Governor Signs Bill Addressing Climate Change Adaptation

HONOLULU – Gov. Neil Abercrombie today signed House Bill 1714 (Act 83), a measure that establishes an interagency climate adaptation committee under the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) to develop a sea-level rise vulnerability and adaptation report addressing statewide impacts to 2050.

 

Act 83 also authorizes the Office of Planning (OP) to coordinate the development of climate adaptation plans and policy recommendations and to use the committee's report as framework for addressing other climate threats and climate change adaptation priorities.

"This measure builds on Hawaii's leadership in addressing climate change," Gov. Abercrombie said. "Being the only island state in the country, we are especially vulnerable to climate change and are on the frontlines of impacts like sea level rise. I applaud the Legislature for passing this bill and recognizing that Hawaii is ideal as a learning laboratory to continue to contribute and shape our nation's response to climate change adaptation."

"We look forward to showcasing our leadership when Hawaii hosts the 2016 IUCN World Conservation Congress."

Act 83, which takes effect immediately, states that coordination of the committee will be headed jointly by the DLNR chair and the OP director, or their designees. It requires that the committee's report be made public no later than Dec. 31, 2017.

For more information on Hawaii's climate change initiative, visit:
http://governor.hawaii.gov/blog/navigating-climate-change
http://planning.hawaii.gov/czm/ocean-resources-management-plan-ormp/
http://dlnr.hawaii.gov/rain/fact-sheet/