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Climate change intersects with almost every major challenge we face in Hawaii. Whether it is about protecting the environment, diversifying our economy or building new infrastructure, the response to potential existential climate change must be fundamental to our decision-making.
Devastating floods such as those that devastated Kauai in 2018 and the north coast of Oahu in March 2021 will become more frequent and severe. Rising sea levels, combined with more frequent storms and potentially devastating hurricanes, will exacerbate coastal erosion. Developing solutions to tackle climate change that are based on resilience, resilience and ‘aina aloha’ will be paramount to a safe and secure future for Hawaii.
First, we need to build climate resilience in our communities and infrastructure to support our working families. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act provides a one-generation investment in our infrastructure over the next four years, much of it with a focus on climate adaptation. The state must have the ability and capacity to focus on these federal resources.
As your governor, I will use my federal experience and relationships in Washington, D.C., to ensure that critical departments retain development professionals who are experienced in applying for competitive federal discretionary grants. Working together with the mayors of the counties and the University of Hawaii, we will increase the resources and capacity to implement climate adaptation infrastructure projects, providing all aspects of training and implementation of federal projects.
Second, we must reduce the threat to the climate by extending the state’s mandate to achieve 100% renewable energy production by 2045. The Ige administration is to be commended for bringing Oahu to 40% renewable electricity production. sources. However, increasing this percentage (especially with the closure of the AES coal plant in Capolei in September) will require difficult decisions. Oahu land restrictions will cause competition between housing, agriculture and solar energy.
As such, residential and commercial rooftop solar systems need to be stimulated and maximized. As battery storage improves, solar and wind energy will only continue their global trend of outpacing conventional fossil fuels. In addition, investment in innovative renewable technologies and fuels – such as sustainable aviation fuel, conversion of ocean heat and hydrogen from geothermal resources – needs to be explored and stimulated. Fulfilling this mandate will require teamwork and finding consensus between our communities, the enterprise, the Utilities Commission and politicians.
As far as energy is concerned, I am opposed to legislation that requires a minimum percentage of ‘solid’ energy from renewable sources. I believe that with ever-increasing efficiency and reduced energy storage costs, combined with advances in new renewable technologies, legislation such as Senate Bill 2510 will push the state into bad decisions. Let’s not forget that according to the state mandate, we must also be carbon negative by 2045. If the state orders a third of our energy to come from “solid renewable sources” (which still rely on carbon combustion), then we will have an additional task to compensate for this carbon.
Finally, if Gov. David Age signs the House of Representatives bill 1800, the next administration will have a framework for determining greenhouse gas emissions under the Paris Climate Agreement and will put Hawaii on the path to full decarbonisation. Bold action by a clean energy policy like this will not only create new jobs, but will also reduce our carbon footprint and dependence on fossil fuels.
No time to waste. Our country has the opportunity to be recognized as a world pioneer in the field of renewable energy, while at the same time benefiting local communities and ensuring energy security in our future. Dealing with the climate crisis is a difficult task that will require tough talks, sound policies and monetary investment from our county, state and federal governments.
From the inception of the Hawaii Clean Energy Initiative, which began during the administration of Governor Linda Lingle, to the continued attention and commitment made during the administration of Governor Neil Abercrombie and the bold commitment made during the administration of Governor Ige, our next governor must redouble that effort. Innovative and bold investments of human capital and successful joint leadership will ultimately be needed to help Hawaii position itself as a leader in sustainable energy and climate action.
KaialiÊ»i Kahele, a representative of Hawaii’s 2nd Congressional District, is also a commercial pilot and former state senator.