HONOLULU — Hawaii Climate Action Day on Jan. 9 marks the start of Hawaii Climate Week and kicks off a four-day State Climate Conference, Jan. 9-12, organized by the Hawaii Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission.

What You Need To Know

  • Hawaii Climate Action Day is 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Jan. 9 with keynote speaker Gov. Josh Green

  • Various events will held throughout Hawaii Climate Week, Jan. 9-12

  • Hawaii is the only state in the nation whose legislature has declared a climate emergency

  • Visit the Hawaii Climate Week 2023 webpage to register, view the full schedule and link if unable to attend in person

An ongoing priority for the state is building a “climate-ready Hawaii.” The conference will explore the challenges, highlight existing actions and discuss next steps to ensure future readiness. Hawaii is the only state in the nation whose legislature has declared a climate emergency.

“Climate change is an urgent issue for everyone in Hawaii. State government is committed to pursuing climate change strategies that are equitable, culturally appropriate and resilient,” said Department of Land and Natural Resources Chair Dawn Chang in a news release. Chang also serves as commission co-chair. “Successful mitigation and adaptation require both comprehensive education and action. We’re stepping up to the challenge of leading the world with our response to climate change.”

On Jan. 9, Gov. Josh Green will speak on statewide climate actions, and various leaders will address topics such as legislation, youth action, community cooling, shorelines, mobility and green investments.

Additional events throughout Climate Week include a Youth Summit, Science Summit, a discussion by Pacific Island Women Leaders who attended the United Nations’ climate change conference known as COP27, and an Energy Policy Forum.

“We can already see the impacts of climate change on our lands, oceans, economy and livelihoods,” said Scott Glenn, director of the State Office of Planning and Sustainable Development, and commission co-chair. “This means impacted communities need a place at the table.”

Hawaii Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Coordinator Leah Laramee added, “Climate Action Day is a wonderful opportunity for cross-collaborative efforts to tackle climate change. We are particularly excited about the many passionate keiki who are participating in these events.”

Hawaii Climate Action Day is 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Jan. 9, and Hawaii Climate Week is Jan. 9-12 with most events at the East-West Center’s Imin Conference Center. Visit the Hawaii Climate Week 2023 webpage to register, view the full schedule and link if unable to attend in person.

Sarah Yamanaka covers events, environmental and community news for Spectrum News Hawaii. She can be reached at sarah.yamanaka@charter.com.