The impacts of climate change are leading to actions across Hawaiʻi. The state's Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission (CCMAC) is working with state libraries to hold talk-story sessions aimed at connecting the community with current climate initiatives. These sessions allow residents to review and provide input on the state's Climate Action Pathways (CAP) draft, which outlines plans for resilience, economic factors, and community well-being in Hawaiʻi’s future.
The sessions are designed to involve the ‘ohana — community members — in reviewing and providing feedback on the actions outlined in the CAP. CCMAC aims to incorporate the perspectives of Hawaiʻi’s diverse population into its climate action strategies. According to a statement from the Department of Land and Natural Resources, CCMAC Climate Outreach Leader Bill Unruh noted the community’s participation and emphasized the importance of ongoing support moving forward.
In addition to addressing environmental concerns, the proposed CAP interventions include broader social goals, such as enhancing affordability and supporting the strength of local economies, based on the principle of mālama ʻāina, the concept of caring for and protecting the land. The CAP outlines actions across multiple sectors, including energy, transportation, and agriculture. Community members are invited to review the CAP draft online and provide feedback on the proposed measures to support a broad and inclusive planning process.
Libraries, as accessible public spaces, are being utilized as centers for dialogue and education. State Librarian Stacey A. Aldrich emphasized their role in facilitating community discussions, noting that libraries serve as places where people gather to learn and contribute to shaping future directions. In line with this function, libraries are now offering a space for residents to engage with the state’s climate initiatives, including the review of the Climate Action Pathways (CAP) draft. Public feedback is being collected through in-person sessions at libraries and online via the climate consideration website. The feedback period is open through September 30.
These sessions, with details available on the CCMAC website, are intended to allow Hawaiʻi residents to provide input on proposed climate strategies that may affect their communities.
