2018 Legislative Updates
As part of the 2018 Legislative Session, Hawai‘i Green Growth is partnering with Hawai‘i Pacific University faculty and students to provide info-sharing on member identified legislative sustainability priorities. HGG Policy and Legislation Working Group members are championing a variety of topics ranging from wastewater, invasive species, waste reduction, carbon and climate change to wildfire and natural resource management, sustainability coordination, and affordable housing. HPU students are utilizing this list of priorities as a real-time learning opportunity on the legislative process, working on bill tracking and policy research. A legislative update on identified partner 2018 sustainability priorities is available here, and will continue to be updated with the HPU class throughout the session.
The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) were identified as the overarching 2018 legislative priority for Hawai‘i Green Growth, serving as an integrated framework to reinforce diverse environmental, social, and economic priorities. The global goals provide a blueprint for a balanced earth, and exemplify the Mālama Ethic conveyed in Kenny Brown’s 1973 speech. HGG supports the locally and culturally appropriate implementation of the global goals through the Aloha+ Challenge, Sustainable Hawai‘i Initiative, and existing efforts. This builds on the recent adoption of the Paris Agreement and the inspiring Worldwide Voyage of Hōkūle‘a. The Senate 2018 Majority Package focused on the UN Sustainable Development Goals has attracted international attention, and works to provide a coherent framework for legislation.