Community members in Kāneʻohe have a unique opportunity to engage with local environmental initiatives and watch films highlighting vital climate issues this Thursday. According to the Department of Land and Natural Resources, a Community Resource Fair and Film Event, hosted by the Hawaiʻi Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission (CCMAC), will take place on August 28 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the KEY Project Community Center.
The event promises to showcase various local organizations and their work through interactive booths. Attendees can learn about energy rebate programs aimed at reducing household utility costs, wildfire prevention tactics, and emergency preparedness. Moreover, there will be discussions on transportation alternatives, and neighborhood cooling and tree planting initiatives. In the process, residents can also voice their opinions, and bring forth their manaʻo on the state’s draft Climate Action Pathways (CAP) which seek to strengthen energy security, among others. Leah Laramee, the state of Hawaiʻi CCMAC Coordinator, underscored the importance of community perspective, stating, "It is important to incorporate the voices of all our communities in the co-development of our Climate Action Pathways," as mentioned on the Hawaii DLNR release.
The fair's educational offerings will be followed by a free screening of five short films created by students from the University of Hawaiʻi Cinematic Arts program. These films delve into themes like local food production, ocean waste, energy security, and urban forestry, and promise to be both informative and thought-provoking. What's more, after the screenings a panel discussion featuring experts in those fields will provide further insights and answer questions from the audience.
CCMAC and KEY Project Community Center are collaborating to make this event not just enlightening but also enjoyable. Free food will be on offer, ensuring that families can make the most of the evening without worrying about dinner plans. "We are excited to share resources and films and to hear the manaʻo of the Kāneʻohe community," Laramee told the Department of Land and Natural Resources. The event is free to the public and shines as an example of community-driven climate action support.
For additional details or inquiries about the event, contact Bill Unruh, Climate Outreach Leader, via email at [email protected].
