Land Use Planning
Hawaii is made up of more than 11,000 square miles, spread across eight main islands. Our lands have cultural significance for our people. How we protect our natural resources, while staying culturally respectable, is everything.
Renewable Energy
Hawaii State’s ambitious goal is to achieve 100% renewable energy by 2045. If the goal is achieved, by 2045 all of the island chain’s electricity will come from renewable energy sources, such as, biofuel, geothermal, hydroelectricity, ocean energy, solar and wind.
Zero Waste/Recycling
Sadly, Hawaii is suffocated with trash. Over 1.4 billion tons of trash end up in the ocean every year. Thankfully, trash-reducing organizations are working together to help reduce the amount of opala.
Food Security
Food security means having enough nutritious food to feed everyone all the time. We import 85% of our food—most from the continental United States, 2,500 miles away. Everyone needs food to eat, and we shouldn’t have to rely on planes and ships to bring it to us.
Cultural Sustainability
The Hawaiian Islands’ rich culture is embedded in its indigenous language, people, practices and natural resources. The Kumulipo, or The Hawaiian Creation Chant, speaks of the relationships between the land and the heaven and the ocean, between the plants and the animals, and finally between man and woman.
Green Jobs/Economy
Green jobs are the #1 solution to achieve Hawaii’s sustainability goals – from transitioning to 100% renewable energy to creating local food security to increasing our biodiversity to protecting our oceans and coral reefs. Building a green workforce is key to our success.
Coral Reef Restoration & Ocean Preservation
The Hawaiian archipelago has suffered from several extreme coral bleaching events, caused by high ocean temperatures. If climate change were to stop today, scientists expect 90% of coral will die by 2050. The ocean is dying–and with it much of our world’s food supply.
Water Resource Management
Water is especially important for isolated island chains like Hawaii. 70% goes to agriculture. How can we share the water and effectively manage it so that we all have what we need to thrive?
Biodiversity Conservation
Hawaii is often called the “endangered species capital of the world.”. . How do we protect Hawaiian biodiversity from the threats of climate change, invasive species, hunting and population growth?
Climate Refugees
Climate change and extreme weather from floods, wildfires and droughts is forcing people from their homes. Environmental migration has become one of the most challenging economic and humanitarian crises in recent years.
Global Sustainability
7.3 billion people. Trillions of animals and organisms. One Earth. We all share our planet’s precious and dwindling natural resources. What can we do so there is enough to go around in a world threatened by climate change?
Community Partnerships
Hawaii is made up of multi-culturally rich and diverse communities. However, we all share the same basic needs – Food, Water, Shelter, and Jobs. To realize our sustainability goals, we must work together for the good of all.
Environmental Disaster Preparation
Tsunamis, floods, hurricanes and volcanic eruptions regularly ravage Hawaii’s islands.
These environmental disasters can be devastating to our local, rural communities. It’s important that each of us is prepared.
Water Resource Management
While we’re surrounded by the Pacific Ocean with abundant rivers and streams galore and rain, Hawaii Island has 11 climate zones, we must share water from the dry, sun baked Kona-side to the rain drenched Hilo-side. How can we share the water and effectively manage it so that we all have what we need to thrive?
Global Sustainability
7.3 billion people. Trillions of animals and organisms. One Earth. We’re all connected. We all share our planet’s precious and dwindling natural resources. What can we do so there is enough to go around in a world threatened by climate change?
Find out more about Global sustainability!
Climate Refugees
Climate change and extreme weather from floods, wildfires and droughts is forcing people from their homes. Environmental migration has become one of the most challenging economic and humanitarian crises in recent years. It’s important to understand the magnitude of displacement. By 2060 another 1.4 billion people will have to move to escape our planet’s rising seas. The Aloha State is on the front line of this climate change, with coastal erosion washing away our beaches, cultural sites and homes.
Find out more about Climate Refugees here!
Community Partnerships
Hawaii is made up a multi-culturally rich and diverse communities. We all share the same basic needs. Food. Water. Shelter. Jobs. To realize our sustainability goals, we must work together for the good of all. Too often Hawaii’s agencies, organizations, and businesses work separately. We need to be more connected so we can not only function, but thrive. We need to urgently develop more community partnerships.
Environmental Disaster Preparation
Hawaii is an island chain with over 1,000 miles of coastline, in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. Given our active volcanoes, towering mountains, treacherous valleys and gulches, rushing rivers and lots of rain, we are vulnerable to environmental disasters. Tsunamis, floods, hurricanes and volcanic eruptions regularly ravage Hawaii’s islands. These environmental disasters can be devastating to our local, rural communities. It's important that each of us is prepared.