cascade 3:Drought and Extreme Rainfall Events 62 Greenhouse Gas Reduction and Climate Adaptation Actions to jv 0— rim ActionIntegrated Climate Build Local Resilience to Climate Change *��►�� Table 5.Climate Cascade 3:Number of County assets by district with high cascade exposure(4 or 5 hazard exposures) -- Cascade 3 MO Drought AN1 Extreme DistrictsRainfall South Hilo 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Puna 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 HAmAkua 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 1 North Kohala 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 South Kohala 7 108 2 3 198 431 0 6 North Kona 3 7 0 0 10 0 7 2 South Kona 0 4 0 0 0 1 0 1 Ka`u 0 6 0 0 0 0 0 1 Climate Cascade 3:Drought and Extreme Rainfall Events 63 ' , Greenhouse Gas Reduction and Climate Adaptation Actions to 0-5-1 � IntegratedBuild Local Resilience to Climate Change *��►�� Intervention Points and Actions Actions are associated with six intervention points (3A— 3F) within the drought and severe rainfall cascade (Figure 13). Actions were developed based on the County asset exposure analysis, capital improvement program projects (proposed and completed), and the 2020 County of Hawaii Multi- Hazard Mitigation Plan update. Entities responsible for implementing these actions are mostly County departments. Lead County departments for this cascade are as follows: • Planning Department (DP) • Department of Public Works (DPW) • Fire Department (FD) • Department of Environmental Management (DEM) • Department of Water Supply (DWS) 3A. New Development Recommended actions at this intervention point fall under two strategies, with a total of seven actions, as presented in the sections and tables below. 3A1. Improve climate hazard risk knowledge Action County 2-5 Number Lead <2 yrs yrs >5 yrs Assess compounding risk of severe rainfall 3A1.1 events and landslides on bluff failure for CD $$ 2026 • 1 susceptible shorelines in Hamakua Improve rainfall data collection and flood risk 3A1.2 identification and notification by installing rain CD $$$ 2026 • and stream gauges in Hamakua — Identify locations/quantity of rain and stream gauges 2024 o 3A1.3 Update drought trends CD $$ 2026 • 1 Use spatial and real-time assessments of fire 3A1.4 risk and integrate these into emergency CD $ 2026 • response plans and forecasts 3A1.5 Perform needs assessment and riverine flood DPW $$ 2024 • studies for Puna, North Kona, and South Kohala Climate Cascade 3:Drought and Extreme Rainfall Events 64 Greenhouse Gas Reduction and Climate Adaptation Actions to �.,� � Integrated ' of Hawal'! Build Local Resilience to Climate Change owl•MIT►��F 3A2. Update County codes, regulatory standards, and policies to reduce risks from drought, flooding, and fire based on best available climate projections and observed trends • Project Duration Action2-5 Number Action • <2 yrs yrs >5 yrs Update zoning (Chapter 25)and subdivision (Chapter 23)codes to incorporate new hazard mitigation requirements for drought and fire risk • 3A2.1 reduction DP $ 2024 Update floodplain management requirements 3A2.2 (Chapter 27)to incorporate new floodplain DPW $$ 2024 • management requirements for extreme rainfall events (see also: 3F2.2, 4A2.4, and 4F1.3) 3A2.3 Protect riparian areas DP $$ • ------------- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------- -------- - Delineate riparian areas 2023 o — Develop riparian protection area setbacks and best management 2024 0 practices 3A3. Decrease use of pesticides that create toxic runoff ActionProject Duration mom • 3A3.1 Eliminate the use of glyphosate for weed DPW $ 2023 FO management on County roads and facilities Climate Cascade 3:Drought and Extreme Rainfall Events 65 Greenhouse Gas Reduction and Climate Adaptation Actions to �.,� � Integrated ' of Hawal'! Build Local Resilience to Climate Change *l�VVVT►1V 3B. Water Resources Recommended actions at this intervention point fall under four strategies, with a total of 10 actions, as presented in the sections and tables below. 3131. Increase water storage capacity and groundwater recharge Actionr-4'_r2 2-5 >5 • yrs yrs 361.1 Increase water tank capacity county-wide DWS $$$ • -------------- ------------- ------------------ --------------- ------ - Monitor, evaluate and identify priorities for water tank capacity 1 2023 o improvements in areas at risk to drought 361.2 Increase groundwater recharge through watershed DWS $$ • protection -------------- ------- ------- ------ - Develop a watershed protection plan for Kona, Ka`u, and Kohala 2024 0 361.3 Encourage private landowners to increase storage DP $ 2025 • capacity in areas at risk to drought 361.4 Protect groundwater-dependent ecosystems (GDE) DWS $$ • -------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------- ------ - Locate wells in areas where pumping will not impact GDEs and limit 2025 0 pumping from wells that impact GDEs. Update the plumbing code to include gray 361.5 infrastructure,which would allow homeowners and DPW $$ 2025 • new developments to install the latest water conservation fixtures 3132. Reduce water system leakages Project Duration ' •• yes yes yes 362.1 Conduct annual system-wide water audit to identify DWS $ • sources of water loss - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - - - - Develop criteria to consider drought and other climate impacts in setting 2024 o retrofit priorities as part of the annual system-wide water audit - Schedule water system upgrades to reduce water system leakage 2025 0 3132.2 Retrofit dams/reservoirs to address embankment stability DWS $$$ • and waterproofing - Complete design for retrofit for Waikoloa Reservoir No. 1 2023 o Climate Cascade 3:Drought and Extreme Rainfall Events 66 Greenhouse Gas Reduction and Climate Adaptation Actions to �.,� � Integrated ' of Hawal'! Build Local Resilience to Climate Change owl•MIT►��F 3133. Identify alternative water supplies for times of drought Action2-5 NumberM <2 yrs yrs >5 yrs 363.1 Develop a water reuse program DEM $$ • - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - Identify opportunities for water reuse for all County systems 2024 o Update water use and development plan 363.2 incorporating ecosystem needs and climate DWS $$$ • change-island-wide- - Update water use and development plan incorporating climate change 2024 0 island-wide - Update water master plan incorporating climate change island-wide 2023 0 3134. Develop water conservation program ActionProject Duration mom • Integrate climate change into public outreach 364.1 for water conservation including drought- DWS $$ 2024 • resistant landscapes, water conservation practices, and reducing waters system losses 364.2 Review/update criteria for water conservation DWS $ 2024 triggers for the Waimea water system Update rate structure to influence active water 364.3 conservation techniques every 5 years DWS $$ • - Review/update rate structure based on changing use and projected 2023 0 future impacts of climate change on water supply 3C. Parks and Recreational Areas Recommended actions at this intervention point include two actions under one strategy, as presented in the section and table below. Climate Cascade 3:Drought and Extreme Rainfall Events 67 ' , Greenhouse Gas Reduction and Climate Adaptation Actions to � � ' : Build Local Resilience to Climate Change *��►�� M. Upgrade/relocate parks and park facilities exposed to flooding, drought, and other hazards ProjectCost • Number •• • $$$) •• <2 yrs yrs yrs 3C1.1 Assess risks to park facilities as part of the DPR $$ • design of renovation or construction projects - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Develop assessment tool to assess risks to structural conditions, 2025 L- Conduct landscaping, irrigation system and drainage - -assessment using tool at Kamakoa Nui 2026 0 3C1.2 Develop continuous corridors that protect riparian areas and open space, provide recreational opportunities, and mitigate risk DP $$ • from flood events and stormwater(see also 3A2.3) OEM — Map potential open space networks and trail systems 2025 0 — Develop design standards for continuous corridors 2026 0 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 3D. Roads and Bridges Recommended actions at this intervention point include three actions under one strategy, as presented in the section and table below. 3D1. Upgrade/relocate roads and bridges vulnerable to flooding from extreme rain events Project Duration ----------- Action County Cost Start 2 Numberyrs yrs yrs 3D1.1 Retrofit/relocate roads and bridges in flood DPW $$$ • prone areas - Review flood complaint logs to identify high flood risk areas 2024 o - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - -Assess flood risk to identified priorities including roads to access to Hilo hospital;roads above and below highway in Hamakua;and 2024 o Alaneo St, Haleaha PI, Keanuiomano St, Waiaka St. - Conduct multi-hazard assessment that includes climate risk to support 2024 0 retrofit needs - Partner with the State to retrofit/relocate State roads and bridges in 2024 0 flood prone areas Climate Cascade 3:Drought and Extreme Rainfall Events 68 Greenhouse Gas Reduction and Climate Adaptation Actions to .,� Integrated ' of Hawal'! Build Local Resilience to Climate Change owl•MIT►��F Project Duration • <2 2-5 >5 ActionNumber yrs yrs yrs Install drainage improvements, flood channels, 3D1.2 and retention basins to address flood risk to DPW $$$ • communities - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Conduct hydrology studies to address risks to development in South 2024 0 Kohala, North Kona, and South Kona - Map floodplains for South Kohala, North Kona, and South Kona 2024 0 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Plan for future climate impacts as a standard part of building new 2024 • county facilities and infrastructure 3D1.3 Harden Wailuku Bridge#1 in South Hilo DPW $$$ 2025 • 3E. Water and Wastewater Systems Recommended actions at this intervention point include two actions under one strategy, as presented in the section and table below. M. Upgrade/relocate wastewater systems exposed to extreme rainfall events ActionProject Duration mom • Expand wastewater lines in urban areas to 3E1.1 connect those converting from OSDS within DEM $$$ %' • wastewater service areas -Assist DOH link County residents to federal and State funding to 2023 0 upgrade on-site disposal systems in wastewater service areas - Conduct wastewater facility planning and resilience assessment by 2023 0 wastewater service area Coordinate with the State on wastewater 3E1.2 upgrades associated with State roads and DEM $$ • bridges -Assess vulnerability of wastewater system associated with Wailuku 2023 0 Bridge 3F. Existing Development Recommended actions at this intervention point fall under two strategies, with a total of six actions, as presented in the sections and tables below. Climate Cascade 3:Drought and Extreme Rainfall Events 69 ' , Greenhouse Gas Reduction and Climate Adaptation Actions to 0-21 � ' : Build Local Resilience to Climate Change *��►�� 3F1. Establish a fire risk reduction program Action <2 2-5 >5 Numberyrs yrs yrs 3F1.1 Establish fire breaks around communities and FD $$ 2024 • along roadways in high fire risk areas Continue to develop partnerships between communities and landowners to support fire risk 3F1.2 reduction practices, improve access for FD $$ 2023 • firefighters, and identify where water infrastructure can