HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0494.004 2018-2020 `IN: 4414
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October 1, 2019 .
To: Hawai'i County Council
Regarding: Resolution 322-19 Declarling a climate Emergency for Hawaii County F
From: Nedi McKnight
(808) 238-4660 nedimcknight@gmaii.com
Post Office Box 122, Pa'auilo, Hawaii 96776
Dear Gentlepersons;
This is my testimony imploring you to join over 1000 governments in 19 countries to declare a Climate
Emergency, and adopt an emergency response to climate change,the ecological and humanitarian crisis.
Only the largest scale climate mobilization can protect our human residents,flora,fish, birds and natural
ecosystems. We can not be radical enough.
Here on Hawai'i Island,we are on the frontline of the Climate Emergency. We live in one of the most
remote places on the planet, surrounded by ocean. Our vulnerability to sea level rise,food shortages
and extreme storms can't be overstated.
Currently our storm shelters are completely inadequate for our population.The frequency of hurricanes
crossing the Pacific has increased. It is only a matter of time before our islands are hit by a hurricane.
There is nowhere for most of us to go. Many of the shelters are small and are in framed buildings,which
will not hold up to a strong hurricane.The shelters do not accommodate people with pets.There is
inadequate room for the population.There is no way to evacuate hundreds of thousands of people. It
isn't like we have a freeway to another state.
We have low lying communities, ports and airports which will be exposed to sea level rise, king tides and
storm surges.
Coral can only tolerate about 3 degrees of ocean warming. We are already in a coral bleaching event. I
have heard stories of local fishermen taking thermometers out with them to measure the obvious
heating of the water. Not only do many of us depend on ocean fish for sustenance, our tourism industry
is dependent on beautiful coral for snorkeling and diving activities.The fish, dolphins,turtles and ocean
inhabitants do not have voices. We must be their voice.
Native forests must be restored.They are the key to sequestering carbon, our watersheds and healthy
communities.
Tourism will cease to exist if climate events become more frequent and severe, resulting in economic
losses and social disruptions. We must look ahead to sustainability with green jobs and environmentally
friendly industries.
The residents of this island are overly dependent on imported food.As climate and weather become
more unstable,food and petrol prices will increase. If there are severe storms,the islands could be
without shipments of food.We must prepare in advance by creating more opportunities regenerative,
small scale and organic farming. We must also provide education, support, resources and supplies to
Comm, o t.
Ref.Toc I MY KIM
Ref.Dote OCT 91 2014
ensure our residents have gardens and/or fruit bearing trees on or near their property. Kalo, bananas,
sweet potatoes and Breadfruit sustained these islands in the past-it can and must be done again.
Most importantly, we must protect our aquifers. Peak water is a very real threat globally. Due to
overdevelopment of the Kona side,we are certainly approaching or at peak water.As many other places
in the world experience extreme heat and desertification, Hawai'i's most precious treasure and source
of wealth in the future will be water.
You must declare a Climate Emergency.The future generations are counting on us.