STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3788

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: S.R. No. 93

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2022

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Agriculture and Environment, to which was referred S.R. No. 93 entitled:

"SENATE RESOLUTION REQUESTING THE GOVERNOR TO OPTIMIZE THE USE OF FEDERAL FUNDS FOR CLIMATE RESILIENCE AND EQUITY AND TO CONVENE A TASK FORCE TO COORDINATE THE USE OF FEDERAL FUNDS,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to request the Governor to optimize the use of federal funds for climate resilience and equity and to convene a task force to coordinate the use of federal funds.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from Climate Protectors Hawai‘i, Sierra Club of Hawai‘i, and U.S. Green Building Council. Your Committee received testimony in opposition to this measure from one individual.

Your Committee finds that climate change has already increased the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events that pose a significant threat to Hawaii and its residents. Without public action, the damage and costs of climate change will continue to grow. However, the State can mitigate the adverse effects of climate change by enhancing its climate resiliency. By optimizing the use of federal funds for climate resilience and equity, the State can preempt many of the negative outcomes that will result from climate change. This measure requests the Governor to optimize the use of federal funds for climate resilience and equity and to convene a task force to coordinate the use of federal funds.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Agriculture and Environment that is attached to this report, your Committee concurs with the intent and purpose of S.R. No. 93 and recommends its adoption.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Agriculture and Environment,

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MIKE GABBARD, Chair