HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0097.011 2024-2026SIERRACLUB
HAWAII ISLANDGROUP
February 2, 2025
Committee on Governmental Operations and External Affairs
c/o Hawai'i County Council
25 Aupuni St
Hilo HI 96720
Re: Communication 97, Support for OSCER Director Nominee Laura Acasio
Aloha Madam Chair and committee members,
The Hawai'i Island Group of the Sierra Club of Hawai'i Chapter (HIG) would like to mahalo the
county council, especially members Heather Kimball and Rebecca Villegas, as well as the
former Mayor Roth, for having the foresight and determination to draft and pass the legislation to
create the Office of Sustainability, Climate, Equity, and Resilience {OSCER).
And with that acknowledgement, HIG would like to express strong support for Mayor Alameda's
nomination of Laura Acasio to be the Director of the OSCER.
As an experienced, knowledgeable educator, legislator, community organizer and leader, Ms.
Acasio is eminently qualified for this position through her consistent, strong advocacy for
regenerative agriculture, "waste -to -wealth" initiatives, energy efficiency and zero emissions,
regenerative tourism and many other OSCER-related issues.
Further, Ms. Acasio's work has consistently honored and supported kanaka maoli human and
land rights, traditional and customary practices and the environmental resources upon which they
depend.
Ms. Acasio's background in science and experience of the natural world through surfing are
reflected in her work. She has prerequisite recognition of and appreciation for Hawai'i's unique
ecological systems and interdependencies and knows how to "ride the rogue waves" that will be
inevitable in an agency addressing the unknowns of climate change.
HIG commends Mayor Alameda for submitting this very qualified nominee and urges this
committee to give Laura Acasio a favorable recommendation.
Mahalo for this opportunity to testify.
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