GGIS Global Green Island Summit 국제녹색섬서밋

The State of Hawaii

The Hawaiian Islands showcase our nation's diversity in nature, culture, conservation, and sustainability through the synthesis of traditional wisdom and knowledge. The most isolated island chain in the world, Hawaii has 10 of the world's 14 climate zones. An extraordinary assemblage of more than 28,000 native plants and animals, 90 percent endemic, makes the Hawaiian Islands one of world’s most ecologically diverse locations. Nearly 28 percent of all threatened and endangered species in the U.S. are exclusively found in the Hawaiian Islands. The vulnerability of its unique natural resources makes Hawaii a microcosm for the practice and science of global biocultural conservation challenges.

World Heritage Sites and Biosphere Reserves	The Hawaiian Islands are home to two World Heritage Sites (Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park) and one Biosphere Reserve.
Island Ecosystem Conservation	Owing to their isolation, the island ecosystems of the Pacific Region are exceedingly vulnerable to habitat degradation, introduction of invasive species, and global climate change. Invasive species threaten our agriculture, natural areas, tourism economy, and health. We’ve made progress through quarantines and innovative response efforts, but we can do better. Our Hawaii Biosecurity Plan provides the path forward. We are working to establish the Hawaii Invasive Species Authority to lead this effort, create new research and inspection facilities, hire additional inspectors and first responders, and use new technologies to efficiently mitigate risks. Climate change and other anthropogenic factors have caused the health of Hawaii’s fisheries and coral reefs to decline dramatically, as they are significantly threatened by oceanic warming, sedimentation, pollution, and unsustainable fishing practices. Our goal to effectively manage 30% of our nearshore ocean waters will require statewide planning and monitoring, updating and implementing priority management strategies, collaborating with communities and stakeholders, and focused marine enforcement.
Cultural Initiatives	In Hawaii, the resurgence of a distinct cultural identity that draws upon traditional kanaka maoli (native Hawaiians) culture is currently being undertaken by organizations and individuals of Hawaiian ancestry (and others).
Renewable Energy Initiatives	The Hawaii Clean Energy Initiative (HCEI) is an unprecedented effort to transform the entire Hawaii economy from getting 95% of its energy from imported oil to meeting the state’s energy needs from 70% clean energy (primarily indigenous renewable and efficiency) by 2030. Climate change poses the greatest threat to our forests, our coastlines, and our corals. Hawaii is also the most oil dependent state in the nation. We must do everything we can, globally and locally, to reduce our use of fossil fuels. That’s why we’re committed to reaching 100% renewable energy use in the electricity sector by the year 2045.
Food Security	In 2016, we completed a survey of all agricultural land use in Hawaii to create a foundation for our efforts to increase local food production. To continue to provide food security and support our local farmers, we are committed to increasing agricultural loan programs, invasive species prevention and control, and purchasing and improving high-value agricultural lands.
Hawaii’s Fisheries and Coral Reefs	Hawaii’s culture, economy, and way of life are intimately tied to the marine environment. We depend on healthy oceans and coasts for recreation, tourism and, of course, food. Hawaii’s coral reefs are a local and global treasure, providing cultural, economic, and recreational opportunities to our residents and 9 million visitors annually. They are a driver of our local and tourist economy, generating more than $360 million each year. We work to protect healthy reefs and sustainable fisheries into the future through adaptive and community-based management, encouraging sustainable fishing practices, and effective enforcement and monitoring.
Forests	The Hawaiian koa-ohia rainforests are essential for life and the economy of Hawaii by capturing and providing fresh clean water. These forests are also composed of unique plants and wildlife with profound cultural significance. While half of Hawaii’s native forests have been lost, those remaining store 32 million metric tons of carbon – equivalent to 6 times Hawaii’s annual greenhouse gas emissions! DLNR is working to protect remaining forests from disease, fire, and invasive species. In addition to providing life-giving fresh water, forests dramatically reduce erosion and flooding.
Climate Change	Our Native Forests are our best weapon in the fight against climate change. Reforestation of state lands has the potential to remove 50 million tons of carbon from the atmosphere, increase freshwater availability and cost effectively improve coral reef resilience. Our natural resource managers are working harder than ever to increase nature’s ability to be resilient in the face of climate change and maintain the abundant benefits that our forests, coastlines, and near-shore waters provide.