Hawaii Senate Bill SCR105

Hawaii 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/8/24
• Refer: 3/14/24
• Report Pass: 4/3/24
• Engrossed: 4/4/24
• Refer: 4/5/24

Caption

Requesting The Hawaii Climate Change Mitigation And Adaptation Commission To Conduct An Educational Program Regarding The Activities Of Individuals That Contribute To Climate Change.

Impact

The bill seeks to address misconceptions surrounding effective climate action and outline specific personal activities that contribute significantly to one's carbon footprint. By prioritizing education, the initiative aims to equip residents with knowledge about practices that truly impact climate change. This could influence state laws indirectly, as increased public awareness may lead to greater advocacy for sustainable practices and policies. The commission is urged to coordinate with the Department of Health to implement this educational initiative effectively.

Summary

SCR105, a measure introduced in the Hawaii Legislature, requests the Hawaii Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission to conduct an educational program aimed at informing individuals about their contributions to climate change. The resolution highlights the pressing concern of climate change and the detrimental impact of carbon accumulation in the atmosphere caused primarily by fossil fuel consumption. It recognizes that while individual actions may seem minor, collectively, they can significantly influence climate change mitigation efforts. As such, education becomes a pivotal component in empowering residents to minimize their carbon footprints.

Contention

While the bill principally seeks to inform the public, there may be discussions around the government’s role in educating citizens versus the responsibility of individuals and private sectors in combating climate change. There is potential contention regarding which specific practices should be emphasized in the educational program, as well as how the data supporting these recommendations are sourced. The balance between effective education and preserving individual freedoms in lifestyle choices could also be debated among stakeholders.