Climate and the Economy

Mahalo for pushing for smart, fair climate policy! 💡 Last year’s youth priorities focused on making sustainability affordable — from energy-efficient upgrades to carbon cashback ideas. This session, we’re exploring new ways to support climate innovation that benefits both people and planet.

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2026 Key Policy Priorities:

• Implement bi-level lighting systems to improve energy efficiency and reduce electricity costs in public spaces.

• Create EV subsidies targeting high-gasoline users (“superusers”) to promote a fairer transition to clean transportation.

• Develop a carbon cashback program that redistributes emissions revenue to Hawaiʻi residents.

• Strengthen economic resilience by linking climate policies with local job creation and green innovation.

• Promote energy savings and accountability in public facilities through incentive-based conservation.

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These policies make Hawai‘i’s economy more sustainable, resilient, and future-focused. Want to help? Take action and support climate-friendly policies! 

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