support livelihoods (grazing, agriculture 3F1.3 Conduct public education on possible CD $ 2024 • evacuation routes and safe zones Improve hazard tree management in fire and 3F1.4 flood prone areas with special focus on $$ • removing non-native and invasive species and DPW replanting appropriate native species -Amend landscape rules to promote drought-resistant landscape 2024 0 3F1.4 Participate in the Hawaii Firewise Community CD $ 2024 • Program to prepare Community Fire Plans M. Improve stormwater and floodplain management Action <2 2-5 >5 M• yrs yrs yrs 3F2.1 Maintain good standing and compliance under DPW $$ 2023 • the NFIP Update floodplain management requirements 3F2.2 (Chapter 27)to enhance the County's DPW $$ • classification under the CRS program (see also: 3A2.2, 4A2.4, and 4F1.3) - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Coordinate with State to improve BCEGS 2023 o Encourage green infrastructure in urban areas 3F2.3 (e.g., permeable pavement or stormwater DP $ 2024 • retention)for floodplain management and groundwater recharge Climate Cascade 3:Drought and Extreme Rainfall Events 70 Greenhouse Gas Reduction and Climate Adaptation Actions to O—U— : Build Local Resilience to Climate Change *s-toi Climate Action Co-Benefits Climate co-benefits describe the potential for actions to achieve multiple outcomes. In order to realize a co-benefit, each action must be planned, designed, and implemented with a conscious consideration of co-benefits. Co-Benefit Action Number • Limiting the spread of fires reduces the associated greenhouse gas 3A1.1,31`1.1 emissions. • Capturing methane from wastewater systems can generate 3E1.1,3E1.2 0� renewable energy or fuel. S o0 • Encouraging drought-resistant landscaping increases the area of 3F1.3,3F1.4 Greenhouse Gas vegetation,resulting in more carbon sequestration. Reduction • Reducing the risks of flooding,landslides,and fire reduces the greenhouse gas emissions associated with reconstruction of 3D2.1,3D2.2,3D2.3 infrastructure and need for alternative routes which increase emissions during road and bridge outages • Continued participation in the FireWise program supports 3F1.5 community-driven action to promote safety and wellbeing. • Increasing equitable resilience to climate hazards will benefit historically marginalized and frontline communities and communities All actions Social-Cultural that have been made vulnerable to climate change impacts. Equity • Conserving native ecosystems are fundamental to cultural practices 3131.4 • Integrating consideration of GDEs in establishing sustainable water 381.4 yields will reduce impacts to these ecosystems • Vegetation management focused on removal of non-native and invasive trees and vegetation and restoration of native trees and vegetation will reduce risks from both wildfire and flooding and improve management of debris flows and sediment runoff during 3F1.1 —3F1.4 Environmental severe rainfall events. Protection • Fire risk reduction around communities potentially limits fire spreading into upland areas,reducing fire-driven forest loss. • Decreasing use of pesticides can decrease toxic runoff,polluting the 3A3.1 water supply and affecting coral and land ecosystem health. • Limiting new development in fire and drought prone areas would 3A1.1 reduce economic loss to landowners and businesses. Maintaining good standing and compliance under the NFIP and Economic Resilience enhancing the County's classification under the CRS program will 31`21,3F2.2 reduce the cost of flood insurance for property owners. • Incorporates policies and actions in General Plan and Hazard WA,3A1.2,3A2.1,3A2.2, Mitigation Plan 3D1.3,3F1.1 Plan Integration Consistent with Hawai'i Fire Management Organization Firewise 3F1.5 Climate Cascade 3:Drought and Extreme Rainfall Events 71 Greenhouse Gas Reduction and Climate Adaptation Actions to �.,� � Integrated ' of Hawal'! Build Local Resilience to Climate Change *l�VVVT►1V �V Actions You Can Take drought& extreme What can you do to prepare? rainfall events Droughts Landslides • Plant drought-resistant food and • Stabilize slopes landscaping and mulch them well • Minimize vegetation removal • Use water saving kits • Install water usage meter for real time water monitoring & alert of potential P-2— leaks (57-- Windstorms • Install shower flow restrictors and low flow toilets • Trim trees like albizia and eucalyptus away from structures Wildfires � Riverine Flooding • Clear out dry, overgrown underbrush and diseased trees that could be fuel • Clear storm drains and culverts for wildfire • Raise structures above base flood • Mow regularly elevation • Use fire-resistant building materials Elevate items within house above base flood elevation • Use recommendations from the Hawaii Wildfire Management Flood-proof essential structures Organization to safeguard home • Buy flood insurance • Identify alternative water supplies for firefighting • Install/replace roofing material with non-combustible materials Climate Cascade 3:Drought and Extreme Rainfall Events 72 Greenhouse Gas Reduction and Climate Adaptation Actions to �.,� � Integrated ' of Hawal'! Build Local Resilience to Climate Change owl•WIT►��F �V CLIMATE CASCADE 4: SEA LEVEL RISE Climate Cascade 4 focuses on how climate change—specifically changes in temperature and climate variability—contributes to the slowly emerging impacts of sea level rise, with compounding hazard risk from coastal and riverine flooding and landslides (Figure 16). This section describes and evaluates this climate cascade and identifies intervention points for County actions and the potential co-benefits of such actions. Cascade 4: Sea Level Rise Tgreenhouse gas emissions Tair&sea surface temperature A climate variability tropical cyclones& sea level climate migration coastal ... erosion 4E development emergency 4B 4A new roads&bridges response cultural&historic Q waterl services resources wastewater 4F systems 4C homes&community groundwater shallow facilities parks&recreatio dependent groundwater ecosystems aquifers run-off& water supply from human health sedimentation private wells &well-being coral reef tourism — ecosystems Figure 16.Climate Cascade 4:Sea level rise Climate Cascade 4:Sea Level Rise 73 ' , Greenhouse Gas Reduction and Climate Adaptation Actions to � ' : Build Local Resilience to Climate Change *�E Cascade Narrative Sea level rise is accelerating and is projected to continue to rise, even if future GHG emissions are reduced to net zero and global warming halted. Sea level is rising globally and the rate of sea level rise is accelerating due entirely to unabated human activities.96 Sea level will continue to rise even if global warming is halted, as greenhouse gas emissions have a lag effect on temperature.97 Higher global temperatures, driving melting global ice caps and glaciers and thermal ocean expansion, are resulting in rising sea level. Relative sea level rise is higher around Hawaii Island due to subsidence of the growing island. The observed rate of sea level rise for Hawaii Island is 1.6 inches per decade, higher than Maui, Oahu, and Kaua`i.98 The projected rate of sea level rise at Hilo, Hawaii, is 0.95 feet by 2040, 2.1 feet by 2060, 4.0 feet by 2080, and 6.2 feet by 2100 for an intermediate high scenario.99 The State Climate Commission and Honolulu Climate Commission recommends the intermediate scenario for most planning. Climate change and climate variability both play a role in shorter-term sea level variability. Sea level rise variability is a result of variations in astronomical tides, wave setup, and migration of warm buoyant waters through the islands brought in by winds and currents. Sea level extremes are caused by shifts of the tropical Pacific thermocline associated with EI Nino-Southern Oscillation (ENSO).100 Hawaii experienced record-high sea levels during 2017 following a strong EI Nino event in 2015.10' These record high water levels were produced by a combination of phenomena that included long-term global sea level rise, peak annual astronomical tides ("king tides"), wave setup, and migration of warm buoyant waters brought in by winds and currents. 96 Dangendorf, S., Hay,C., Calafat, F.M.et al. Persistent acceleration in global sea-level rise since the 1960s. Nat. Clim. Chang. 9, 705-710 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1038/s4l558-019-0531-8 97 IPCC (2023)Synthesis Report of the IPCC Sixth Assessment(AR6), Summary for Policy Makers(2023) https://report.ipcc.ch/ar6syr/pdf/IPCC AR6 SYR SPM.pdf 98 Marra,J.J and M.C.. Kruk(2017). State of Environmental Conditions in Hawai'i and the U.S.Affiliated Pacific Islands under a Changing Climate, NOAA NESDIS National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI). https://coralreefwatch.noaa.gov/satellite/publications/state of_the_environment 2017 hawaii-usapi_noaa-nesdis-ncei oct2Ol7.pdf 99 Sweet,W.V.,B.D.Hamlington,R.E.Kopp,C.P.Weaver,P.L.Barnard,D Bekaert,W.Brooks, M.Craghan,G.Dusek,T. Frederikse,G.Garner,A.S. Genz,J.P.Krasting, E. Larour,D.Marcy,J.J.Marra,J.Obeysekera,M.Osler, M.Pendleton,D.Roman, L.Schmied,W.Veatch,K.D.White,and C. Zuzak,.(2022). Global and Regional Sea Level Rise Scenarios for the United States:Updated Mean Projections and Extreme Water Level Probabilities Along U.S. Coastlines.Retrieved from Silver Spring,MD:https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/hazards/sealevelrise/noaa-nos-techrptOl-global-regional-SLR- scenarios-U S.pdf goo Wdlansky, M.J.,Timmermann,A., &Cai,W. (2015). Future extreme sea level seesaws in the tropical Pacific. Science Advances, 1(8),el 500560.doi:doi:10.1 126/sciadv.1 500560 101 Long,X.,Wdlansky, M.J., Schloesser, F.,Thompson, P. R.,Annamalai, H., Merrifield, M.A., &Yoon, H. (2020). Higher Sea Levels at Hawai'i Caused by Strong EI Nino and Weak Trade Winds.Journal of climate, 33(8), 3037-3059.doi:10.1175/jcli-d-19- 0221.1 Climate Cascade 4:Sea Level Rise 74 ' , Greenhouse Gas Reduction and Climate Adaptation Actions to OEM ' : Build Local Resilience to Climate Change owl•WIT►��F Coastal flooding and erosion from high tides, waves, and storm surge are increasing, driven by rising sea level and other climate change effects. Sea level rise increases the extent of coastal flooding and erosion from high tides102, waves, floods, and storm surge. The number of minor flood days for Hawaii Island increased from 3 days per year on average in the 1960s to 11 days per year in the decade starting in 2005.103 ENSO is one of the principal contributors to long-term wave climate variability in Hawai`i.104 ENSO events can increase or reduce the amount of wave power at the coast, affecting the probability of coastal flooding or erosion. Wave power around the Hawaiian Islands is highly correlated with ENSO events, increasing during EI Nino and decreasing during La Nina events. Riverine flooding and landslides compound the impacts of coastal flooding and erosion along Hawaii Island's coastline. Increased riverine flooding during severe rainfall events results in coastal flooding and erosion where the river meets the sea. Severe rainfall and riverine flooding events increase risks from landslides and cliff failure. Many of Hawaii Island's disaster declarations have been associated with severe storms, high surf, flooding, and mudslides.105 Critical infrastructure, homes, and beach parks along the coastline are exposed to coastal hazards exacerbated by sea level rise. Many County roads, bridges, parks, and structures are exposed to coastal hazards exacerbated by sea level rise. Critical infrastructure impacted by sea level rise includes hazard materials and waste storage facilities, wastewater treatment facilities, and transportation, communication, energy, and safety and security systems. Structures along the coastline in South Hilo, North Kona, and South Kohala have the greatest sea level rise exposure. Sea level rise jeopardizes shallow groundwater aquifers used for drinking water wells and degrades water lines and wastewater systems, which leak into groundwater aquifers and coastal ecosystems. Many wastewater line segments, water line segments, and on-site disposal systems are exposed to sea level rise. Saltwater intrusion from sea level rise into shallow coastal aquifers impacts potable water supply from shallow coastal groundwater wells and underground infrastructure such as water and wastewater infrastructure. Underground infrastructure may become corroded and contaminate freshwater and nearshore waters.'06 Sea level rise and associated inland and coastal flooding increase 102 Vitousek, Sean et al."Doubling of Coastal Flooding Frequency Within Decades Due to Sea-Level Rise."Scientific reports 7.1 (2017): 1399-9.Web. 103 Marra, J.J and M.C.. Kruk(2017) https://coralreefwatch.noaa.gov/satellite/publications/state_of_the_environment_2017_hawaii- usapi_noaa-nesdis-ncei_oct2017.pdf 104 Oderiz, I., Silva, R., Mortlock,T. R., &Mori, N. (2020). EI Nino-Southern Oscillation Impacts on Global Wave Climate and Potential Coastal Hazards.Journal of geophysical research. Oceans, 125(12), n/a.doi:10.1029/2020JC016464 105 Hawai'i County.2020. Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan 106 Befus, K. M.et al.(2020)."Increasing Threat of Coastal Groundwater Hazards from Sea-Level Rise in California." Nature climate change 10.10 (2020):946-952.Web. Climate Cascade 4:Sea Level Rise 75 Greenhouse Gas Reduction and Climate Adaptation Actions to Aa�� *�►r�► •: A ' of Hawal'i Build Local Resilience to Climate Change � Ear- . corrosion of metallic pipelines, resulting in more main breaks and higher repair and replacement costs.107 As sea level rises, sewer lines and cesspools in coastal areas will release wastewater into the groundwater and nearshore waters.108 Cultural resources and coastal ecosystems will be impacted by coastal flooding and storm surge. Cultural and historic resources located near the shoreline are at risk to coastal flooding and storm surge exacerbated by sea level rise. National historic landmarks are cultural and historic places that hold national significance.'01 They are sites of great cultural significance sacred to the Hawaiian people. Some sites that may be impacted include Kamakahonu and Pu'u Alii. Kamakahonu, the residence of Kamehameha I, is located at the north end of Kailua Bay in Kailua-Kona on the Island of Hawaii. Pu'u Ali'i (the South Point Complex) is thought to be the site of one of the earliest settlements in the Hawaiian Islands and is believed to be the landing place of Hawaii's first inhabitants. Saltwater intrusion from sea level rise into shallow coastal aquifers impacts coastal ecosystems.10 Coastal ecosystems vulnerable to coastal hazards include beaches and cliffs, estuaries, fishponds, and anchialine pools."' Anchialine pools are unique brackish water environments that form in lava fields near the ocean. These pools are fed by subsurface groundwater (freshwater) and tides (seawater) with no visible connection to the ocean.12 Anchialine pools are fed by groundwater elevated above mean sea level.1' As sea levels rise, groundwater will be pushed upward, exacerbating flooding in some coastal areas. 14 In some cases, new pools will emerge in low-lying areas and existing pools will join together. In other areas, a daily connection to the ocean means pools and the species that depend on them will disappear. Large storm waves or extreme flooding events may connect pools, allowing invasive fish to disperse. Cesspools and other coastal wastewater systems may contaminate groundwater fed ecosystems such as anchialine pools with rising seas. Existing and future development and land use near the shoreline will jeopardize anchialine pools as sea level rises. Hawaii is the only state with these special pools. Anchialine pools provide critical habitat for rare invertebrate species, including shrimp, snails, and damselflies. Many of these species are endemic to the Hawaiian Islands, meaning they exist nowhere else in the world. 107 Habel, Shellie et al. (2020). "Sea-Level Rise Induced Multi-Mechanism Flooding and Contribution to Urban Infrastructure Failure." Scientific reports 10.1 (2020):3796-3796.Web. 108 McKenzie,T., Habel, S., &Dulai, H. (2021). Sea-level rise drives wastewater leakage to coastal waters and storm drains. Limnology and Oceanography Letters, 6(3), 154-163.doi:https://doi.org/10.1002/lol2.10186 109 National Park Service.National Historic Sites. https://www.nps.gov/locations/Hawai'i/landmarks.htm,accessed January 2023 110 Befus, K. M.et al. "Increasing Threat of Coastal Groundwater Hazards from Sea-Level Rise in California." Nature climate change 10.10 (2020):946-952.Web. 111 Gregg, R.M.,editor(2018).Hawaiian Islands Climate Vulnerability and Adaptation Synthesis. EcoAdapt, https://www.cakex.org/sites/default/files/documents/EcoAdapt_Hawai'ian%20Islands%20CIimate%2OVuInerability%20and%2OAdaptat ion%20Synthesis%20 Repo rt_January2018.pdf 112 National Park Service. https://www.nps.gov/im/pacn/anchialine_pool.htm#:—:text=Anchialine%20pools%20are%20unique%20brackish,visible%20connection %20to%20the%20ocean. 113 Sea Level Rise Effects on Groundwater-fed Anchialine Pools https:,/tnc.mapS.aYC,lS.CUnl;apps/MapJoun-ial,index.html?appid=4ccO9bec75e94d9O9O7O610c9d4b7016 114 National Park Service, Pacific Islands Network,Anchialine Pools:Vulnerability to Climate Change in West Hawai'i https://media.coastalresilience.org/HI/Anchialine Pools FAQ.pdf Climate Cascade 4:Sea Level Rise 76 Greenhouse Gas Reduction and Climate Adaptation Actions to 0 ' : ' of Hawal'! Build Local Resilience to Climate Change owl•WIT►��F Cascade Exposure Analysis The exposure analysis for this climate cascade identifies County assets exposed to multiple hazards. The County can use the information from these analyses to identify areas and assets to prioritize for climate action. For Climate Cascade 4, exposure and risk were assessed from the geographic overlap of five hazards: 1. Riverine flooding 2. Event-based coastal flooding 3. Event-based coastal flooding with 3.2 feet of sea level rise (SLR) 4. Chronic coastal flooding with 3.2 feet SLR (SLRXA, passive inundation) 5. Landslide susceptibility (moderate or high) The following are key take-aways from the exposure and risk analyses for this climate cascade: • Example areas with high climate cascade exposure (exposure to four or five hazards) are located in North Kona, Ka`u, Puna, and South Hilo (Figure 17). • All types of County assets are exposed to the high cascade exposure level (exposure to four or five hazards; Table 6). • The low and medium exposure levels (exposure to one to three hazards; Table 6) can still pose a risk to County assets and communities. • North Kona and Puna had the greatest number of County assets exposed to the high cascade exposure level (exposure to four or five hazards; Table 7). • Census block groups in South Hilo, Puna, and North Kona have the highest climate cascade risk (exposure to four or five hazards) (See Appendix B). For more information on the individual hazards see Appendix A. The climate risk analysis methodology and maps are provided in Appendix B. To fully explore the exposure and risk analysis, please visit the County's Climate Cascade Exposure Tool. Climate Cascade 4:Sea Level Rise 77 Greenhouse Gas Reduction and Climate Adaptation Actions to Integrated Climate Action Plan for the Island of Hawal'i Build Local Resilience to Climate Change *���►�� Cascade 4 Hazard Exposure Overlap Exposure Overlap 0 1 2 3 0© None Low Medium High ,—Hawi Nlahukana Hilo KIwaihae Waii eoa�oka`aPa'auilo Laupahoehoe f; Waikoloa ,Ninole Nilo Hakala'uHonamu Pepe'ekeo North Kona Kailua-Kona M Kea Keauhou Mt View Pala ekua Pa6oa Hilo /. Honaunau Volcano ap o KMpan ,'ViloG'i Pahal°� Ocean View../ 'alehu 1 Kailua-Kona Kealakekua �' Kealakekua Na`alehu Kapoho ` Kapoho l Kahaluu Figure 17.Climate Cascade 4:Areas exposed by number of overlapping hazard layers(riverine flooding,chronic and event-based coastal flooding with sea level rise,landslide susceptibility) Climate Cascade 4:Sea Level Rise 78 Greenhouse Gas Reduction and Climate Ada tation Actions to fir, p &I 11a IntegratedBuild Local Resilience to Climate Change *���►�� Table 6.Climate Cascade 4:Number and type of County assets exposed to individual and overlapping hazards(riverine flooding,chronic and event-based coastal flooding with sea level rise,landslide susceptibility) Assets If w M (D U) M CASCADE4 Climate Hazards M U) .. 0 in 0 i5 U) Riverine Flooding 10 54 3 129 0 70 129 58 17 Event-Based Coastal Flooding 67 212 3 270 0 326 270 354 55 3 3 Event-Based Coastal Flooding With 3.2 Feet SLR 98 421 14 653 2 802 653 691 63 Q Passive Coastal Flooding With 3.2 Feet SLR 7 71 7 92 0 65 92 42 48 `0 x a "' Landslide (moderate or high) 57 224 9 288 0 308 288 328 52 None No Exposure 500 12,755 221 52,873 501 23,253 52,873 3,315 150 c 0 1 Hazard Exposure 20 174 5 247 2 412 247 305 3 U) E 2 Hazard Exposures 22 23 0 117 0 62 117 46 0 LU M 3 Hazard Exposures 49 154 5 221 0 278 221 292 20 a� v4 Hazard Exposures 7 .1 4 72 1 49 72 45 28 N 5 Hazard U Exposures1 12 1 1 1 11 1 4 12 Climate Cascade 4:Sea Level Rise 79 ' , Greenhouse Gas Reduction and Climate Adaptation Actions to OU ' : Build Local Resilience to Climate Change *10,120 � Table 7.Climate Cascade 4:Number of County assets by districtwith high cascade exposure(4 or 5 hazard exposures) ExposedAssets .. Cascade 4 Sea Level Rise E County Districts Cn .. South Hilo 7 27 4 0 32 1 47 17 Puna 0 29 0 0 3 68 0 4 Hamakua 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 North Kohala 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 3 South Kohala 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 North Kona 0 6 0 0 15 0 2 7 South Kona 0 7 0 0 0 1 0 4 Ka`u 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 4 Intervention Points and Action Climate adaptation actions are associated with five intervention points (4A—4F) within the sea level rise cascade (Figure 16). Actions were developed based on the County asset exposure analysis, capital improvement program projects (proposed and completed), and the 2020 County of Hawaii Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan update. Entities responsible for implementing these actions are mostly County departments. Lead County departments for this cascade are as follows: • Planning Department (DP) • Department of Public Works (DPW) • Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) • Department of Environmental Management (DEM) 4A. New Development Recommended actions at this intervention point fall under three strategies, with a total of 13 actions, as presented in the sections and tables below. Climate Cascade 4:Sea Level Rise 80 ' , Greenhouse Gas Reduction and Climate Adaptation Actions to 0-5-1 � IntegratedBuild Local Resilience to Climate Change *��►�� 4A1. Improve climate hazard risk knowledge • . Action Numberyrs yrs yrs 4A1.1 Monitor and map landslide events