HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0279.036 2022-2024 P7 CiOEAG
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COMM. 27q
From: M Mitsumori
IV
Sent: Monday, May 15, 2023 10:50 AM
To: Council Testimony
Subject: Testimony in support of Bill 48 (Comm. 279) = -
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Testimony in Support of Bill 48: Creation of the Office of Sustainability,Climate, Equity, and Resilience(OSIER) -
Comm. 279 ==?
Honorable Members of the Government Operations and External Affairs Committee,
I am writing to express my strong support for Bill 48, which proposes the creation of the Office of Sustainability, Climate,
Equity, and Resilience (OSCER) in Hawaii County. I believe that this bill is a critical step towards addressing the
challenges posed by climate change, promoting sustainability, and building resilience in our community.
First and foremost,the establishment of OSCER demonstrates a commitment to aligning the County of Hawai'i with
pono priorities, practices, and procedures. By coordinating and managing policies to promote sustainability and
resilience, OSCER will play a pivotal role in mitigating the effects of climate change on our beautiful island. This office will
serve as a catalyst for positive changes, enabling us to make conscious choices that benefit our environment, economy,
and social well-being.
Second, OSCER's design is based on the collective impact model, with an emphasis on collaboration, shared metrics, and
stakeholder communication. There's a proverb that goes: "If you want to go fast,go alone. If you want to go far, go
together."Too often initiatives have been rushed through, with input from a limited group of people, to meet a tight
deadline. OSCER supports an approach of deep kakou listening and communication, which is essential for all of us to
work together towards truly impactful and long-lasting change.
This deep and strategic collaboration and administration will be facilitated by the elevation of OSCER to the cabinet level
and by ensuring it has the necessary authority and resources to be effective.
Third, OCSER establishes financial resources through the Climate Action Revolving Fund, which will support policies and
programs that align with the objectives of OSCER while generating cost savings for the county. By reinvesting these
savings into new climate action programs, we can create a self-sustaining cycle of progress and ensure the long-term
success of our sustainability efforts.
I urge the Government Operations and External Affairs Committee to support Bill 48 and recommend its passage to the
Hawai'i County Council. Let us embrace this opportunity to safeguard our future, preserve our natural resources, and
create a thriving, sustainable community for generations to come.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
Michele Mitsumori
974 Komomala Dr., Hilo, HI 96720
808-469-5008
mamaki.ps51@gmail.com
Comm. NA 1TN '*
1 Ref. To: (TN .*
Ref. Date MAY 1 6 2023