HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-04-24 County of Hawaii Climate Change Plan Draft -- press release
Roy Takemoto
Managing Director
Harry Kim
Mayor
Barbara J. Kossow
Deputy Managing Director
County of Hawai‘i
Office of the Mayor
25 Aupuni Street, Suite 2603 Hilo, Hawai‘i 96720 (808) 961-8211 Fax (808) 961-6553
KONA: 74-5044 Ane Keohokālole Hwy., Bldg C Kailua-Kona, Hawai‘i 96740
(808) 323-4444 Fax (808) 323-4440
April 24, 2020
NEWS RELEASE
Seeking Comments on Hawai‘i County Climate Action Plan Draft
The Hawai‘i County Department of Research and Development has completed the first
draft of the County of Hawai‘i Climate Action Plan, and is seeking comments from the
public. We ask that all comments and feedback to be submitted to the County at
sustainability@hawaiicounty.gov no later than May 31, 2020.
This document is the next step forward for Hawai‘i County to reach its Greenhouse Gas
(GHG) emissions goals, and to protect the health and safety of our communities.
Implementing the actions and strategies outlined in this plan will enable Hawai‘i Island
to become more sustainable and self-reliant, while playing its role in mitigating global
climate change.
During these times of preventative steps taken to reduce the spread of COVID-19,
many people are noticing the true impact that human behavior has on nature. The
County estimates it will see a drop of 1,482,319.546 MTCO2, or a 42% reduction, in
total emissions, due to the decrease in air travel and vehicle miles traveled, due to Stay-
At-Home and Social Distancing measures.
In addition to mitigating GHG emissions, the plan also aims for Hawai‘i Island to
produce all of its energy demand domestically and through renewable alternatives to
fossil fuels; provide clean and accessible public mobility; encourage zero waste
behavior; and expand conservation and preservation of natural areas. The Climate
Action Plan increases the County’s commitment to deliver equitable solutions to
improving our community’s health, wellness, and economic resiliency.
The Climate Action Plan will continue to be updated and improved to reflect the values
and priorities of our community as we reach our goals. Please share your mana‘o on
this important initiative.
County of Hawai‘i is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.