tell your climate story
Your personal story is one of the most powerful tools you have. Legislators hear a lot of facts—but what they remember are real people. That’s where you come in. Telling your climate story shows why the issue matters to you and to your community. You don’t have to be an expert—just be honest, specific, and real.
✨ What Is a Climate Story?
A climate story is a personal experience that shows how the climate crisis is impacting your life, school, family, health, or future. It connects the issue to your everyday world.
💬 Questions to Get You Started:
-
What’s one way the changing climate has affected your life?
-
Have you experienced heat waves, flooding, water shortages, or natural disasters?
-
Are you worried about how climate change will affect your future?
-
Do you or your ʻohana practice any traditional, cultural, or sustainable ways of living that are threatened by climate change?
-
What’s something you’re doing (or want to do) to help?
🧭 A Simple Framework You Can Use:
1. My name is...
"Aloha, my name is Leilani. I'm 17 and live in Aiea."
2. I care about climate change because...
"Every year it's getting hotter. Our classrooms are like ovens. It's hard to learn when you’re sweating through your shirt."
4. I want to live in a Hawaiʻi where...
"All keiki can go to school without worrying about the heat. Where our ʻāina is protected, and our voices are heard."
🎤 Tips for Sharing:
-
Be authentic—your real voice is powerful
-
Keep it short and focused (1–2 minutes or 1 paragraph)
-
Include emotion or a specific moment—not just facts
-
Practice out loud if you're saying it live
-
Tie your story back to a specific action or bill
From Framework to Real Life
Now that you’ve seen how to shape your own climate story, let’s hear what it sounds like in action. The following piece is a real youth-written story that shows how personal experiences—big or small—can spark powerful action. Let it inspire you as you write your own.
Climate Stories: Truth from the Youth
Why We Must Act to Address Climate Change
4...3...2...1...
1...2...3...4...I thought as I quickly counted my steps as I trekked through the mountains of Montana. There were 8 more miles left in the treacherous journey across the mountainous terrain until we reached the river where we would set up camp for the night. The dry and barren landscape reminded me of the Sahara desert as we reached the base of the first mountain. We began following the switchback trail that zig-zagged up the side of the rocky mountain. We were nearing a mile up the rocks, the sun’s blaze intensified with each passing minute, searing the skin on the top of my head. My 50-pound backpack felt as though I was carrying a boulder. Finally, we reached the peak of the mountain. The breathtaking beauty of the landscape unfolded beneath us. In the distance, rivers glistened as they twisted and twined between grooves of towering trees. Lively flocks of birds flew overhead searching for their next meal. Dots of presumably, an array of colorful wild horses peacefully grazed in the stretched out plain. My guides on this backpacking trip were locals of Missoula, a city in western Montana, and have experienced years of backpacking across the state. We had paused for a quick water break, and I chugged my lukewarm blue Nalgene. The guides were discussing the obvious fierce inferno in the sky and one of the guides remarked, “I heard that this is the hottest year yet for Montana.” My wandering thoughts froze as I hyper fixated on this quick comment, and my curiosity asked, “Why?”This one remark changed the course of my entire life and captivated me to make a change. Shortly after I discovered the root cause of the world’s increasing temperature: climate change, and was quickly catapulted into the world of climate action. Recalling the irreplaceable natural beauty of the earth that I had witnessed minutes prior, I realized the fragile existence of these ecosystems, that at any minute could be taken away from us. I realized that as an individual, my voice held more power than I had previously thought, and I could utilize it to help my local community battle this ever growing crisis. I began volunteering at my local wetland marsh to restore native species into the environment in order to reduce global warming by sequestering carbon emissions and joining organizations to inform myself and other youth in my community on the opportunities to reduce climate change. We have the power to preserve everything from the lush terrain of Montana to the abundant wildlife of Hawaii. The journey to succession, although a treacherous path, can be done if we work together, preserving our world not just for us, but for our future generations. As of 2025, the climate clock counts down the years until global warming cannot be reversed, 4...3…2…1...
