Protecting Our ʻĀina, Protecting Our People: Climate Resilience & Environmental Justice for District 26
In Hawai‘i, we are deeply connected to the land, the water, and each other. But in District 26, from the flood-prone banks of Makiki Stream to the urban heat pockets of Punchbowl, Tantalus, & Papakōlea, climate change is no longer a future threat. It’s here. It’s now. And it’s hitting our most vulnerable neighbors first and hardest.
The FACTS
Protecting What We Love: Climate Action for the Next Generation
For over a decade, we’ve watched urgent climate and environmental justice legislation stall:
Climate & Resilience Legislation That Did Not Pass (2014–2026)
Sea Level Rise & Climate Adaptation Bills
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SB 677 — Climate Adaptation and Resilience Implementation Plan (2025). Similar to SB 3060, this bill aimed to direct the Office of Planning to develop a statewide climate resilience plan aligning climate initiatives across agencies. Passed initial readings but did not become law.
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SB 3060 / SB 3 — Climate Adaptation & Resilience Implementation Plan (2024)
Proposed requiring the state to adopt a comprehensive climate adaptation and resilience implementation plan addressing long‑range risks. Introduced and amended, but died in the session without passage. -
HB 1669 — Sea Level Rise Adaptation (2022)
A bill to strengthen planning for sea-level rise impacts in coastal hazard areas did not move forward despite documented risks and costs.
Hawaiʻi Climate Resilience Facts (2026)
Sea Level Rise Threatens Homes and Communities
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Hawaiʻi has already experienced coastal flooding, shoreline erosion, and high‑tide inundation in towns like Hilo, Kāneʻohe, and Waikīkī. (dlnr.hawaii.gov)
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Projected sea level rise: 1–2 feet by 2050, up to 3–6 feet by 2100 if global trends continue.
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Nearly half of residents believe sea level rise is already affecting people in Hawaiʻi, and over 80% expect significant impacts within the next 25 years. (hawaii.edu)
Extreme Weather Events Are Increasing
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Hawaiʻi experiences stronger storms, more frequent flash floods, and droughts affecting homes, agriculture, and infrastructure. (resilientoahu.org)
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Wildfires are becoming more common due to longer dry seasons and higher temperatures.
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Rising ocean temperatures increase the risk of strong hurricanes that threaten coastal communities
Infrastructure & Essential Services Are Vulnerable
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Roads, bridges, water systems, and utilities are at risk from flooding and coastal erosion. (dlnr.hawaii.gov)
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Hospitals, fire stations, and power facilities in low-lying areas could be temporarily inoperable during extreme events.
Nature-Based Solutions Work
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Reef restoration, wetland conservation, and native forest protection act as natural buffers against flooding and storms. (resilientoahu.org)
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Supporting sustainable agriculture helps protect the local food supply from drought and extreme weather.
Public Support for Action Is Strong
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90% of Hawaiʻi residents support limiting development in flood-prone areas.
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80% favor prioritizing inland growth over risky coastal expansion. (hawaii.edu)
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81% say they would consider relocating from high-risk areas if offered fair support.
Hawaiʻi’s homes, communities, and natural resources are at risk from climate impacts we already see. Practical resilience measures can protect families, neighborhoods, and the local economy today and for generations to come.
Information & Source Disclaimer
The content on this website is intended for informational purposes and is based on publicly available data, reports, and legislative records as of 2026. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, Janel Fujinaka for Hawai'i State House of Representatives does not guarantee the completeness or timeliness of the information.
Information is based on publicly available reports, scientific studies, government data, and credible news sources as of 2026, including:
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Hawaiʻi Department of Land and Natural Resources (dlnr.hawaii.gov)
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University of Hawaiʻi research and surveys (hawaii.edu)
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Resilient Oʻahu / Climate Adaptation resources (resilientoahu.org)
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Climate adaptation planning tools (toolkit.climate.gov)
Note: Climate data and projections may change over time as new research emerges. The campaign is not responsible for decisions made solely on the basis of this information.
The Plan
Climate Action with Aloha: Protecting What Sustains Us
Building Climate Resilience for Hawaiʻi
Hawaiʻi is already facing rising seas, stronger storms, and extreme weather. Our communities, homes, and infrastructure are at risk, but practical solutions exist today.
My Plan for Climate Resilience
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Protect Our Coasts Wisely
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Work with counties and property owners to strengthen natural buffers like wetlands, dunes, and reefs.
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Use science-based mapping to prioritize areas most at risk from flooding and erosion.
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Smarter Land Use & Development
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Limit new construction in flood-prone zones.
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Incentivize development in safer, higher-ground areas.
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Strengthen Infrastructure
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Upgrade roads, drainage, and utilities to withstand storms and flooding.
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Protect critical services like hospitals, fire stations, and water systems.
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Community Preparedness
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Expand early-warning systems for floods, tsunamis, and storms.
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Support local disaster response training and evacuation planning.
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Nature-Based Solutions
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Restore reefs and forests to act as natural barriers.
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Protect farmland and support climate-smart agriculture.
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Funding That Works
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Use state and federal grants to fund resilience projects.
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Partner with businesses and communities to scale solutions effectively.
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Data-Driven Policy
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Require climate impact assessments for new public and private projects.
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Coordinate state and county programs to ensure long-term, effective planning.
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