along the DP $$ 2023 • shoreline 4A1.2 Conduct shoreline change studies DP $$ 2023 • 4A1.3 Map shoreline regions DP $$ 2023 • Update urban growth models in the General 4A1.4 Plan for potential influx of climate migrants from DP $ 2026 • Pacific Island countries 4A2. Update County codes, regulatory standards, and policies requiring all coastal development to incorporate measures to reduce risk from coastal hazards and sea level rise <2 2 5 >5 Numberyrs yrs yrs Revise shoreline setbacks to protect public 4A2.1 safety from flooding and cliff failure, protect DP $$ 2023 • native ecosystems including GDEs, and comply with new State requirements (Rule 11) Revise subdivision rules to require sea level 4A2.2 rise mitigation in new subdivisions in flood DP $$ 2023 • prone areas (Chapter 23) 4A2.3 Integrate sea level rise risk reduction policies DP $ 2023 • and actions in General Plan update Update floodplain management requirements 4A2.4 (Chapter 27)to incorporate new hazard DPW $$ 2023 • mitigation requirements for sea level rise (see also: 3A2.2, 3F2.2, and 4F1.3) Use overlay hazard zones to develop 4A2.5 conditions for land use and design within high- DP $ • risk zones and within or adjacent to urban growth areas outside of high-risk areas -Adopt the SLR Area as an overlay for planning and rules(Chapter 25) 2023 0 • - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - Integrate hazard overlays in General Plan update 2024 0 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - Review/update hazards overlay, as needed, based on the 5-year in 2025 0 County Hazard Mitigation Plan update Climate Cascade 4:Sea Level Rise 81 Greenhouse Gas Reduction and Climate Adaptation Actions to �.,� � Integrated ' of Hawal'! Build Local Resilience to Climate Change owl•WIT►��F 4A3. Set aside shoreline areas as open space to benefit natural resources and public access and reduce risk to structures from sea level rise Action <2 2-5 >5 Numberyrs yrs yrs Identify funding sources and mechanisms to 4A3.1 acquire coastal parcels in areas exposed to DP $ 2030 • coastal hazards exacerbated by sea level rise Identify receiving areas for transfer of 4A3.2 development rights from areas exposed to DP $$ 2024 • coastal hazards and sea level rise . . - - — 4A3.3 Identify need for expansion and provide DP $$ • additional shoreline access points - Maintain mapping of all County existing shoreline access points and 2025 0 make accessible to the public on-line 413. Cultural and Historic Resources Recommended actions at this intervention point fall under two strategies, with a total of two actions, as presented in the sections and tables below. 4131. Assess risks to cultural and historic resources in sea level rise prone areas ActionProject Duration <2 Numberyrs yrs yrs Conduct a sea level rise vulnerability 461.1 assessment of cultural and historic resources in DP $$ 2027 • coastal hazard prone areas beginning with County lands - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Co_mmi­ss_io_n_to­ rmaPermied Interaction Group under the Cultural Resources 2024 o develop protocols for assessment 4132. Develop adaptation strategies for cultural and historic resources Action] Project Duration - <2 2-5 >5 Numberyrs yrs yrs Develop place-based cultural adaptation protocols with Aha Moku council, cultural 462.1 practitioners, and lineage descendants to DP $$ 2023 • proactively address impacts to cultural and historic resources beginning with County lands Climate Cascade 4:Sea Level Rise 82 ' , Greenhouse Gas Reduction and Climate Adaptation Actions to � � ' : Build Local Resilience to Climate Change *��►�� 4C. Parks and Recreational Areas Recommended actions at this intervention point include one action under one strategy, as presented in the section and table below. 4C1. Upgrade/relocate parks and park facilities exposed to sea level rise and other coastal hazards n • <2 2-5 >5 Numberyrs yrs yrs 4C1.1 Assess sea level rise risks to County parks with DPR $$ • high exposure and risk to sea level rise - Develop assessment tool that includes identification of potential 2025 o adaptation strategies and multiple public benefits - Use assessment tool for Kahalu`u Beach Park(North Kona) 2026 0 41). Water and Wastewater Systems Recommended actions at this intervention point fall under two strategies, with a total of four actions, as presented in the sections and tables below. 01. Upgrade/relocate water infrastructure exposed to sea level rise 2-5 Number <2 yrs yrs >5 yrs 4D1.1 Retrofit/relocate water infrastructure county-wide DWS $$$ • - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - -Assess vulnerability of water mains subject to inundation by sea level 2024 o rise and review every 5 years - Coordinate with DPW and DEM on road retrofit/realignment for Hilo Bay waterfront, Kailua-Kona and other locations vulnerable to sea 2024 0 level rise 02. Upgrade/relocate wastewater systems exposed to sea level rise ActionProject Duration Numberyes yes yes Expand wastewater lines in Hilo and Kona 4D2.1 wastewater service areas to connect those DEM $$$ TO converting from OSDS - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Climate Cascade 4:Sea Level Rise 83 Greenhouse Gas Reduction and Climate Adaptation Actions to �.,� � Integrated ' of Hawal'! Build Local Resilience to Climate Change owl•MIT►��F Action <2 2-5 >5 Numberyrs yrs yrs -Assist DOH link County residents to federal and State funding to 2023 0 upgrade on-site disposal systems in wastewater service areas - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Conduct wastewater facility planning and resilience assessment by 2023 0 wastewater service area 4D2.2 DEM $$ • Assess vulnerability of wastewater gravity mains in South Hilo - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - L - - - - - - - - -Pu`u`eoBridge - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 2024- - -o - Hilo Bayfront 2028 o - Banyan Drive 2028 o Assess vulnerability of wastewater � 4D2.3 DEM $$ forcemains/pump stations in South Hilo - Pua (underway, design completed) 2023 o - Pauka`a 2030 o - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - Onekahakaha 2030 o - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - Kolea 2030 0 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - Wailoa 2030 0 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - Hale Halewai 2030 0 4E. Roads and Bridges Recommended actions at this intervention point include two actions under one strategy, as presented in the section and table below. 4E1. Upgrade/relocate roads and bridges vulnerable to sea level rise and other coastal hazards Project Duration ' < Number Develop adaptation priorities and options for 4E1.1 coastal roads and bridges at risk to sea level DPW $$ • rise - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - Hilo Bay waterfront 2024 o - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - Pu`u`eo Street bridge over Wailuku River, South Hilo 2026 0 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -o - -- - -Alii Drive, North Kona 2026 4E1.2 Reassess sea level rise risks to Kalaniana`ole DPW $ 2024 • infrastructure improvements, South Hilo Climate Cascade 4:Sea Level Rise 84 Greenhouse Gas Reduction and Climate Adaptation Actions to 0 ' : ' of Hawal'! Build Local Resilience to Climate Change owl•MIT►��F 4F. Existing Development Recommended actions at this intervention point include two actions under one strategy, as presented in the section and table below. 4F1. Reduce repetitive flood loss to structures and properties ActionProject Duration mom • Expand and maintain home buyout program 4F1.1 established for volcanic hazard recovery as a DP $$$ 2030 • long-term program to incorporate properties affected by sea level rise Review and revise non-conforming use clauses 4F1.2 in all County codes for rebuilding or repairing DPW $$ 2023 • damaged structures to reduce repetitive flood loss Update floodplain management requirements (Chapter 27)to adopt lower threshold for 4F1.3 substantial improvements/damages based on DPW $$ 2023 • structure value with no lateral expansion of building footprint(see also: 3A2.2, 3F2.2, and 4A2.4) Climate Cascade 4:Sea Level Rise 85 Greenhouse Gas Reduction and Climate Adaptation Actions to 0 ' : ' of Hawal'! Build Local Resilience to Climate Change owl•WIT►��F Climate Action Co-Benefits Climate co-benefits describe the potential for actions to achieve multiple outcomes. In order to realize a co-benefit, each action must be planned, designed, and implemented with a conscious consideration of co-benefits. Co-Benefit Action Number • Integrating energy savings and waste management provides an opportunity mitigate greenhouse gas emissions in new 41D2.1 0o development • Retrofitting or relocating bridges and roads provide an opportunity 4E1.1, 4E1.2 Greenhouse Gas to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by reducing miles travelled Reduction • Upgrading County wastewater systems would reduce greenhouse 4D gas (methane) leakage • Maintaining and increasing shoreline access for all and not just those who can afford beachfront property must be a consideration 4A3.4 for sea level rise management and shoreline setback policy. • Maintaining parks and recreational areas provides valuable 4C1.1 community services. Social-Cultural Increasing equitable resilience to climate hazards will benefit Equity historically marginalized and frontline communities and All actions communities that have been made vulnerable to climate change impacts. • Improvements to County and private wastewater management systems would reduce the release of pollutants to nearshore waters 41D2.1 as sea level rises. Environmental . New shoreline setback rules would expand open space along the 4A2.1 Protection shoreline to support coastal ecosystems such as anchialine pools. ,.�, • Floodplain management rule revisions that reduce risk of coastal (��,Wf] flooding and include consideration of increasing flood hazards with SLR will provide credits to the County's Community Rating System 4A2.4 Economic reducing the cost of flood insurance and repetitive losses to Resilience properties and business. Or:�H • Actions integrates policies and actions in General Plan and Hazard 4A2.1, 4A2.2, 4A2.3, 4A2.5 Mitigation Plan Plan Integration Climate Cascade 4:Sea Level Rise 86 ' , Greenhouse Gas Reduction and Climate Adaptation Actions to .Ilk ' : Build Local Resilience to Climate Change owl•WIT►��F �V Actions You Can Take sea level What can you do to prepare? rise I 0 Retrofit home to elevate it above potential sea level rise Advocate for public shoreline access points to County Council 0 Use online mapping tools to understand which areas will be impacted by sea level rise and be aware of your own exposure and risk to it Relocate to higher ground Climate Cascade 4:Sea Level Rise 87 Greenhouse Gas Reduction and Climate Adaptation Actions to �.,� � Integrated ' of Hawal'! Build Local Resilience to Climate Change owl•WIT►��F CLIMATE CASCADE 5: TROPICAL CYCLONES AND STORM SURGE Climate Cascade 5 focuses on how climate change—specifically sea level rise and changes in temperature and climate variability—can impact tropical cyclones and storm surge, with compounding risks from high windstorms, riverine flooding, landslides and coastal flooding and erosion (Figure 18). Preparedness and resilience are key to preparing for future storms to keep the people and assets of the islands safe. This section describes and evaluates this climate cascade and identifies intervention points for County actions and the potential co-benefits of such actions. Cascade 5: Tropical Cyclones & Storm Surge rgreenhouse gas emissions Tair&sea surface temperature Tsea level rise 4 climate variability tropical cyclones & storm surge landslide ► ,� PHYSICAL SOCIAL ECONOMIC CULTURAL NATIVE GOVERNANCE SYSTEMS SYSTEMS SYSTEMS SYSTEMS ECOSYSTEMS SYSTEMS 5A 513 5C 5D 5E 5F Figure 18.Climate Cascade 5:Tropical cyclones and storm surge Climate Cascade 5:Tropical Cyclones and Storm Surge 88 .