Public Input Sought for Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions
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For Immediate Release: October 22, 2009
DBEDT Release News 09-29
HONOLULU—The public is invited to workshops to be held in all counties to review the work plans being considered by the Hawai‘i Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Task Force to recommend to the legislature at year's end.
"This task force was formed by statute to develop cost-effective measures for doing Hawai‘i's part in reducing greenhouse gasses and their effect on climate change," said Ted Liu, co-chair, Greenhouse Gas Emissions Task Force. "We are considering the likely effects of existing laws in addition to the many projects in the Hawai‘i Clean Energy Initiative to meet the objective of the law."
The task force was formed in 2007 by the legislature to mitigate the effects of global warming, which can cause problems such as sea level rise, shoreline erosion, saltwater intrusion into water supply; ocean acidification, reef breakdown; warmer ocean surfaces; crop and forest changes and loss of habitats; more severe storms and weather patterns; and health effects and disease.
Reducing greenhouse gas emissions can benefit the environmental and economic well-being of Hawai‘i and supports the goals of the Hawai‘i Clean Energy Initiative (HCEI) by using technology and practical solutions to switch to a clean energy economy. HCEI seeks to lessen Hawai‘i's dependency on imported oil, protect our environment, keep money in the local economy, and position Hawai‘i as a leader in innovation and utilizing indigenous renewable power.
State law calls for the reduction greenhouse gas emissions in Hawai‘i, caused mostly by oil and coal-based electricity generation and transportation to the 1990 levels or below by the year 2020.
The draft work plans, their assumptions, and other materials are available for review at www.hawaii.gov/dbedt/info/energy/greenhouse.
Workshops will be held on Kaua‘i, Maui, Big Island and O‘ahu. Dates and locations are:
| COUNTY | DATE/DAY | START TIME | VENUE |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kaua‘i | Tuesday Nov. 3, 2009 | 5:30-7:00 P.M. | Lihu‘e Civic Center, Moikeha Meeting Room 2A/2B, 4444 Rice Street, Lihu‘e, HI |
| Maui | Wednesday Nov. 4, 2009 | 5:00-6:30 P.M. | UH-Maui Community College campus, Pilina Building, Multi-purpose room |
| Big Island - Hilo | Monday Nov. 16, 2009 | 5:30-7:00 P.M. | Office of Aging Conference Room - Hilo 1055 Kino‘ole Street Suite 101 |
| Big Island - Kona | Tuesday Nov. 17, 2009 | 5:30-7:00 P.M. | Department of Liquor Control - Kona Hearings Room 75-5722 Hanama Place, Suite 1107, Kailua Kona, HI |
| O‘ahu | Tuesday Nov. 24, 2009 | 6:00-7:30 P.M. | Kawananakoa Middle School Cafeteria 49 Funchal Street (approach Funchal St. by turning from Pauoa Rd.) |
For more information, contact Chris Baron or Colleen Miller at the Hawaii State Energy Office (808) 587-3801; or by email at cbaron@dbedt.hawaii.gov, or Colleen.M.Miller@dbedt.hawaii.gov.