HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0372.125 2024-2026Kathleen Friday
1416 Kilikina St.
Hilo HI 96720
August 22, 2025
Council Member Jennifer Kagiwada
25 Aupuni Street, Room 1402
Hilo HI 96720
Phone:808-961-8272
Jennifer.Kagiwada@hawaiicounty.gov
counciltestimony@hawaiicounty.gov
Dear Council Member Jennifer Kagiwada,
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This is in reference to the hearing to be held in Hilo on Monday August 25 concerning "Climate
Change and Island -wide planning" (Communication 326 on review of the Draft General Plan
2045 by the Policy Committee on Planning, Land Use & Economic Development).
I would like to thank the authors of the draft General Plan 2045 for taking climate change into
consideration as the County plans future development on this island. I'm glad that the County is
acknowledging peer -reviewed science (the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate
Change reports and other publications) and consulting with state and local expertise through the
state Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission. The subject is complex, but we
can already see trends in sea level rise and atmospheric and ocean temperatures. Predicting the
future is challenging because of uncertainties as decisions and events unfold worldwide, and
modeling regional and local impacts is imperfect. Furthermore, climate change effects interact
with other dynamics such as development, pollution, the introduction of invasive species, etc.
Even though not everyone understands -or agrees with the science or all policy implications of
climate change, it is undeniable that hurricanes, wildfires, and coastal pollution from wastewater
are hurting us and already need more attention, preparation, and planning for resilience. In theory
and in recent observation, with climate change, hurricanes are developing strength more rapidly
in the Pacific; increased drought and winds set the stage for wildfires impacting lives and
communities; and rising water tables affect drainage and interact with sewage problems.
Planning to encompass more extreme conditions is necessary. Thank you for the insights and
intentions in this draft Plan.
Sincerely,
Is/ Kathleen Friday
Kathleen Friday
Fridaykatie@gmail.com
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