Aloha+ Challenge: The Sustainable Hawai’i Initiative

Hawai’i takes steps to promote sustainability in the Aloha+ Challenge with an ambitious plan that aims to protect people and the natural environment.

Hawai’i is taking action to promote sustainability and support local communities with a new and ambitious set of conservation goals. The Sustainable Hawai’i Initiative aims to protect local resources and facilitate sustainable use of their natural environment. The “Aloha+ Challenge” contains five objectives to be accomplished by 2045.

The initiative plans to double local food production by 2020, implement an interagency biosecurity plan by 2027, protect 30% of priority watersheds by 2030, effectively manage 30% of nearshore ocean waters by 2030, and achieve 100% renewable electricity by 2045. David Y. Ige, Governor of Hawaii commented:

We strive to develop innovative solutions to these challenges. My administration has developed an ambitious initiative to make Hawai’i more sustainable by working together with communities, businesses, and other partners.

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A reef filled with Hawaiian Squirrelfish. Credit: Bernard Spragg

Earlier this year Hawaii released a biosecurity plan that integrated multiple state departments in order to protect the states natural resources. The Aloha+ Challenge seeks to implement the biosecurity strategy by 2027 in order to prevent the spread of invasive species, which impact the state’s agriculture, natural ecosystems, tourism economy, and human health. Hawai’i plans to establish an Invasive Species Authority to spearhead this effort and advance the protection of the state’s resources. Randy Cabral, President of the Hawai‘i Farm Bureau explained:

A single new invasive species could change Hawai’i forever, which is why we need more people at the docks, on the tarmac, in our forests, and in our communities finding and stopping them. Invasive species control is everyone’s responsibility and we all need to take ownership.

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The Vulnerable Hawaiian Petrel population has declined to predation by invasive species. Credit: Jim Denny

The bold plans addresses the threats posed to people and the natural environment by pursuing changes and innovations in how the state tackles biosecurity, climate change, and fisheries management. Although there is always more work to do, the Sustainability Hawai’i Initiative outlines a clear pathway towards conservation and sustainable use of resources.

Source: Hawaii.gov
Featured Photo: The Vulnerable Hawaiian Goose also known as the Nene. Credit: Steve Krave

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