HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0279.023 2022-2024 P/CzOEAG
Bill Lis
GOMM. 2?9
From: Antu Harvey COUNTY CLERIC
Sent: Monday, May 15, 2023 12:47 PM
To: Council Testimony COUNTY OFHAWAI'I
RECEIVED
Subject: Testimony - CoGO&EA Committee:_Bill 48 - (OSCER)_Sllr^RT :tf. Byy
Date MAY 5 2U
Aloha e Chair Evans and Members of the Council Committee on Governmental Operations and External Affairs,
I am testifying today in overwhelming SUPPORT of Bill 48 relating to the creation of the Office of Sustainability, Climate,
Equity, and Resilience (OSCER).
Hawaii County has made a clear commitment to move towards sustainability and resilience in the face of climate
change in an equitable manner. It is no coincidence that the name of this office hits all four of those priorities.
This subject needs coordinated action across multiple departments within the county to plan, administer and monitor a
roadmap of actions, This distribution challenges communication and coordination among the departments without
some focused group charted to tie and coordinate.This office will significantly improve the flow of information among
county departments.
By passing Bill 48, you will ensure our mokupuni (island) not only reaches the state's sustainability objectives but
achieves these climate goals well before 2050.
OSCER will also be tasked with developing benchmarks and metrics to track and communicate progress.This is not only
great for governmental transparency and educating the public, but if you have any doubts in the office and their
processes, it can be used as a tool for accountability.
While this bill does include "regular" stakeholder engagement, I urge the county to make sure the definition of"regular"
is at least monthly.
I sincerely ask the County Council to ensure OSCER gets all the personnel, financial, and political support it needs to be
great.This office has the potential to drastically help Hawaii island move closer to a sustainable future for generations
to come.
Mahalo for the opportunity to testify.
Antu Harvey
96725
Comm. fr"I. L�
Ref. To: yQOM
1 Ref. Dote MAY 1 6 2021