- Olivia
The Ala Wai
Aloha. As a high school student growing up in today’s environment, it is nearly impossible to ignore the countless consequences of climate change that burdens so many aspects of our life. One such consequence continues to weigh at the back of my mind - the Ala Wai Canal. The Ala Wai has always been in the background of my day to day life. I pass by it every time I go to and from school, and our cross-country team regularly runs by the Ala Wai Canal on out-runs. However, besides the occasional jokes I shared about the dirtiness of the canal, (how it was radioactive, how anyone who so much as touched the water could die a fatal death), it was never truly something that entered my mind. In fact, I only understood until recently how these seemingly frivolous jokes held some truth. While surfing the internet, I came across an article on Civil Beat by Joel Lau. The title was striking, and quite frankly, terrifying: “Flesh-Eating Bacteria in the Ala Wai Canal May Triple Due to Climate Change”. What I learned was cruel, yet unsurprising. In the midst of our increasingly warming climate, the Ala Wai has become the perfect incubator for all types of harmful bacteria. A recent study by UH researchers found that the population of Vibrio vulnificus, a fatal, flesh-eating bacteria, would triple in the canal in coming decades due to the climate’s rising temperatures. Though the infection rate is relatively uncommon, its fatality is alarming, with 80% of victims being sent to the hospital and 30% dying. What is even more worrying, however, is that this problem is not limited to the canal. Rainfall causes these bacterial blooms to leak into surrounding beaches, making it no coincidence that Hawaii is home to the highest rate of non-cholera Vibrio infections in the nation. In one devastating result of this, Oliver Johnson, an injured man who fell into the Ala Wai Boat Harbor in 2006, died from a Vibrio vulnificus infection. It may sound cliché or repetitive, but the truth must not be disregarded: if we do not make a difference now, it will be my generation that will continue to suffer these intensifying consequences in the future. The biggest threat to our environment is not climate change, but our inaction. In fact, it is the fuel and foundation to much of our problems that persist today. That is why we, as youth, must not give into resignation and abandon our futures. We are already equipped with the most powerful tool: our voices. I hope to use my own as part of the Climate Future Forum, and in the process, teach other youth the importance of their voices too. - Chisato
Surf
Aloha, I have been living in Hawaii my whole life, and so have witnessed the effects that climate change has already had on our state. When I was young, I would surf with my dad at Waikiki beach on the weekends, waking up early to ride on our family longboard at sunrise. I have fond memories of surfing with my dad and watching the sunrise. However, when I visit the beach now, there are stark changes. The effects of heightened sea level and accelerated erosion on the shoreline are easy to see, such as exposed concrete that was previously concealed with sediment and groins composed of sandbags required to protect other parts of the beach. It almost feels like a different place altogether. What worries me most is that this is not even close to how much the area will deteriorate over time. If climate change continues on its current path, the land will flood and the beach will be destroyed. Our pride and joy, sullied by the effect of something we have the power to change. I want future generations to have the opportunity to have a childhood like I did; I want to preserve my generation’s future. I want to care for the land the way it has cared for me. Being a part of Climate Future Forum and working in the legislative process for climate change has given me this opportunity. Working with others who have similar mindsets allows me to grow change in my community that can change our future. - Logan
Coral Bleaching
Aloha, up until the summer of my fifth grade year, though I was aware of climate change, its effects never really felt tangible. Every time we learned about it, it just seemed like another boring school topic that didn’t really apply to us, like some melting ice thousands of miles away. In fifth grade, however, I did my own research project on coral bleaching and found myself incredibly intrigued by this issue. Learning about coral bleaching really helped to show me just how close to home these issues are. Our islands are surrounded by coral reefs, and they help make Hawaii the special place that it is. Though I never really liked the beach itself, I had always adored marine life. When I discovered that changing temperatures force coral to expel their algae and drive away entire ecosystems, I was heartbroken. I finally realized that climate change is more real to me than I could have ever imagined. Not only me, but organisms of all kinds, all over the world are suffering in one way or another. Our actions affect the whole planet, including what lives on it. While the effects of climate change may be negative, we still have a chance to work towards bringing about a positive change for the future, and being a part of the Climate Future Forum is a wonderful opportunity to do just that. -Tamara
Wildfires
I am originally from Northern California, famed for its fair weather and beautiful bay. However, every October, for as long as I can remember, I would exit summer, only to be drowned in the orange haze of wildfire season: evacuations, black-outs, and all. Although wildfires specifically may not be Hawaii's greatest plague, the threat of a major increase of natural disasters is very real, and I joined the CCL in hopes of joining the wave of activists, especially youth activists, who want real change in climate related sectors. Now that I spend most of my time in Honolulu, I have gained so much from the land, swimming in the ocean, hiking the coastal features, and simply indulging in its beautiful weather.
I am partaking in the Climate Future Forum so that we do not destroy these opportunities for future generations - and simultaneously, we do not destroy the work done by our ancestors, who truly cared for the land. I hope that generations to come can forever find beauty in their homes - and homes away from homes, just as I have.
