#Bill 48

The new office will work toward implementing policies and programs to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, promote renewable energy, enhance energy efficiency, protect biodiversity and fortify infrastructure against the impacts of climate change.

The new cabinet-level office will lead the Hawai‘i County’s efforts to ensure the Big Island can withstand the effects of climate change.

The Hawai‘i County Council on Wednesday voted 5-1 to approve first reading of Bill 48, which would create a new Hawai’i County Office of Sustainability, Climate, Equity and Resilience to help the Big Island weather the storm of climate change.

A bill that would create a new cabinet-level Office of Sustainability, Climate, Equity and Resilience and a new chapter in Hawaiʻi County code to govern it is moving forward.

The proposed new Hawaiʻi County Office of Sustainability, Climate, Equity and Resilience would establish a new cabinet-level office responsible for coordinating and managing policies to promote sustainability and resilience in response to the impacts of climate change and other natural and manmade hazards.