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DATE 07/22/19 Tel: (808) 561-0901
City Council Committee Explores Environmental Impacts of Increased Visitor Arrivals
Kymberly Pine, Chair of the Honolulu City Council Committee on Business Economic Development and Tourism continues her analysis of the impacts of rapidly rising visitor arrivals on Oahu and the search for policy solutions on Tuesday, July 23 at 10:30 a.m. at Honolulu Hale.
“We have to understand how more visitors arriving on Oahu impacts our environment, our infrastructure, public safety and all of our core County services. Policies must be revised or created to balance the needs of our largest industry with the unique culture and environment that we enjoy,” said Councilmember Pine. “It’s the only way to keep Hawaii, Hawaii.”
The committee will consider:
BILL 34 (2019) – RELATING TO THE OFFICE OF CLIMATE CHANGE, SUSTAINABILITY AND RESILIENCY. Requiring the Office of Climate Change, Sustainability and Resiliency to track and report annually on Oahu visitor industry sustainability efforts as a way to encourage that industry to adopt sustainable eco-tourism policies whenever possible, with the aim of reducing solid waste production, reducing water and fossil fuel use, and promoting options for cleaner energy and multi-modal transportation. (Bill passed first reading on 7/3/19)
An informational briefing, “Assessing the Environmental Impacts of Increased Visitor Arrivals,” will feature presentations from the Hawaii Chapter of the Sierra Club and the City Department of Climate Change, Sustainability and Resiliency.
View the BEDT committee agenda here: http://www4.honolulu.gov/docushare/dsweb/Get/Document-239132/072319%20Committee%20on%20Business%2c%20Economic%20Development%20and%20Tourism%20Agenda.pdf
Councilmember Kymberly Marcos Pine represents residents of District One (ʻEwa, ʻEwa Beach, Kapolei, Honokai Hale, Ko ʻOlina, Nanakuli, Maili, Waianae, Makaha, Keaau, Makua) and is chair member of the City Council’s Committee on Business Economic Development and Tourism
BEDTenvironment072219.doc