January 7, 2025
HONOLULU — The Hawai‘i Climate Advisory Team (CAT), established by Governor Josh Green, M.D., in May 2024, has released a comprehensive policy paper outlining recommendations to enhance the state’s disaster resilience, recovery, and funding strategies. These recommendations are set to inform the administration’s legislative priorities for the 2025 session and future initiatives.
“The Climate Advisory Team’s research and recommendations highlight the urgent need for bold action in addressing climate-related disasters,” Governor Green stated. “This policy paper offers a clear roadmap for creating a more resilient Hawai‘i.”
The CAT, comprising experts in climate science, insurance, land stewardship, and environmental justice, conducted extensive research throughout 2024. They engaged with government agencies, community advocates, and subject matter experts to assess Hawai‘i’s unique challenges and potential solutions for resilience and disaster recovery.
The policy paper presents six key findings and outlines recommendations across five policy areas: financial commitment, government responsibility, environmental sustainability, community resilience, and financial recovery. The report emphasizes the necessity of immediate actions alongside long-term policy development to ensure Hawai‘i is prepared for future disasters.
Key Findings:
- Community Concern: 71% of respondents fear a disaster similar to Lahaina’s could happen in their community, yet only 39% feel prepared.
- Increasing Disasters: The frequency and severity of disasters in Hawai‘i are escalating.
- Economic Impact: Hawai‘i faces an annual loss of $1.4 billion due to hurricane, wildfire, flood, and earthquake damage.
- Cost of Living: Disaster risks contribute to Hawai‘i’s cost-of-living crisis, exacerbated by challenges in the insurance market.
- Urgency: Hawai‘i must act swiftly to address these mounting risks.
Top Recommendations:
- Establish a Permanent Resilience Office: To provide leadership and coordination for disaster preparedness and resilience efforts.
- Create a Hawai‘i Climate Resilience Fund: To finance environmental, infrastructure, and community resilience projects.
- Secure Disaster Recovery Funds: To support vulnerable residents post-disaster.
- Strengthen the Office of the State Fire Marshal: Enhance resources for fire prevention programs like Firewise.
Chris Benjamin, Chair of the Climate Advisory Team, emphasized the critical need for increased focus on disaster readiness. “Hawai‘i’s geographic isolation and aging infrastructure demand prioritization of resilience efforts to protect lives and ensure economic stability.”
The policy paper, which includes 14 actionable solutions, is available at www.hawaiiclimateadvisoryteam.org. The CAT invites public feedback through their online portal and will host a virtual presentation on January 10, 2025, at 9:30 a.m.
About the Climate Advisory Team:
The CAT was formed in response to the devastating wildfires in Lahaina and Kula in August 2023, which underscored the need for robust disaster preparedness. The team, comprising six community members with diverse expertise, has worked diligently to develop policy recommendations that emphasize justice, equity, and environmental stewardship. Their efforts aim to enhance Hawai‘i’s ability to respond to and recover from future disasters.
For more information or to provide comments, visit www.hawaiiclimateadvisoryteam.org.
