HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0097.004 2024-2026i6arthRM
Committee OnGovernmental Operations and External Affairs �� ^
c/o H@vvai'iCounty Council
25AupUniStHilo HI 96720
Re: Communication 07'Support for (]8CEF{Director Nominee Laura Aoaoio
Aloha e Madam Chair and Committee Members,
EarthRK8would like t0begin with Dl8ho|oDUihOthe county council, especially menObe[GHe8th8[
Kimball and Rebecca Villegas, for having the foresight and determination to draft and pass the
legislation to create OSCER.
With that acknowledgement, wasdEarthRMwould like bzexpress strong support for Mayor
AJ8[nedm's nomination of Laura /\c8Si0 to be the Director of the Office Of8VetoiD8bi|ity Climate,
Equity, and Resilience (OSCER). Acasio has an extensive background in leadership, legislation,
environmental science, education, and community organizing. She has been steadfast in her
commitment to the lands, waters, and people of Hawai'i, clearly demonstrated through her
advocacy for initiatives such as Clean Water, Regenerative Agriculture, Zero Waste,
Nature -based Wastewater Solutions, Regenerative Tourism, and many other [)GCER-[H|@ted
issues
Acasio's work has also consistently honored and uplifted K5naka Maoli and K5naka'Oiwi
hUnnon and land rights, traditional and customary practices, and the environmental resources by
which they depend on. This, coupled with her background in western science, Kilo
(0buen/8tiOn)'and personal experience with the many diverse ecosystems across our island
make her especially qualified for this position.
EarthRM commends Mayor Alameda for submitting this very qualified nominee and urges this
committee to give Laura Acasio a favorable recommendation.
Mahalo nui for the opportunity to testify.
Me he o|Oh8'
Hannah Hartmann
Executive Director, EarthRK8