- Audrey
Protecting the Future
Aloha, while I’m relatively new to a lot of climate concerned organizations, I’ve been aware of climate change for what feels like at least half my life. I don’t know if there has been a year since 4th grade where the climate crisis went unmentioned in school.My family loves the water and we spend a lot of time surfing and hanging out along the south shore. However, the beach I remember most vividly wasn’t on the south shore, in fact it wasn't on the island of Oahu at all. It was on a small private beach connected to a family friend's vacation home on Hawaii island. I remember my dad dragging me out to snorkel in the chilly water insisting that it would be worth it. Even though it’s been almost 5 years now, I can still remember the way my eyes flew open at the rainbow I saw beneath me. It was then that the reality of the climate crisis really sunk in. I started noticing the foggy water and endless trails of invasive seaweeds at the beach. I stopped thinking of the huge flooding downpours or significantly hotter summers as random events but rather effects of the bigger issue at hand. However, it was a half a quarter long class on being a solutionary that really spurred an interest in doing my part to promote and endorse an effective change. That class helped me to realize that a better future isn’t brought about by people who sit still and are simply satisfied with the world we’re in.Change makers are the kind of people who look at the world through an honest lens and ask themselves how can I fix this problem. Not just for myself, not just for my family, but for the future. I am involved with the Climate Future Forum in hopes that my actions could make a greater impact. The climate crisis is real and it’s bad and it’s only going to get worse which is why we need to work with lawmakers to enact policies to address climate change. - Lei
OBSERVING THE REEFS
The salty air of Kāneʻohe Bay blew through my hair as I rode a small boat to the island of Moku o Loʻe, clearing my mind of the stresses that had swirled through my mind that morning. I watched the Koʻolau mountains in the distance remind me of their majestic presence, and felt the cold water splash my legs, reminding me of how lucky I was to spend this day snorkeling around the island, to be able to breathe fresh air, and live on this island. This boat ride brought me to this island to learn about Marine Biology in Hawaii and do research on the different types of native limu and invasive algae around Moku o Loʻe, an island in the middle of Kāneʻohe bay. I was blessed with the opportunity to snorkel everyday to dive deep into a passion I was not aware I had until I got into the water; a passion to take care of my home. Snorkeling everyday was not something I was accustomed to, but I was immediately immersed into a whole new world. I was astonished to see how beautiful the reefʻs edge was, teeming with a wide array of fish, and pockets of limu pepeiao peeking through bunches of finger coral and rice coral. It was breathtaking, and something that stuck with me. Only, at every reef site we visited, the presence of bleached, dead, white coral was something that could not be missed, constantly reminding me that despite the unrelenting beauty the coral reef was capable of displaying, climate change had the ability to show itʻs true colors. A fellow research group gave a presentation about this exact issue: global warming was causing oceans to warm much too fast, and carbon emissions were causing corals to lose their essential carbonate substances that create their structures, endangering habitats and thus the entirety of marine life, and our dependence on this ecosystem. It has made me realize how essential it is that as someone with a voice in this community, it is extremely important that I utilize my resources to take action on an issue that our culture and survival depend on, to ensure that I and generations after me can have an ocean to snorkel in too. - Mari
From Classroom to the Real World
I grew up sitting in the back of my dad’s AP Environmental Science classroom every summer, playing Monopoly with my brother. In between turns, I’d glance up and read one of the many posters that hung on the wall: “Your Nutrition Affects Climate Change,” “How Many Tons of CO₂ Are in the Atmosphere?” or “There is no ‘away’ to throw your trash.” I grew up surrounded by the looming threats of climate change, but from within a classroom where students spent their time educating themselves and learning how to mitigate the frightening impacts. I grew up, believing that everyone was like my dad and his students; everyone knew how their trash was being burned at H-Power and stored in a landfill above our greatest tourist attractions, how their drive to school in a gas-power car would add carbon dioxide to our atmosphere, how the food they put on their table came from mono-cropped, big agricultural farms on the mainland. But this wasn’t the case. I began to realize how many people don’t understand the true impacts of their actions and their ability to create change. I was optimistic, hoping that those who held the ability to create policy and change in our government could create real solutions to fight against big oil, increase local foods in our school systems, or subsidize electric vehicles. But as I dove deeper into the world of sustainability, I realized that many of the people who were shaping our futures were the people who were not going to be in that future; many were only creating policies to benefit the current economy and status quo, not the future of the Earth. As the billions of youth around the world watch our futures crumble with the effects of drought, wildfires, hurricanes, dangerous air quality, sea level rise, and so much more, I have come to realize that even though we should be in high school, studying trigonometry and chemistry, we also need to be the ones to step up and use what we have: our voice. If the people in power are unable to create change that protects our Earth’s future, then we must step up into that role as youth. Climate Future Forum provides a place for youth to do just that - work alongside Hawaiʻi’s legislators and become changemakers, fighting as the voice of the planet, which is much more important now than ever.- Maya
What Choice Do We Have?
