This week, Mayor Roth signed Bill 48 which officially establishes the County’s Office of Sustainability, Climate, Equity, and Resilience (OSCER).

Bill 48, championed by Hawaiʻi County Council Chair Heather Kimball and Councilwoman Rebecca Villegas, represents a collaborative effort between County leadership, community advocates, and concerned citizens who recognize the urgent need to address the pressing challenges posed by a changing environment.

The Office’s creation will play a role in shaping and implementing the County’s response to these challenges, as well as following through on its Integrated Climate Action Plan, which is currently being finalized following a period of public comment.  It will also act as a central hub for coordinating efforts across various city departments and community organizations and work towards implementing innovative policies and programs to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, promote renewable energy, enhance energy efficiency, protect biodiversity, and fortify our infrastructure against climate change’s impacts.

Additionally, the OSCER will collaborate with local businesses and residents to raise awareness about sustainable practices, foster eco-friendly initiatives, and advocate for responsible environmental policies.

In a statement Mayor Roth said, “In order to make sure that our keiki have a home where they can thrive for generations, we need to make sure that the anchors that keep them grounded here are preserved in perpetuity. Those anchors are things like our environment, culture, and natural resources — all of which will be the focus of our new OCSER. We know that too many of our kids are leaving, and we are committed to making it so that they only do so by choice and not by necessity.”

The County will provide further updates as leadership works to get the Office set up and staffed in the coming days.

 

Photo credit: Office of Mayor Mitch Roth