Groups to discuss environmental priorities for the 2022 legislative session
By Staff | Sep 3, 2021
HONOLULU — Sixteen Hawaii environmental organizations are sponsoring a free online event, “Hawaii Environmental Change Agents,” that will preview environmental issues that will be priorities in the 2022 legislative session.
The event features three chairs of state legislative committees that are responsible for environmental issues. They will present their priorities and answer questions.
In addition, the sponsoring environmental organizations will present their top priorities.
This free online event will be held on Saturday, Sept. 18, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Register in advance at: bit.ly/HECA_Gabbard.
Clara Ontal of the Hawaii Youth Climate Coalition, chair of the event Planning Committee, said, “This event brings together environmental leaders in the State Legislature and environmental organizations.
“We will share our priorities with the intent of building collaborative relationships that will be effective in ultimately passing legislation that will benefit the environment and the people of Hawaii.”
Noel Morin of the Hawaii Electric Vehicle Association said, “The many environmental issues in Hawaii cover a broad spectrum. Climate change is upon us, causing disasters in different parts of the world.
“Hawaii must do its part to control climate change, but there is no single silver bullet. A multi-faceted solution is needed, and we will explore the most effective and practical alternatives at this event.”
The three featured committee chairs are Sen. Mike Gabbard, chair of the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Environment; Rep. Nicole Lowen, chair of the House Committee on Energy and Environmental Protection; and Rep. David Tarnas, chair of the House Committee on Water and Land.
The environmental organizations sponsoring this event are Sierra Club Hawaii and Sierra Club Big Island, Environmental Justice Task Force of Faith Action for Community Equity, The Nature Conservancy, Blue Planet Foundation, Surfrider Foundation Oahu, Citizens Climate Lobby-Hawaii Chapters, Environmental Caucus of the Democratic Party, 350.org Hawaii, Center for Biological Diversity, Climate Protectors Hawaii, Hawaii Reef and Ocean Coalition, Our Revolution Hawaii, Pono Hawaii Initiative, Hawaii Youth Climate Coalition, Kauai Climate Action Coalition, and Hawaii Electric Vehicle Association.