It began with an island, not much bigger than a speck on a map. When I first visited Koh Samet, Thailand with my family as a child, its beaches were immaculate, its waters glassy. The locals lived simply, I was amazed by the connection I saw between humans and nature. But when I returned years later, the island had changed. I would tread on a piece of plastic almost every other step I took. I watched as a fisherman hauled in a net tangled with debris instead of fish. I had gone up to him, wanting to see the fish I thought he would have caught, and was disappointed to find just one sad sardine-looking and dead fish. I remember asking him how he managed, expecting frustration or even anger. Instead, he shrugged and said, “What choice do we have?” And I don’t know why this specifically stuck with me, but it just did. I realized this wasn’t just a story about nature’s decline—it was about the people forced to bear the consequences of it. When I first presented my project on over consumption and food waste to World War II veterans in the project Legacy2Action last year, I was struck by their stories of resilience that are not even that closely tied to environmental change—how resourcefulness had been a necessity in times of war. It made me wonder: could the same spirit of ingenuity help how we approach climate change today? From raising money for a nonprofit in Thailand to volunteering at projects that brought attention to sustainable food distribution in Honolulu, I’ve learned that the climate crisis is not just an environmental problem—it is deeply superglued with the economy. The economy builds our policies, yet it is also vulnerable to the very environmental decay we see. My passion for advocating lies in this cross-over: climate and the economy. I believe the only way forward is to reimagine this relationship, to make it direct—to make the economy a driver for climate solutions, not a stopper. Without action, the economic costs of climate inaction—increased health costs, loss of biodiversity-dependent industries, and natural disaster rehabs—will cripple us. But on the other hand, by planting sustainability into economic policy, we can flip this script, proving that both these beneficial areas are not mutually exclusive but mutually reinforcing. From the hectic highways of Bangkok to the restful waters of Oahu, I’ve had the chance to witness both the challenges and opportunities at this intersection. And this is the story I wish to carry forward in my climate advocacy work. Thank you. -Qingqing
Post Op-Eds & LTE's from Youth: Our Local Voices
For Youth Climate Advocates: Remembering Rachel Carson
-Sophia Park
I’m one of many local youths determined to take action on climate change. But with so many options–from protesting in the streets, to submitting testimony on climate-related bills, to removing invasive algae with Mālama Maunalua, or planting native trees with the Aloha Tree Alliance– it can feel somewhat overwhelming. In charting a path for myself, I came across Silent Spring by Rachel Carson. In 1962, Carson exposed the human and environmental harms of pesticides in Silent Spring, a bestselling book that helped catalyze major environmental legislation. Today, we face a similar crisis: the accelerating damage from fossil fuel combustion and the urgent need to reduce emissions. Like the pesticide crisis, climate change is complex, driven by powerful stakeholders (e.g., fossil fuel companies), and carries potentially irreversible consequences.
How did Carson do it? How did she help spark radical, systemic change? How did her work survive backlash from huge private companies, like American Cyanamid and Monsanto? How did she get everyone to listen? For budding climate advocates, here are some things we can learn from Rachel Carson:
1. Educate yourself on climate change at all levels– from your community, to your state, to your nation, and the whole world - Carson’s statements were backed by 55 pages of notes and
peer reviewed by a long list of experts. When others attacked her work, it was ensured by many scientists who spoke up to defend her. Her comprehensive understanding of pesticides and how they affect people also allowed her to create a compelling and emotionally provocative narrative that helped her audience grasp the severity of the issue.
2. Track and submit testimony for or against certain bills on the Hawaii State Legislature’s
website (list of all the legislation from the 2025 regular session, for reference: https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/advreports/main.aspx) - Rachel Carson not only wrote books
but also actively advocated for policies that protected animal and human health. We, too, should do our best to be civically engaged and tell legislators what we want.
