Comm No 0017.01 - Response - R&D - CA-3 - Climate Change and Resiliency

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also recruiting a Sustainability Specialist who will coordinate related programs, and we will soon be recruiting Energy Solutions and Transportation Solutions VISTA volunteers. Specific R&D initiatives related to climate change include: • Establishing a greenhouse gas (GHG) inventory that that will be used to develop County GHG mitigation strategies and monitor County GHG emissions over time • Partnering with Hawaii Energy to maximize energy efficiency and cost savings in County facilities • Collaborating to advance the electrification of transportation as a member of Drive Electric Hawai'i and the Sustainable Transportation Coalition of Hawai'i • Intervening in related dockets of the Public Utilities Commission (PUC), like Integrated Grid Planning, Electrification of Transportation, and Performance -Based Ratemaking • Representing the County on the state Greenhouse Gas Sequestration Task Force, which is exploring economic opportunities in carbon markets. Other County Climate Change Responses Several other departments are also leading climate change initiatives and are part of the County's "climate team." To reduce GHG emissions, the Mass Transit Agency is pursuing grant funding to pilot zero emission buses (ZEBs), the Depaitiiient of Public Works is advancing the adoption of an updated energy code, and the Department of Water Supply has staff and a program devoted to energy conservation, efficiency, and cost reduction. To advance climate planning, the Manning Department is integrating climate change adaptation strategies into the General Plan, and the Planning Director represents the County on the state Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission. Likewise, the Civil Defense Agency plans to incorporate climate adaptation strategies into the Multi -Hazard Mitigation Plan. From there, it islikely that climate adaptation. measures will be implemented through the flood control, subdivision, and zoning codes as well as the coastal zone management and the capital improvements programs. County Options for Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Preparing for Climate Change 1. Status Quo: Assume that the County will continue to respond appropriately to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to climate change. 2. Strengthen Existing Institutions: a. Amend Section 6-8.3(b) of the Charter to read: "" a In collaboration and coordination with federal and state agencies as well as the private sector, advance public and private development programs, enterprises and plans, including economic, social and cultural proposals, which that enhance and improve the county's environmental, cultural, community, and economic sustainability and resilience." b. Along the lines of CA -3, the City and County of Honolulu Charter, and amendments being considered for the Maui County Charter, amend Chapter 2 of the Hawai` i County Code to more clearly define the qualifications of members of the Sustainability Action Committee as well as the Committee's role, work products, and reporting, including specific climate change responsibilities. 3. Establish New Institutions and. Mandates: Along the lines of CA -3, create a new Commission and county -wide reporting requirements. Recommendation We recommend against both amendments proposed in CA -3. The functions proposed for the Climate Change and Resiliency Commission can be fulfilled by existing County institutions, with or without the Charter and Code amendments outlined in Option 2 immediately above. Moreover, Commissions require a surprising amount of staff time and support from the departments where they are administratively housed. The costs of that support can be significant, including financial, productivity, and opportunity costs.