Mer. Gen 15th, 2025

HONOLULU (Island News) — Environmental concerns will be at the top of some lawmakers minds for the 2025 legislative session. Experts with the Department of Land and Natural resources, University of Hawai’i at Mānoa professors and other environmental groups spoke on Hawai’i’s biggest climate concerns and solutions during an information briefing on Tuesday. “It’s not just about climate change anymore, its a poly-crisis,” said UH Professor Dr. Chip Fletcher. The groups discussed issues like island dependency.”Everyday there is a ship or a container ship that comes into Honolulu Harbor and that is our life line. We need decrease our dependence on external sources, on everything,” Fletcher added.Farming production restraints.”It’s heartbreaking to hear that there are folks who want to do it and that there is money available, but there are just so many things that are in the way” Susan Crow, UH Mānoa.”Land access and tenure water access and tenure are some of the barriers that we run into, so that is where policy comes out of this group,” said Tim Richards, Hawaii State Senator.And rising Sea Levels, with data showing water increased six inches in the last 100 years.”Yes, islands naturally erode back to the sea but that is being made worse by sea level rise,” said Amy Wirts, State of Hawai’i Office of Conservation and Coastal Lands.Lawmakers also heard from those they call the future.”Climate change is no longer just an issue, it is here now affecting ecosystems communities, and livelihoods,” said Taeseong Shin, ʻIolani 11th grader.”Just in our lifetimes, each summer has been the hottest on record. Beaches have completely disappeared and storms and floods have led to more deaths than ever,” said Liv Knutsen, Punahou 10th grader.2024 was the hottest year on record, and experts revealed Hawai’i has increased two degrees since 1950.Areas like Puukohola, Kaneohe Bay, South Point and Mauna Loa all recorded the highest temperatures to date.Lawmakers seemed thankful and are encouraged to bring these items up for consideration.