3. Put your voice out there, in any or all mediums - There are many people who worry about climate change and create books, documentaries, paintings, poetry, etc. to help spread awareness
about the topic, but what is your take? Everyone has unique stories to share and ways of presenting information. Rachel Carson was not the first to speak out about pesticides, but her words touched the most people. Maybe what you create will strike a chord with a population that was previously out of reach. One of the takeaways that I’m implementing is tracking bills and submitting testimony. In the 2025
session, I advocated for a few policies, including HB1051, which expands the state’s energy-efficiency goals to 2045. On May 1st, it was transmitted to the Governor after passing both the House and the
Senate! This is a small success but an example of how testifying can help drive tangible systemic change. Just as Rachel Carson hoped for a world free of chemical pesticides, the youth today hope for a world free
of worry about whether or not our climate will be able to sustain us and future generations. If you recognize a need to act, I encourage you to get involved in climate advocacy work. Please consider joining Citizens’ Climate Lobby (https://citizensclimatelobbyhawaii.org), Carbon Cashback Hawaii (https://www.carboncashbackhawaii.org), and if you are a youth, look into Climate Future Forum (https://www.climatefuturehawaii.org). These three organizations work with the Hawai’i legislative process to tackle climate change and can provide guidance for those interested in addressing the issue .
For the sake of current and future generations, let’s unite to confront the climate crisis.
Hawaiʻi's Future Depends on the Youth - Chelsey Miguel
I am from Maui, and I experienced firsthand the effects of climate change with the Lahaina wildfires. I still remember the apocalyptic-like red sky full of smoke from burning fires, giving a sense of dread and emptiness. My family sheltered family friends while I was desperately looking at the news, unable to comprehend the severity and how close in proximity the fire was. The wildfires were not just breaking news that struck too close to home—They rattled and sent shockwaves throughout Maui. They burned through our communities, our sacred spaces, our sense of security, and safety in the community.
But the fires really ignited something inside of me: a duty, a call to action to battle for climate solutions for the next several generations of young people like me. Understanding civics taught me the power of paving the way for future generations. That’s why I became a high school climate advocate with Citizens' Climate Lobby, where we work on a policy that would be able to address Hawaii's largest issues of high cost of living and increasing greenhouse gas emissions. It is Carbon Cashback. Here's the math: Hawaii charges an import fee on fossil fuels and gives back each collected dollar in the form of periodic rebates to state residents. The fee reduces the consumption of fossil fuels, reducing greenhouse gas emissions. As the fee is passed on, both residents and visitors pay the fee, yet only Hawaii residents get the cash rebates. The outcome? Most local families, particularly low- and middle-income families, who tend to consume less fossil fuel than others, will gain monetarily while we speed towards clean energy. When the Economic Research Organization at the University of Hawai`i (UHERO) looked at this policy, they calculated that it would reduce state emissions by 13%. UHERO also determined that it would financially benefit most households with the return of money directly into the pockets of working families. Most programs that reduce greenhouse gas emissions raise the cost of family expenditures in the short term with the expectation of some kind of final good down the road; this policy returns cash to residents either upfront or shortly afterwards. This policy does not ask for more red tape, bureaucracy, or more regulation. It is simply a fee that makes fossil fuels pay for polluting the environment, without suffocating in regulation. Instead, it contributes to the economy by having all fees return to Hawai`i’s residents. It is endorsed by economists on both sides of the aisle because it relies on market forces rather than working against them. That's why I'm urging our legislators to pass Carbon Cashback legislation in the upcoming session as a cornerstone of Hawai’i’s energy security plan. We require policies that mitigate climate change and ensure socioeconomic equity. Those are not opposing objectives—but complementary ones that can be achieved together. The shoreline continues to erode. Wildfire threat still exists. But our families—and the islands—need you to move right now. As a youth, I understand the consequences and stakes… the choices we make determine the future implications for my generation–however, we have the option to step up and shape those solutions. With Carbon Cashback, Hawai’i can cut emissions and contribute to financial stability for families, leading the nation with a fair solution. The wildfires showed and taught us what inaction looked like, what’s at stake when initiative is too late. Now, I hope Hawai’i can show what’s possible with enough courage. The time to act is now.
To Take Action On Climate Change, Make Your Voices Heard - Mia Nishiguchi, Olivia Sousa
Climate change is no longer a distant threat; it has arrived here across our islands and demands unified attention.
