HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0279.094 2022-2024 p / Counei I
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COMM. 211
21
Committee on Governmental Operations and External Affair/073 `) } 0 AN 8:
June 20, 2023 -
Re: Bill 48, Creation of the Office of Sustainability, Climate, Equity and Resilience (OSCER)
Honorable Members of the County Council,
My name is Anna Ezzy and I am a graduate student at UH Hilo in Tropical Conservation
Biology and Environmental Science,testifying on my own behalf. I appreciate the opportunity to
testify in support of Bill 48: Creation of the Office of Sustainability, Climate, Equity and
Resilience (OSCER).
The 2023 Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) found that
human-caused climate change is already affecting many weather and climate extremes in every
region across the globe. This has led to widespread adverse impacts and related losses and
damages to nature and people including increases in all regions in extreme heat events that have
resulted in human mortality and morbidity. The establishment of OSCER is necessary to
coordinate and manage policies across Hawai`i County to promote sustainability and resilience
as the climate crisis intensifies. The complex nature of the impacts of climate change means that
many if not all County departments and offices must adapt their policies and actions. An Office
of Sustainability, Climate,Equity and Resilience will work to ensure that all County departments
and offices are equally equipped to help reduce and address impacts of climate change.
The 2023 IPCC Report also shares that vulnerable communities who have historically
contributed the least to current climate change are disproportionately affected by it. OSCER is
particularly needed to respond to the disproportionate effects of climate change on marginalized
communities in Hawai`i.A key priority of the Office is to improve equity in the County by
ensuring that climate, sustainability, and resilience efforts benefit the lives of lower and middle
income and historically marginalized identities. A coordinated effort to adapt to the new realities
of climate change will require an Office of Sustainability, Climate, Equity and Resilience at the
county level to ensure no community is left behind on Hawai`i Island.
Please support Bill 48 so we can take action against climate change in the most efficient and
equitable way possible across Hawai`i County. Our future generations are depending on us to
change the course of climate change to create a livable Hawai`i. Mahalo for the opportunity to
submit testimony.
Sincerely,
Anna Nalani Ezzy
96720
Comm. No 11C1 C14
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Ref. Date Jug 2 1 2021