\,�, Greenhouse Gas Reduction and Climate Adaptation Actions to OEM IntegratedBuild Local Resilience to Climate Change *���►�� Cascade Narrative Tropical cyclones are becoming more powerful and possibly more frequent due to climate change. Climate models project an increase in tropical cyclones near Hawaii as the zone of tropical cyclone formation shifts poleward away from equatorial areas.'15 More frequent tropical cyclones are projected for the waters near Hawaii as storms are projected to follow new tracks that bring them into the region of Hawaii more often.16 Major tropical cyclones have become 15 percent more likely over the past 40 years."' A warming ocean results in less cold subsurface water to dampen tropical cyclone activity. Increasing sea surface temperature in areas of tropical cyclone formation relevant to Hawaii suggests a connection to increased tropical cyclone intensity."' An increase in average cyclone intensity and in the number and occurrence days of very intense category 4 and 5 storms is projected for most ocean basins1' Sea level rise increases storm surge-related flooding along the coast. Tropical cyclones are weather events generated in tropical latitudes characterized by very heavy rainfall and strong and damaging winds. They can generate storm surge and extremely high waves that can result in devasting coastal flooding regardless of whether or not they directly hit the island. Higher temperatures are causing more extreme weather events. Sea level rise increases storm surge-related flooding along the coast. Once a tropical cyclone reaches maximum sustained winds of 74 miles per hour or higher, it is then classified as a hurricane, typhoon, or tropical cyclone, depending upon where the storm originates in the world.120 In the North Atlantic, central North Pacific, and eastern North Pacific, the term hurricane is used. Hawaii lies in the Central Pacific, which, on average, experiences four to five tropical cyclones every year. Almost all tropical cyclones in the Pacific basin form between June 1 and November 30. While the number of tropical cyclones in the central Pacific is highly variable from year to year, more tropical cyclone activity is generally correlated with EI Nino events. More EI Nino events are expected in response to greenhouse warming.121 In 2015, the Central Pacific saw a historic number of tropical cyclones, with 15 named storms, 8 hurricanes, and 5 major hurricanes, making 2015 the most active season at that time since reliable 115 Sharmila, S., and Walsh, K.J.E. (2018) Recent poleward shift of tropical cyclone formation linked to Hadley cell expansion. Nature Clim Change 8, 730-736. https://doi.org/10.1038/s4l558-018-0227-5 116 Murakami, H.,Wang, B., Li,T. et al. (2013) Projected increase in tropical cyclones near Hawaii. Nature Clim Change 3, 749-754. https://doi.org/10.1038/nclimate 1890 117 Kossin, J.P., et al. (2020)Global increase in major tropical cyclone exceedance probability over the past four decades. PNAS, DOI: 10.1073/p n a s.1920849117 118 Defforge, C.L., Merlis,T.M. (2017)Observed warming trend in sea surface temperature at tropical cyclone genesis, Geophys. Res. Lett.,44, 1034-1040,doi:10.1002/2016GL071045. 119 Knutson,T., et al. (2020)Tropical Cyclones and Climate Change Assessment: Part II: Projected Response to Human-made Warming, Bull.Amer. Meteor. Soc. (2020) 101 (3): E303—E322: https://doi.org/10.1175/BAMS-D-18-0194.1 120 NOAA.What is the difference between a hurricane and a typhoon? https://oceanservice.noaa.,qov,tacts/cyclone.html#:—:text=Once%20a%20tropical%20cyclone%20reaches,the%20term%20hurricane% 20is%20used.Accessed January 2023 121 Cai,W., Borlace, S., Lengaigne, M.,van Rensch, P., Collins, M.,Vecchi, G., Jin, F. F. (2014). Increasing frequency of extreme EI Nino events due to greenhouse warming. Nature Climate Change,4(2), 111-116.doi:10.1038/nclimate2100 Climate Cascade 5:Tropical Cyclones and Storm Surge 89 Integrated Island , Greenhouse Gas Reduction and Climate Adaptation Actions to OU Climate Action Plan for the Build Local Resilience to Climate Change *���►�� record-keeping began in 1970.122 The 2018 hurricane season in the eastern North Pacific broke the 2015 record in terms of frequency, intensity, and duration of hurricanes.123 The 2015 record occurred during a strong EI Nino event where increased ocean temperature fueled the hurricane season. The 2018 record was set under a weaker and later EI Nino; however, surface ocean temperature was warmer than normal where the hurricanes formed, which helped their development and made them last longer. As the easternmost island in the state, the island of Hawaii has a slightly higher probability of tropical cyclone landfall. Disaster declarations were issued for six tropical cyclones and severe flood events over the last 20 years, compared to four events over the previous 40 years.124 More powerful tropical cyclones compound risks from other hazards. "The compounding nature of the hazards produced during the Hurricane Lane event highlights the need to improve anticipation of complex feedback mechanisms among climate- and weather-related phenomena.1�25 Hurricane Lane in 2018 put a spotlight on the risk of compounding hazards associated with tropical cyclones.121 Hurricane Lane did not make landfall on Hawaii Island yet it was the wettest tropical cyclone ever recorded in Hawaii. The island of Hawaii received an average of 17 inches of rainfall with a maximum of 57 inches over a 4-day period. Extreme and prolonged record-breaking rainfall, in part due to the interaction of tropical cyclones with mountains, caused flooding and landslides that closed roads across the island of Hawaii. Powerful tropical cyclones result in higher winds, greater area impacted by flooding, stronger storm surge, and increased risk of landslides. High winds can contribute to strong surf, which in turn results in coastal erosion. A tropical cyclone does not have to directly hit the Island of Hawaii to create storm surge that causes extensive coastal flooding. High winds result in downed trees and power lines that block roads, impede emergency response operations, and together with flooding, create debris that block waterways. 122 NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, Monthly Tropical Cyclones Report for Annual 2015, published online January 2016, retrieved on Apr 1,2023 from https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/access/monitoring/monthly-report/tropical-cyclones/201513. 121 Wood, K. M., Klotzbach, P. J., Collins, J. M., &Schreck,C. J. (2019).The Record-Setting 2018 Eastern North Pacific Hurricane Season. Geophysical research letters,46(16), 10072-10081.doi:10.1029/2019GL083657 124 County of Hawai'i (2020). Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan. https://www.Hawai'icounty.gov/departments/civil-defense/multi-hazard__ mitigation-plan-2020 125 Nugent,A. D., Longman, R. J.,Trauernicht, C., Lucas, M. P., Diaz, H. F., &Giambelluca,T.W. (2020). Fire and Rain:The Legacy of Hurricane Lane in Hawai'i. Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society, 101(6), E954-E967.doi:10.1175/bams-d-19-0104.1 126 Nugent,A. D. et al., (2020) https://journals.ametsoc.org/view/journals/bams/101/6/BAMS-D-19-0104.1.xml Climate Cascade 5:Tropical Cyclones and Storm Surge 90 Greenhouse Gas Reduction and Climate Adaptation Actions to 0.,�� IntegratedBuild Local Resilience to Climate Change owl•WIT►��F � X11 k 4 f r � A 4 y� w Risks to critical infrastructure from tropical cyclones and storm surge jeopardize public safety Many County roads, bridges, parks, and structures are exposed to multiple hazards analyzed in Climate Cascade 5. Power outages caused by high winds and downed debris would close roads and schools and ingress and egress for communities. Temporary structures and other structures unable to resist sustained wind speeds may collapse, posing an immediate threat to those within or around the structure. Long-term effects may include the removal of collapsed buildings and removal of debris from waterways. It's not if, but when. A direct hit of a Category 3 or greater hurricane would result in widespread damage to private and public property, including critical facilities and assets.121 Long-term power outages are expected, which may result in loss of utilities such as potable water and wastewater systems. Loss of transportation facilities such as the harbor and airport would exacerbate the magnitude of the event by taxing already limited resources and further isolating the islands from response and recovery resources. Many facilities and structures would require months or years to return to pre-event functionality. Tourism, supporting industries, and the local tax base would experience long-term impacts. The County's emergency services will be especially stretched if a tropical cyclone occurs together with other hazards on the island.128 127 County of Hawai'i (2020)Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan. 128 Nugent,A. D., Longman, R. J.,Trauernicht, C., Lucas, M. P., Diaz, H. F., &Giambelluca,T.W. (2020). Fire and Rain:The Legacy of Hurricane Lane in Hawai'i. Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society, 101(6), E954-E967.doi:10.1175/bams-d-19-0104.1 Climate Cascade 5:Tropical Cyclones and Storm Surge 91 Greenhouse Gas Reduction and Climate Adaptation Actions to 0 ' : ' of Hawal'! Build Local Resilience to Climate Change owl•WIT►��F Cascade Exposure Analysis The exposure analysis for this climate cascade identifies County assets exposed to multiple hazards. The County can use the information from these analyses to identify areas and assets to prioritize for climate action. For Climate Cascade 5, exposure was assessed from the geographic overlap of six hazards: 1. Hurricane—wind 2. Hurricane - storm surge 3. Riverine flooding 4. Event-based coastal flooding 5. Event-based coastal flooding with 3.2 feet of SLR 6. Landslide susceptibility— med/high The following are key take-aways from the exposure analysis for this climate cascade: • Example areas with high climate cascade exposure (exposure to five or six hazards) are located in districts of North Kohala and North Kona (5 and 6 exposures, Figure 19). • County roads, water and wastewater lines, and parks are most likely to be exposed to the high climate cascade exposure (exposure to five or six hazards; Table 8) • The low and medium exposure levels (exposure to one to four hazards; Table 8) can still pose a risk to County assets and communities. • North Kona and South Hilo had the greatest number of County assets exposed to the high climate cascade exposure (exposure to five or six hazards; Table 9). • Census block groups in South Hilo, Puna, and North Kona have the highest climate cascade risk (exposure to four or five hazards) (See Appendix B). For more information on the individual hazards see Appendix A. The climate risk analysis methodology