LIHUE — Geologists and economists, experts in technology and natural resources, and people involved with public policy and planning are all meeting together on Oahu today.
The forum, Ha o ke kai (Breath of Sea): Hawaii’s Response to Climate Change, is a combination of workshops and speakers, with panel discussions on various aspects of climate change and its impact within the state.
It’s a day-long gathering, with welcomes and introductions by Gov. David Ige and other state representatives.
The first discussion is set to start at 9:10 a.m. and is a discussion between Climate Change Commission Co-chairs Suzanne Case, chair of the state Board of Land and Natural Resources, and Leo Asuncion, state Office of Planning. It’s an update on commission initiatives.
Following that talk, Dr. Victoria Keener, a fellow in the Research Program at the East-West Center in Honolulu whose areas of expertise include climage, will present the National Climate Assessment Report for 2018.
Keynote speaker Sherilyn Wee, of the Public Policy Center, will be speaking at 10 a.m. Following Wee is a keynote address on climate change and equity by Dr. Beverly Scott, CEO of Beverly Scott Associates, LLC and Parker Infrastructure Partners, LLC.
The first of three panel discussions begins at 10:45 a.m., and is focused on Hawaii’s emissions from transportation. Panelists include Aki Marceau, Elemental Excelerator; Katherine McKenzie, Hawaii Natural Energy Institute; and Jon Nouchi, Department of Transportation Services, City and County of Honolulu.
The afternoon brings a second panel discussion, “Paddling Together to Accelerate Action for Adaptation to Sea Level,” and features William Aila of the state Department of Hawaiian Home Lands; Douglas Codiga of Schlack Ito LLLC; and Jeff Dack of the County of Maui.
The last panel discussion is entitled “All Hands on Deck: Innovating to Implement Adaptation to Sea level Rise,” and it features panelists associated with the economy, sustainability and resilience.
Public testimony will be accepted, and the event is located at the East-West Center-Imin Conference Center, University of Hawaii at Manoa. The conference is free and open to the public. People are encouraged to bring digital devices to participate interactively, and those who can’t make the event in person can view Facebook Live coverage of the keynote address and three panels from 10 a.m. to 4:15 p.m.
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Jessica Else, environment reporter, can be reached at 245-0452 or jelse@thegardenisland.com.
