LIHUE — Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami and state Senate President Ron Kouchi joined other Hawaii leaders in what is being called “an unprecedented show of unity and purpose” to significantly raise the profile on climate change.
“Kauai like other islands around the world is feeling the impacts of climate change,” Kawakami said in a press release. “Our island is already ahead of our renewable energy commitments, and the United Nations recognition through the Hawaii Green Growth Local2030 Islands Hub is a significant step in the right direction.
“We are committed to advancing the Aloha+ Challenge as our local contribution to meet global sustainability and climate goals, which is why we launched the Kauai Aloha+ Challenge as a way for our communities and students to get involved,” Kawakami said. “We encourage everyone to sign up and participate to make Kauai better than how we found it.”
In addition to signing a Declaration of Commitment to Sustainability for Hawaii, leaders and the public celebrated the five-year anniversary of the Aloha+ Challenge, which, along with the state’s commitment to achieving 100 percent renewable energy by 2045 and signing on to the Paris Agreement, led to the United Nation’s recognition of the Hawaii Green Growth Local2030 Islands Hub.
“I am proud to say that on Kauai, the Kauai Island Utility Co-op currently uses 53 percent renewable energy to provide the island with electricity, and hopes to be using 63 percent by the end of the year — well beyond the proposed 40 percent renewable energy use targeted by SCR69 (Senate Concurrent Resolution 69),” Kouchi said.
“With regard to food sustainability, Kauai’s two state-run hospitals are serving Kauai-produced, locally-sourced meals, with an eye toward expanding this program to all 15 public schools on Kauai,” Kouchi said. “Although we have made tremendous strides toward sustainability, there remains much to accomplish if we are to remain on the path to self-sufficiency.”
Hawaii leaders from all branches and levels of government, along with United Nations and others, also signed the Malama Mandate, renewing their commitment to sustainability and climate priorities through island values and actions.
“This gathering of leaders shows our collective commitment to fighting global climate change,” Gov. David Ige said. “Our fight started long before today and will continue well into the future. Hawaii is committed to working with island leaders from around the world to implement and track progress made. By partnering, we can scale models that advance the global sustainability model.”
Hawaii U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard said, “The progress we are making towards making global impact is due to local action, leading with aloha for each other, our aina and the world we all share.”