and maps are provided in Appendix B. To fully explore the exposure and risk analysis, please visit the County's Climate Cascade Exposure Tool. Climate Cascade 5:Tropical Cyclones and Storm Surge 92 Greenhouse Gas Reduction and Climate Adaptation Actions to IntegratedBuild Local Resilience to Climate Change *A'M►i� Cascade 5 Hazard Exposure Overlap o 1 2 3 ©0 Exposure Overlap None Low Medium High -.k{awi Hilo 4'3 Ma a Pa'auilo kowaihaeWaimea Laupahoehoe Waikoloa Nfnole + HakalauHonomu r Pepe'ekeo r i North KOhala Kailua-Kona Kia �,Keauhou Mf Vied 117 lake4l Pa HIIO nnaunau Volcano p o 1 Kalapan Miloli'i Pat al 4P Ocean View_-,' NWalehu North Kona F — _ Honaunau Kapoho Ka h I a IJ 1 Kailua-Kona Honaunau Ka`u Figure 19.Climate Cascade 5:Areas exposed by number of overlapping hazard layers(hurricane wind and storm surge,riverine flooding,chronic and event-based coastal flooding with sea level rise,landslide susceptibility) Climate Cascade 5:Tropical Cyclones and Storm Surge 93 Greenhouse Gas Reduction and Climate Adaptation Actions to IntegratedBuild Local Resilience to Climate Change *A'M►i� Table 8.Climate Cascade 5:Number and types of County assets exposed to individual and overlapping hazards(hurricane wind and storm surge,riverine flooding,chronic and event-based coastal flooding with sea level rise,landslide susceptibility) COUNTY CASCADE5 TROPICAL • STORM Im Cn Climate Hazards U) Cn —,400) E Cn _F0 hurricane-wind 189 4,593 114 311 12,253 16,583 1,860 63 a U) hurricane-storm surge 58 226 6 0 387 287 344 56 riverine flooding 33 597 28 6 1,047 1,030 326 48 x m U) event-based coastal flooding 67 212 3 0 326 270 354 55 x event-based coastal flooding with 3.2 Cn LL' feet of SLR 98 421 14 2 802 653 691 63 landslide susceptibility—med/high 461 8,737 182 265 14,472 39,243 2,322 174 None No Exposure 24 1,522 11 33 612 4,531 0 19 a y 0 1 Hazard Exposure 400 9,234 117 361 18,674 40,852 3,064 85 2 Hazard Exposures 78 25003 94 104 4,063 7,465 392 41 M y 3 Hazard Exposures 34 2ol 10 5 385 444 2114 Hazard Exposures 62 146 Zbb ZI 17 N Q � 5 Hazard U W Exposures1 67 1 1 46 1 52 29 Exposures6 Hazard 1 3 1 1 1 1 Climate Cascade 5:Tropical Cyclones and Storm Surge 94 Integrated Island , Greenhouse Gas Reduction and Climate Adaptation Actions to Climate Action Plan for the Build Local Resilience to Climate Change *���►�� .. .....E�y�'+= Table 9.Climate Cascade 5:Number of County assets by district with high cascade exposure(5 or 6 hazard exposures) Assets Exposed to HIGH CASCADE '• and 6 Exposures) Cascade CASCADE5 TROPICAL CYCLONES1 STORM CountyDistricts .. • South Hilo 36 0 0 0 23 41 13 0 Puna 12 0 0 0 0 1 2 0 North Kohala 1 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 South Kohala 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 North Kona 12 0 0 0 23 13 7 0 South Kona 6 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 Ka-0 3 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 "Intervention Points and Actionb Actions are associated with six intervention points (5A— 5F) within the tropical cyclone and storm surge cascade (Figure 18). Actions were developed based on the County asset exposure analysis, capital improvement program projects (proposed and completed), and the 2020 County of Hawaii Multi- Hazard Mitigation Plan update. Entities responsible for implementing these actions are mostly County departments. Lead County departments for this cascade are as follows: • Planning Department (DP) • Department of Public Works (DPW) • Department of Water Supply (DWS) • Department of Finance, Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) • Department of Environmental Management (DEM) • Office of Housing and Community Development (OHCD) • Police Department (POL) • Civil Defense (CD) Climate Cascade 5:Tropical Cyclones and Storm Surge 95 Greenhouse Gas Reduction and Climate Adaptation Actions to ' : ' of Hawal'! Build Local Resilience to Climate Change *��►�� 5A. Critical Infrastructure Recommended actions at this intervention point include seven actions under one strategy, as presented in the section and table below. 5A1. Upgrade/harden public safety facilities to remain operational during severe storm events ActionProject Duration <2 2-5 >5 Numberyrs yrs yrs Harden the County's radio communications system through replacement of the following 5A1.1 systems: microwave system, direct current(DC) CD $$$ 2023 • power system, photovoltaic energy systems, and tower refurbishment Upgrade County public safety complex to eliminate flooding and failure of the entire 5A1.2 electrical system and upgrade to be able to POL $$$ 2023 • withstand high winds from at least a Category 1 hurricane Install backup power systems for County DEM $$ 5A1.3 wastewater systems • - Conduct analysis to identify priorities based on criticality 2024 0 Increase resilience of existing water producing facilities to incorporate backup power at various 5A1.4 sites (Parker#1, Parker#2, Lalamilo B, DWS $$$ 2023 • Lalamilo C, Honoka`a, Makapala, Waiaha, Kahalu`u, Queen Lili`uokalani Trust(QLT), Pi`ihonua#1, Pi`ihonua#3A and `Ola`a#3) 5A1.5 Assess resilience of roads to tropical cyclones DPW $$ 2026 • (Ali`i Drive, Kona downtown roads, North Kona) Assess resilience of wastewater systems to 5A1.6 tropical cyclones (Gravity mains in Alii Dr. and DEM $$ 2026 • Palani Road right-of ways, North Kona) 5A1.7 Develop/routinely review multiple/alternate CD $ • tsunami evacuation routes - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - Identify priority roads based on Police response plan 2024 o 513. Social Resilience Recommended actions at this intervention point include four actions under one strategy, as presented in the section and table below. Climate Cascade 5:Tropical Cyclones and Storm Surge 96 Integrated Island , Greenhouse Gas Reduction and Climate Adaptation Actions to Climate Action Plan for the Build Local Resilience to Climate Change *���►�� 5131. Enhance community resilience to withstand and recover from a disaster event ActionProject Duration' Mon Number • Determine feasibility of an earthquake/tropical cyclone retrofit incentive program to encourage 561.1 private property owners to retrofit their DPW $$ 2024 • properties against the impacts of earthquakes and tropical cyclones Incentivize homeowners to retrofit homes to DPW, 561.2 meet current building code standards for wind OHCD $$ 2024 • and flood hazards 561.3 Encourage private property owners to purchase CD $ 2024 • flood Insurance and maintain drainage facilities 561.4 Support resilience hubs in communities with CD $$ 2024 • high cascade hazard risk 5C. Economic Resilience Recommended actions at this intervention point include two actions under one strategy, as presented in the section and table below. 5C1. Support incentives to enhance economic resilience to withstand a disaster event ActionProject Duration <2 2-5 >5 ActionNumber yrs yes yrs Incentivize private sector to purchase flood 5C1.1 insurance and maintain drainage facilities that CD $$ 2024 • service private properties. Conduct training for private sector to develop 5C1.2 continuity of operations plans to address CD $$ 2024 • operations before, during and after coastal storm events. 51). Cultural and Historic Resources Recommended actions at this intervention point include one action under one strategy, as presented in the section and table below. Climate Cascade 5:Tropical Cyclones and Storm Surge 97 Integrated Island , Greenhouse Gas Reduction and Climate Adaptation Actions to Climate Action Plan for the Build Local Resilience to Climate Change *���►�� 5D1. Develop cultural resource restoration protocols by ahupua'a ActionProject Duration Numbernon Convene a cultural resources recovery group to 5D1.1 develop restoration priorities and approach and DP $$ • pre-planning for post-storm assessment - Create Cultural Commission rules allowing for permitted interaction 2025 o groups to focus on this topic 5E. Hazard Tree Management Recommended actions at this intervention point include three actions under one strategy, as presented in the section and table below. 5E1. Develop a hazard tree management program to prioritize removal of trees that pose risks to critical infrastructure from multiple hazards ActionProject Duration Numberyrs yrs yrs 5E1.1 Develop a procedure, evaluation rating system, DPW $$ 2024 • and GIS database for hazard tree management Remove trees that pose safety hazards during 5E1.2 high windstorms, tropical cyclones, and DPW $$ 2026 • extreme rainfall and flooding events Maintain and revegetate public areas with 5E1.3 appropriate native species DPW $$ 2028 • 5F. Operational Capacity Recommended actions at this intervention point include six actions under one strategy, as presented in the section and table below. 5F1. Increase human resource and technological capacity for disaster response ActionProject Duration Number < > y Develop an active recruitment, retention and 5F1.1 training program for the Volunteer Firefighting FD $$ 2024 • Division and CERT team Develop/update integrated preparedness plan 5F1.2 for training and qualifications for an Incident CD $$ • - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Climate Cascade 5:Tropical Cyclones and Storm Surge 98 Greenhouse Gas Reduction and Climate Adaptation Actions to � ' : ' of Hawal'! Build Local Resilience to Climate Change *�,��►�� .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. ActionProject Duration 2-5 NumberI Pyrs yrs >5 yrs Command System that complies with the National Incident Management System - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Create/update qualifications task books for each position- - - - - - - - 2023 - - Conduct training to fill ICS positions 2024 0 ...------------------ Develop and maintain an information 5F1.3 management system in ArcGIS for disaster CD $$$ preparedness and response -Acquire hardware for data management and processing 2023 o - Increase human resource capacity in GIS 2024 0 -Acquire unmanned aerial system (UAS)and train and license 2026 0 personnel to operate for data collection - Develop capacity for pre-impact data capture and analysis to create 2025 0 decision-making tools and briefs - Develop capacity for collection and analysis of critical information requirements and elements of information to create the common 2025 0 operation picture and situation report - Develop post-impact protocols for collecting and storing data necessary for damage assessments including potential for use of drone 2025 0 technology and IT solutions 5F1.4 Develop public information and warning policies, CD $$ • - - - - - - - methods,-and procedures for identified hazards - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Conduct a needs assessment that identifies gaps in coverage in the County's audible warning (sirens)system based on population as 2024 o well as existing systems that need to be replaced and/or updated 5F1.5 Improve and expand high wind shelter capacity CD $$$ • - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - Conduct best available refuge area (BABA)assessments within 2024 0 existing facilities - Develop evacuation and sheltering protocol, policies, and procedures 2023 o Develop distribution plan for policies and 5F1.6 procedure for logistics, management and CD $$ • resource support during disasters - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Develop agreement with State, federal and private partners to 2023 -0 implement the plan Climate Cascade 5:Tropical Cyclones and Storm Surge 99 Greenhouse Gas Reduction and Climate Adaptation Actions to ' : ' , Build Local Resilience to Climate Change *���►�� Climate Action Co-Benefits Climate co-benefits describe the potential for actions to achieve multiple outcomes. In order to realize a co-benefit, each action must be planned, designed, and implemented with a conscious consideration of co-benefits. Co-Benefit Action Number 0° Integrating renewable energy and smart energy S-0 systems into County infrastructure will reduce 5A1.1 —5A1.7 Greenhouse Gas greenhouse gas emissions. 