HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0372.163 2024-2026COUNTY CLERK
COUNTY OF HAS@AI;
Testimony for County of Hawaii Planning Dept, General Plan 2045 9/15/25
2n25 SEP 15 PM 12: 01
Honorable Council Members,
Thank you for taking the time to listen to community input about the County's General Plan 2045.
1 am proud of our State and Counties for developing this detailed, comprehensive plan, and asking the public
for our opinion. It looks to our future, with hopes of developing a safer, and more productive, sustainable
relationship between Hawaii residents, and our'aina. Thank you.
Although I understand that climate change has been discussed in previous sessions, I also feel it is valuable to
repeat the importance of addressing climate change when talking about Sustainable Development and
Resilient Communities.
Climate change is real. It is based on science. There are decades worth of data, (much of it from our "own,"
Mauna Kea) proving that, between Earth's growing population and our subsequent activities, humans are
irrevocably altering the state of our planet in an extremely damaging way. Data confirms that global
temperatures are rising, causing catastrophic consequences, from flooding to droughts, wildfires to rising sea
levels. Storms are increasing in frequency and intensity. Ocean temperatures are rising, bleaching our coral
reefs and nullifying the ocean's ability to be used as a carbon sink. Glacial ice is melting, upsetting the balance.
Greenhouse gases continue to rise, exacerbating the problem.
The entire world is being challenged, but on our island of Hawaii, we are particularly vulnerable because of our
small population, and island geography.
Fossil fuels are a main contributor to climate change. We need to reduce our dependency on them by
developing renewable resources. This move not only helps our planet, but will also offsets the exorbitant
prices we now pay for electricity.
Rising sea levels not only affect housing, but businesses. Encroaching sea waters can contaminate fresh water
supplies and discharge systems.
The forests and farms of our land, and our surrounding ocean provide carbon sinks, but are being threatened
by deforestation, and increased development. It is disturbing to witness all the "peg -to -peg" clearing that is
happening for new homes. The County needs to maintain our open spaces.
It is progressive thinking to work towards sustainability. The General Plan 2045 is a good plan, and it addresses
the climate change adaptation and mitigation. It will help protect Hawaii.
We are all stewards of our planet, our home. It is our Kuleana to protect our land, and our people. We need to
aspire to building a better world for our children, and grandchildren. Please continue to protect Hawaii by
confirming, and implementing legislation to work towards Sustainable Development and Resilient
Communities.
Thankyoy,
Jane & DeWaine Tollefsrud
15-1543 Beach Rd.
Keaau,H196749
Comm. M- L• I
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Ref. Date SEP 17 025