Virtual event to discuss environmental priorities in Legislative session
Environmental organizations will host a virtual event with state lawmakers to discuss current issues in Hawaii that will be priorities in the 2022 legislative session.
The free online event titled “Hawaii Environmental Change Agents” will be held from 10 to 11:30 a.m. on Sept. 18. Register in advance at bit.ly/2VZRmrQ.
Sixteen of Hawaii’s environmental organizations are sponsoring the discussion, which features three chairs of state legislative committees, including Sen. Mike Gabbard, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Environment; Rep. Nicole Lowen, chairperson of the House Committee on Energy and Environmental Protection; and Rep. David Tarnas, chairperson of the House Committee on Water and Land.
According to a news release, the speakers will present their priorities and answer questions. In addition, the sponsoring environmental organizations will present their top priorities.
“This event brings together environmental leaders in the State Legislature and environmental organizations,” said Clara Ontal of the Hawaii Youth Climate Coalition, who’s also the chairperson of the event planning committee. “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, one of the event sponsors, said that “the many environmental issues in Hawaii cover a broad spectrum.
“Climate change is upon us, causing disasters in different parts of the world,” Morin said. “Hawaii must do its part to control climate change, but there is no single silver bullet. A multifaceted solution is needed, and we will explore the most effective and practical alternatives at this event.”