5F2.1 — 5F2.6 Reduction • Upgrading and hardening public infrastructure and safety systems with an all-hazards approach and 5A1.1 — 5A1.7 improving evacuation routes will increase County capacity to remain operational during disaster events. Building information capacity for pre-, during, and post- 5F1.3— 5F1.4 disaster events will save lives and property. • Supporting resilience hubs enables community-driven actions for greater self-reliance in response to and 5131.4 recovery from disaster events. Social-Cultural Creating a cultural resources recovery group with pre-� Equity disaster protocols for restoration and preservation of 5D1.1 cultural sites will support rapid post-disaster response. • Removing tree hazards will improve public safety 5E1.1 —5E1.2 during severe storm events. • Increasing equitable resilience to climate hazards will benefit historically marginalized and frontline All actions communities and communities that have been made vulnerable to climate change impacts. Removal of tree hazards and revegetation with native species will improve ecosystem health, reduce 5E1.3 sediment runoff to coastal ecosystems, and decrease Environmental debris from disaster events. Protection l A well-prepared private sector that integrates disaster preparedness planning such as continuity of 5C1.1 — 5C1.2 operations plans, will recover quickly to a disaster Economic event and reduce downtime and economic losses. Resilience Incorporates policies and actions in General Plan and 5A1.1 — 5A1.4, Hazard Mitigation Plan 5F1.3, 5F1.4 Plan Integration i Climate Cascade 5:Tropical Cyclones and Storm Surge 100 Greenhouse Gas Reduction and Climate Adaptation Actions to ' : ' , Build Local Resilience to Climate Change *���►�� Actions You Can Take cyclonestropical What can you do to prepare? aProtect, preserve, and restore beaches and dunes 0 Elevate homes 0 Retrofit your home to meet current building code standards for wind driven forces Make a list of what you can do to protect your 4 protection once you receive notice of property p pending coastal storms Institute warning system and develop evacuation plan j ® n Climate Cascade 5:Tropical Cyclones and Storm Surge 101 Greenhouse Gas Reduction and Climate Adaptation Actions to ' : ' , Build Local Resilience to Climate Change *��►�� PLAN IMPLEMENTATION The actions in the Cascades help the County achieve goals 2 and 3 (see below). Plan Implementation outlines how the County will accomplish goal 1, which is essential for goals 2 and 3. ldwft Increase County capacity to implement climate action. 0 Reduce the County's contribution to global greenhouse gas emissions Hawaii Island is already feeling the effects of climate change. While climate change touches all parts of our lives, it is not the only challenge the island faces. In order to successfully implement the actions in this plan, the County must integrate climate action into existing County processes, community partnerships, funding streams, and efforts. To do this, the County must build up the capacity of departments and community partners to include climate mitigation, risk, and adaptation into their internal and external operations and processes. This implementation section outlines the capacity and financing improvements required to execute the ICAP and the County's process for monitoring and evaluation. Implementation priority areas reflect the systems-level needs the County will address through climate action implementation. The priority area timelines reflect existing and anticipated capacity (Figure 20). IMPLEMENTATION PRIORITIES SHORT-TERM 2023-2025 MID-TERM 2025-2030 LONG-TERM 2030-2040 • Establish a centralized • Integrate climate change risk • Update the General Plan using lessons learned from coordinating authority to into County planning and decision- climate action implementation oversee action implementation making • Support place-based management of Hawaii Island • Establish regular stakeholder • Establish a County climate database lands and waters as part of climate action efforts engagement . Maintain robust stakeholder engagement Figure 20.Plan Implementation Priorities Climate Cascade 5:Tropical Cyclones and Storm Surge 102 Greenhouse Gas Reduction and Climate Adaptation Actions to ' : ' of Hawal'! Build Local Resilience to Climate Change *��►�� County Processes The changes to processes are critical for integrating climate action into the County structures that determine policy and infrastructure. The County can accomplish changes to these processes with minimal contracting and financial investment. Process changes must align with and support existing efforts, which will provide benefits beyond climate action. biriort-iieriii iiia plletiientation rr iorities: (2023-2025) Establish a centralized coordinating authority to oversee and manage County-wide climate actions and mainstream interdepartmental collaboration The Integrated Climate Action Plan is a joint effort between the Departments of Planning and Research and Development. It is integral to plan success that a central coordinating authority be established to consistently engage with and provide support to other departments and community partners in their climate action implementation. The central coordinating authority must be able to: 1. Collaborate with other departments through existing County processes 2. Provide technical assistance and support to: a. Streamline climate-related data gathering and dissemination b. Conduct cost-benefit analyses for climate action implementation c. Secure federal and State funding County departments and their operations often fall into silos, limiting the amount of interdepartmental collaboration that happens to address an interdisciplinary threat like climate change. The County must continue interdepartmental collaboration on climate action. This will help the County proactively minimize exposure to climate hazards and avoid long term costs. Establish regular stakeholder engagement to increase transparency of climate action Climate Data Dashboard and Portal: Climate change information and data must be accessible to the public. The County will establish a centralized dashboard to show current progress on individual strategies and actions. This dashboard will help serve as a monitoring and implementation tool for each department to report on plan implementation targets and opportunities for collaboration. Community stakeholders could also use the data on this site for their own climate action planning. Place-Based Knowledge: The County must engage communities for place-based feedback and qualitative data to guide implementation priorities and decision making. Place-based data refers to local knowledge of place. This lived experience holds more information than captured in the Climate Change Exposure Tool or any dataset the County may use. Place-based knowledge must guide decision- making on climate action projects that may require changes in development or behavior within communities. This would include incorporating regional history from lineal descendants, indigenous practices, local values, and place-based protocols in the County's decision-making processes. Historically, the County has not incorporated these decision-making processes in its actions. Establishing partnerships and ongoing relationships with communities in implementing climate action is essential to prioritizing place-based knowledge. Climate Cascade 5:Tropical Cyclones and Storm Surge 103 Integrated Island , Greenhouse Gas Reduction and Climate Adaptation Actions to ,�� Climate Action Plan for the Build Local Resilience to Climate Change 0%,24"s "s2!� Promote Funding Opportunities: Accurate data is essential to access federal funds for mitigation and adaptation. A centralized repository collecting climate data will streamline the County's efforts to access these funds. Engagement Strategy: The County must actively engage with communities to increase transparency, contribute resources, and share stories. To build on existing engagement, the County will: • Attend community days and County-sponsored events to share resources and talk story • Partner with schools and after-school programs to play the Hawaii Island Climate Action Game and develop other climate change-related materials for keiki • Produce marketing materials around climate change that can be shared in physical spaces (like grocery stores, parks, and churches) and virtual spaces (like social media) • Support existing sectors in their climate action efforts • Develop a communications strategy to inspire hope in climate communications Mid-Terra implementation Priorities: (202b-zuW) Integrate climate change hazards and risk assessment into County planning and decision-making processes During the creation of the ICAP, County departments recognized that integrating climate action principles and tools into existing processes would be more effective to 1) ensure success of actions in the near-term by minimizing additional staffing and funding burdens on departments and 2) ensure that climate change becomes an integral piece of how the County approaches its work long-term. Initial processes that have been identified as opportunities for integration include: 1. Capital Improvement Project Review a. Utilize the Climate Cascade Exposure Tool to identify hazards associated with capital infrastructure and prioritize projects accordingly b. Coordinate projects between departments to improve project efficiency c. Incorporate greenhouse gas emissions reduction as a piece of capital improvement program prioritization and implementation d. Align capital improvement plans with multi-hazard mitigation plan 2. Purchasing and Procurement a. Prioritize local product purchasing to reduce emissions associated with air and marine transportation and support the local economy b. Gather detailed specifications and resources about zero emission technology options 3. Asset Management a. Procure County-wide software to digitally manage County assets to simplify the process of analyzing greenhouse gas reduction opportunities and climate change hazard exposure while streamlining efficiency of County asset management. b. Compile existing asset management data to update the Climate Cascade Exposure Tool. Climate Cascade 5:Tropical Cyclones and Storm Surge 104 Island , Greenhouse Gas Reduction and Climate Adaptation Actions to �., Integrated Climate Action Plan for the Build Local Resilience to Climate Change *"��►�� 4. Budgeting for Climate Action in Operating Budget: a. Include suggestions for including climate action in Operating Budget during annual review. b. Assess how climate change will impact County financing and long-term budgetary requirements to better inform priority areas for operation budget. Key actions to assess financial risk include: i. Improving infrastructure project review processes ii. Developing longer-term financial plans iii. Describe specific co-benefits and estimate monetary value of future savings iv. Describe how budgeted items support census block groups at highest risk and historically marginalized communities, frontline communities, and communities that have been made vulnerable to climate change impacts. 