We represent youth (ages 14-26) who are worried about our future. Not enough is being done to reduce the emissions of greenhouse gases that are warming the Earth and fueling climate disasters globally, nationally, and locally. We seek to collaborate with youth and policymakers who share this vision and feel compelled to take action to create a more livable, resilient future for all of Hawaiʻi.
Join us to make your voices heard and help shape a future that inspires hope, restoration, and endless possibilities for future generations. Together, we can make a difference.
When we envision our future, we imagine a Hawaiʻi where everyone can thrive: where clean air, fresh water, and healthy crops are accessible in our everyday lives.
Nevertheless, at times, our communities fear a future environment so harsh that we must expend all our waking hours simply trying to survive. This is not a future that inspires positive endeavors, nor is it a future we will accept.
From our perspective, our future is being undermined. Across our islands, the impacts are undeniable: flooded roads, Lahaina wildfires, dying coral reefs, and the increasingly scorching sun. While some progress has been made, the process remains too slow for the urgency of our situation.
The Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation launched its Energy Security and Waste Reduction Plan to reduce transportation-sector emissions by 50% by 2030. This accounts for ground, aviation, and marine transportation modes, which have altogether contributed 9 million metric tons of CO2e (carbon dioxide equivalent).
The plan calls for the changes we need throughout our islands: clean fuels, sustainable aviation, multimodal transportation, an increased number of EV charging stations, increased youth leadership, and more.
Through witnessing climate change, sea level rise, unpredictable weather, and consistent native species extinction across our islands, it’s clear that change needs to be made.
Fossil fuels are integrated throughout the economy and into our lifestyles. Individually, we all must try to reduce our consumption of fossil fuels.
But after trying for a while and having limited success, we realize that it’s a systemic problem. Our economic system severely limits our choices, and it needs to be changed so that we are not so dependent on fossil fuels. Policies must be implemented to match the urgency of the crisis we face.
One promising Hawaiʻi value reflective policy is the so-called green fee, a small visitor fee that accumulates revenue directly towards preserving natural and cultural environment resources. Tourism is the driving source of Hawaiʻi’s income; therefore, it must contribute to maintaining the ecosystem on which we all depend.
Part of the problem is rooted simply in our economy and lifestyles. Climate scientists who have urged strong action to mitigate climate change have been ignored, and delay has left us in a critical and vulnerable state.
Climate change is happening here and now, far more rapidly and widespread than anyone expected. Therefore, we must work towards our goals with the knowledge that urgent action is needed on this issue that affects all of us.
Three years ago, the first Climate Future Forum was held to engage youth in the legislative process. Youth worked together with Legislators and learned about the environment, bills, and what must be done to get them passed and implemented.
Since then, our efforts have brought together youth, community members, and policymakers to foster collective action towards our future. Our last forum brought together 200-plus participants of all ages, including 15 Hawaiʻi state legislators and more than 10 local organizations, all led by our dedicated team of 25 youth from across the state. Building upon the successes of previous events, we are holding another one this Saturday, Nov. 1.
The event has two parts: the Climate Future Forum for youth ages 14-26 runs from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and the Youth Climate Summit, which is open to everyone, runs from 1:30 p.m. 4 p.m. in the Capitol Rotunda.
Participants will discuss bills, select the bill that best aligns with their interests, track those bills, and learn how to testify on them. Fortunately, the Hawaiʻi Legislature has a website that makes it easy, and we teach youth how to utilize it. Lastly, we have the honor of having senators and representatives at the event to help and answer any burning questions that arise.
We urge all ages to participate. Join us to make your voices heard and help shape a Hawaiʻi that inspires hope, restoration, and aloha ʻāina — the love of the land that sustains us all. Your presence matters, and together, we can facilitate actionable change.
Displacement incentive will boost EV adoption
-Sophia Park
The Star-Advertiser’s recent editorial lauded Hawaii for being a leader in electric vehicle adoption and called for the establishment of state-level incentives to supplement the loss of federal programs (“Pull out all stops to goose EV adoption,” Our View, Sept. 5). One policy that could help fill this gap is a gasoline displacement incentive.
A crucial element of meeting the state’s 2045 goal of net-zero emissions is decarbonizing transportation. A gasoline displacement incentive could be key to accomplishing this efficiently:
1. Incentives are determined by the amount of annual gasoline consumption displaced by the driver when they switch to an EV.
2. Biggest incentives go to those who use the most gasoline, thus reducing the most emissions when they transition.
3. Incentives could be partially funded by carbon cashback.
I truly believe that this is one of the best policy ideas to boost EV adoption.
