Pillars of Disaster Readiness
The Climate Advisory Team is addressing four broad categories of actions that will increase Hawaiʻi’s ability to withstand and recover from future natural disasters.
Resilience
1. Environmental
Restoration and protection of natural systems can reduce the impacts of severe weather events on our communities. Investment in our environment benefits all residents, especially by preventing and reducing devastation.
2. Infrastructure
Much of the state’s commercial and residential infrastructure is not built to withstand the kinds of storms that are now becoming commonplace. There are cost-effective investments in infrastructure that can reduce the loss of life, shelter and economic activity in the event of a natural disaster.
Recovery
3. Physical/Social
Physical impacts from future natural disasters are inevitable and may be devastating. Preparing for recovery is essential and must address physical repairs to harbor, roadway, educational, utility and other public infrastructure as well as residences. Social and emotional recovery may be even more challenging.
4. Financial/Insurance
Economic damage from climate events and the associated cost of insurance is expensive for many and unavailable for others. We must develop strategies for filling gaps in coverage and accelerating access to funds in the event of a natural disaster.
Process and Considerations
The subject matter experts that make up this team are working together with a hui of consultants and a broad range of community members to create solutions that will help communities be safer and more resilient in the long term.
Gathering the Facts
In the initial fact-finding phase of our work, we are meeting with subject matter experts in areas that range from environmental justice, climate science, insurance markets, land stewardship, state agencies and grassroots community advocates, to understand the unique aspects of the challenges we face and the policy solutions that can be achieved.
Short- and Long-Term Solutions
Long-term solutions take time to implement, so while the hard work of resilience improvements continues to move forward, the CAT also recognizes that the community needs safeguards now, in the event that another climate-related natural disaster occurs in the short term.
Investing Smart Now
We recognize that financial considerations – how to cover the cost of the proposed initiatives – is a real issue and we are seeking pathways to federal funding whenever possible. We believe that it is worth it to invest what it takes to be prepared now, rather than paying more later in not only financial terms but in terms of loss of lives, livelihoods, and communities in Hawaiʻi.
Timeline
The CAT is engaging with a wide range of community members and experts to inform its work throughout summer 2024 and will prepare a set of policy recommendations in advance of the 2025 legislative session.
Summer 2024
The CAT will engage with a wide range of community members and experts across Hawai‘i and on the mainland to understand the challenges and opportunities presented by our changing climate.
Fall & Winter 2024
The CAT will develop long-term policy options for strategies that address Hawai‘i’s disaster readiness and identify actionable steps that can be advanced through legislation during the 2025 legislative session; these options will be vetted with collaborators, legislators and the Governor.
2025 Legislative Session
While complete solutions may take years, the goal is to pass meaningful legislation in 2025 that builds a foundation for even more progress in the future.