5. Grant Management & Applications a. Establish interdepartmental coordinating unit to co-apply for grants and manage grant monies associated with the Inflation Reduction Act, Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, and other sources of federal and state funding. 6. County Auditor a. Request that the County auditor consider climate change risks and implementation progress for designated climate actions on a 5-year basis to inform plan updates. Coordinate with departments to establish a centralized internal County climate database Mitigation: In order to measure greenhouse gas emissions, the County currently extrapolates much of its data from State and third-party datasets. By establishing a County-managed framework for data collection on our assets, we can more accurately measure the emissions of individual departments and the private sector. Accurate measurements will allow the County to establish data-based metrics for emissions mitigation and accurately measure our success in implementation. This will also direct the conversion of the County's buildings and fleet to zero emissions. Adaptation: In this plan, the best available data to identify climate hazards is used. This data was used to create a living Climate Change Exposure Tool that can be used for real-time decision-making. However, this data will need updates and improvements in the future. Hazard events, such as a landslide or wildfire, may also change the priority of some of the actions. Coordination between departments and public partners will be essential in keeping this tool up to date. Maintain robust long-term, regular stakeholder engagement State and Federal: The limitations of the County's physical and legal jurisdiction will make cross- agency collaboration more imperative across the County, State, and federal levels. As demonstrated in the Climate Action Framework, the County can impact pieces of the climate change cascade, but certain items are outside the County's jurisdiction. The County must grow partnerships with State and federal agencies to tackle the impact of invasive species, cesspools, and rising sea levels. Working with our State and federal partners for larger-scale actions is one aspect of our stakeholder engagement. Climate Cascade 5:Tropical Cyclones and Storm Surge 105 Integrated Island , Greenhouse Gas Reduction and Climate Adaptation Actions to Climate Action Plan for the Build Local Resilience to Climate Change *���►�� Residents, Private Sector, Non-Profits and Other Stakeholders: Climate change will affect everyone, but the impacts are not felt equally among all communities, and not all communities have the same risks and vulnerabilities. Social and cultural equity and locally driven knowledge will serve as a primary determinant in how we implement climate action in a place-appropriate manner and how communities are empowered to take action that works for them. Climate action engagement and implementation will focus on actions that prioritize our historically disadvantaged communities and actions that support community services for those at the greatest risk to climate change. Key factors to be considered in prioritizing social and cultural equity are health, affordability, accessibility, community capacity, locally driven place-based preservation, accountability, and an equitable transition to green jobs. Long-Term Implementation Priorities: (2030-2040) Update the General Plan using lessons learned from climate action implementation The best practices identified as part of the monitoring and evaluation of the ICAP will guide the climate change section of the General Plan. The County will also consider the impact of climate change as part of all sections of the General Plan. The County will use lessons learned from ICAP implementation to determine priority climate action policy areas. Support place-based management of Hawaii Island lands and waters as part of climate action efforts By 2030, the County and community aim to have more examples of place-based management and more localized data. The County will support departments and communities in collecting place-based information and developing place-based protocols. Future climate action decisions regarding management of infrastructure, parks, and other County assets should include place-based management with the support of localized climate data. The County should also encourage place- based management beyond County assets through zoning and funding such as community grants. Climate ACtion i-rnancrn Identify funding opportunities The County will increase its capacity to pursue money to finance climate actions. The federal government has recently passed legislation, including the Inflation Reduction Act and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, that increases the funding available to implement climate action. In order to access these funds, the County must have dedicated staff to write and manage grants specific to climate action. These staff members will need to work closely with the departments that will implement the actions. Increase the capacity of the Finance Department to manage ICAP implementation Increasing the capacity of the Finance Department to manage climate action monies is essential. The ICAP identifies the capital improvement program process, operations management, and procurement as opportunities to implement internal climate action. In order to do this, the Finance Department will need additional support to establish protocols that align with existing processes and priorities. The Climate Cascade 5:Tropical Cyclones and Storm Surge 106 Integrated Island , Greenhouse Gas Reduction and Climate Adaptation Actions to Q.,�� Climate Action Plan for the Build Local Resilience to Climate Change *���►�� Finance Department will also need additional support to incorporate climate action into the operating budget annually. Monitoring and Evaluation Establish regular monitoring, evaluating, and annual reporting on the status of actions and targets This plan will be monitored on an ongoing basis through the previously mentioned online dashboard and will include a brief project description, project status, and project location when appropriate. Actions and targets will be updated on an annual basis and reported on to make changes where necessary and incorporate best available data. Actions under each intervention point will be tracked as: No Action, Proposed, In Progress, or Completed. Annual reports of the ICAP will include: • A summary of action adjustments that were made • Assessment of best practices for implementation • Targets reached • Evaluation of co-benefits of ICAP actions and documenting lessons Climate cascade narratives and exposure analysis will be reviewed and updated every 5 years in conjunction with the County's Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan update. This review will identify any changes in projections for climate change indicators and hazards based on the best available information. Cascading effects that have not been previously considered will be identified based on hazard projections and documented impacts. Climate cascade narratives, risk analysis, and intervention points will be updated based on this review. The annual evaluations will also be used to inform best practices for actions and implementation in the 5-year plan updates. Conduct 5-Year Plan Evaluation and Update Annual reports and evaluations will be used to determine major document changes as the ICAP is updated on a 5-year basis. This will allow for more accurate datasets, improved community engagement efforts, and updated hazard and risk analyses. Once we refine implementation strategies based on lessons learned and best practices, we can coordinate our priorities in line with updates to the Hazard Mitigation Plan. Timeframes and funding for many actions in the ICAP are integrated into other plans and projects, such as capital improvement projects, hazard mitigation projects, maintenance, purchasing policies, and policies developed in the General Plan. The ICAP identifies the actions that will contribute the most to minimizing the impacts of each climate cascade. Other actions, including infrastructure and policies, may become higher priority over time as the impacts of climate change evolve and community priorities change. Climate Cascade 5:Tropical Cyclones and Storm Surge 107 Greenhouse Gas Reduction and Climate Adaptation Actions to Aa�� Build Local Resilience to Climate Change CALLIntegrated Climate Action Plan for the Island , � CALL TO ACTION As we face the reality of climate change, it is time for us to take action to protect our beloved island and planet. Hawaii County is committed to the ambitious goals and concrete actions in this plan. We need to take accountability as a County government for our own contribution to climate change and the resilience of our infrastructure and services. We must ensure that our services will be resilient for current and future generations in the years to come. We have the opportunity to create a thriving, vibrant Hawaii Island. We can choose how we spend our money and our time to care for people and the place where we live. The actions in this plan represent the ways all our departments are committed to create a future that is not only sustainable but also thriving in the face of the worst effects of climate change. But climate action is not just about what government can do. And it's not just about policies, processes, or infrastructure. Climate action is about what each of us can do to reduce our carbon footprint, preserve our natural resources, and ensure the resilience of our community. Climate action is about doing what we already do in our homes, our schools, our businesses, our churches, and our agriculture in a way that intentionally mitigates and adapts to climate change. Climate action is also about environmental justice. We cannot allow the burden of climate change to fall disproportionately on marginalized communities. We cannot pursue reduction of greenhouse gas emissions or climate adaptation in a way that increases the cost of living here or disproportionately impacts low- and middle-income communities. Our solutions must be equitable and just. We must ensure that, when we are pursuing each policy or infrastructure change, everyone has a voice in shaping our future. We must recognize the impact of climate change in our community and hold ourselves accountable to act. The impacts include the potential displacement of our island brothers and sisters as climate refugees. We are lucky that our island has high shores and a lot of land. Not all places will be easy or possible to inhabit as the effects of climate change intensify and cascade across all parts of our lives. We must lift up Hawaii for ourselves and also for those who may seek refuge as we all feel the effects of climate change. Let us take action now to ensure a brighter future for our island and planet. "E lauhoe mai na wa`a; i ke ka, i ka hoe; i ka hoe, i ke ka; pae aku i ka `aina." -Everybody paddle the canoes together;bail and paddle, paddle and bail, and the shore is reached Call to Action 108