Hawaiʻi state officials have outlined a new plan to transition the islands’ transportation sector to clean energy, a move that could pose short-term costs for residents but is anticipated to yield long-term savings.
During a briefing for legislators on Wednesday, Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation Director Ed Sniffen revealed that the detailed roadmap will be unveiled on Friday.
The plan is a response to a landmark settlement signed one year ago with local youth climate activists, who highlighted transportation as the state’s largest source of carbon emissions and a significant threat to their cultural practices and rights to a clean environment.
The proposed roadmap aims to phase out carbon emissions from cars, planes, and ships by 2045 through the use of cleaner fuels.
In addition to this, the plan includes the expansion of pedestrian paths, bike lanes, and public transit options, designed to support a more sustainable infrastructure.
The 2022 lawsuit that catalyzed these efforts was brought forth by 13 local youths, many of whom are Native Hawaiians.
Their attorney, Isaac Moriwake from EarthJustice, noted the importance of collaboration with state officials following the settlement.
Despite the progress lauded by lawmakers, concerns were raised about the potential for increased costs to fuel and everyday goods, which local residents might face as a consequence of the transition.
Nānākuli Representative Darius Kila emphasized that while he supports decarbonization, equity must remain a priority.
Kila stated, ‘You’re asking folks to move toward a green infrastructure who don’t have green, right? Not everybody can afford an electric vehicle.’
Other legislators concurred, urging that the state’s ambitious environmental goals must be pursued in a just manner that supports all residents, especially those living in rural areas.
‘We don’t just want a transition,’ Rep. Tina Grandinetti remarked. ‘We want a just transition.’
Currently, there is uncertainty regarding the specific financial impact of the state’s zero-emissions targets on local families.
Laura Kaakua, the department’s energy security and outreach manager, indicated that more financial data will be provided to the Legislature ahead of its next session.
Still, proponents of the decarbonization efforts, including Sen. Chris Lee and Rep. Nicole Lowen, voiced their belief that the costs associated with this transition will be relatively short-term.
They stressed that residents can ultimately benefit from reduced fuel and energy expenses in the longer term.
Conversely, Republican Senator Brenton Awa voiced concerns about any cost increases, no matter how temporary, arguing that such changes could exacerbate the ongoing exodus of Native Hawaiians from the islands.
The recent lawsuit that pushed for the decarbonization plan was significantly driven by Native Hawaiian youth, who expressed their fears about the repercussions of climate change on their traditional livelihoods.
During the briefing, Sniffen elaborated that the aviation sector has projected upfront costs of approximately $1 billion to shift to sustainable fuel options by 2045, compared to delaying until 2050.
He emphasized the need to gain insight into how these cost transitions will affect local residents before making definitive recommendations on maintaining or modifying the 2045 decarbonization goals.
Sniffen relayed his commitment to adhere to the state’s climate objectives, stating, ‘Once I get that opportunity… then I can recommend to you what I would support based on getting to that green future that we want, but also making sure that people can actually live here.’
As stakeholders continue to navigate the complexities of this transition, the dialogue surrounding equity and sustainability remains crucial for the well-being of Hawaiʻi’s diverse communities.
image source from：civilbeat
