Issue Position: Environment

Issue Position

What should Hawaii be doing to prepare for the effects of climate change, including sea level rise and threats to the reefs? What have you done to address these issues?

We need to stop building next to the ocean and move future improvements of schools and infrastructure away from areas that have sea level rise. This has been a priority of mine for a while. I have worked with DLNR to hold public meetings in Molokai on regarding "Sea Level Rise Vulnerability and Adaptation". We have been working to raise awareness and prepare our communities. I have also been a long supporter of protecting our reefs. I introduced legislation on the effects of oxybenzone in 2016 (and 2017 and 2018) and since this have introduced legislation about protecting our reefs from runoff as well as to help control invasive species

RE: East Maui Water

I believe the management of East Maui water needs to be in complete alignment with our Public Trust Doctrine. I firmly believe that we should not divert water from one ahupua'a to another.

In my time at the legislature I have worked I worked with East Maui Taro Farmers to ensure the return of water to East Maui Streams.I was one of the only Maui legislators to vote against the revocable water permit bills that would have affected East Maui thisand I also worked with the Sierra Club to introduce legislation to protect our water from diversions (HB 1573 - 2019).

I also secured $4.5 million in CIPs fund for plan, design and construction for irrigation systems and water delivery systems in East Maui and worked with DOA to hold the public meetings/planning sessions so the East Maui Community could have direct input in the plans.

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