Hawaii House Bill HB1455

Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/23/25
• Refer: 1/27/25

Caption

Relating To The Center For Climate Resilient Development.

Impact

The bill appropriates $3,000,000 from the general revenues of the state for fiscal years 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 to fund the establishment and operations of the center. This infusion of funds is essential to foster climate research and modeling capabilities that could otherwise be jeopardized due to reliance on soft money grants. With federal budget cuts threatening climate research, the bill seeks to create a robust, community-oriented resource that informs and aids in planning for climate-related risks throughout Hawaii.

Summary

House Bill 1455 aims to establish a Center for Climate Resilient Development at the University of Hawaii's School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology (SOEST). The need for such a center arises from the recognition that climate change poses significant vulnerabilities to the state, and currently, there is no singular agency accountable for developing comprehensive community resilience plans. This bill will leverage existing modeling capabilities at SOEST that currently assist in identifying climate risks, including flooding from sea level rise and wildfire ignition, while also focusing on social equity in addressing these issues.

Contention

While the bill primarily addresses climate resilience, there may be various perspectives on the allocation of state resources and the implications of creating a centralized authority for climate planning. Advocates argue that this initiative is pivotal for informed decision-making and effective community protection against climate hazards. However, some may question the approach of channeling significant funds into a singular center versus more widespread investment in localized projects across the state. The successful implementation of this initiative hinges on not only financial support but also community engagement and transparency in its operations.