Support a Proven Protector of the Environment

Sierra Club Endorses Steve Holmes


Good environmental policy starts with good environmental politicians. 


That’s why the Sierra Club proudly endorses Steve Holmes
in the upcoming City and Council of Honolulu District 3 special election.  Holmes has been a champion for moving Hawai`i towards a sustainable future and has gone to bat repeatedly for Hawai`i’s environment.


Holmes’s record includes adding 1,000 acres of park land to the windward side and passing bills that expanded recycling, energy & water conservation, and wetland protection.  In short, he’s a proven leader for the environment.


Find out more about Steve Holmes or contact him directly to volunteer or make a contribution.  Note that Steve Holmes only takes donations from private individuals, which means he is counting on your help.





A Fossil Free Hawai`i?

Prohibit Future Fossil Power Plants in Hawai`i


The legislature is considering a historic proposal (SB 1671 & HB 1464) that would prohibit the development of all new fossil fuel plants.  As with any bold idea, however, detractors are attempting to weaken this measure by incorporating loopholes that would mute the message: Hawai`i’s preferred choice is clean, indigenous, renewable sources of electricity.


We need to show legislators that this historic step -- becoming the first State in the nation to ban new fossil fuel plants -- is critical to ensure that Hawai`i weans itself off of fossil fuels. 


Click here to email the legislature. 


What to say:


I support legislation (SB 1671 & HB 1464) to prohibit the development of all new fossil fuel plants in Hawai`i.  We already supply 90% of our energy needs through fossil fuel plants (oil or coal) and it’s time to draw a clear line: Hawai`i’s future is with clean, indigenous, renewable energy.  Let’s take the historic step and become the first State in the nation to ban all new fossil fuel plants.  We need to stop climate change and ensure Hawai`i’s energy security by taking advantage of the bountiful wind, wave, and solar energy available to us.




Protect Our Natural Areas


House Bill 1741
would suspend money coming from the conveyance tax to the Natural Area Reserve (NARS) Fund.  The NARS fund is essential towards preventing invasive species from destroying native habitat and protecting our healthy forested watersheds.  This proposal isn’t merely a “share the pain” type of bill, as some detractors may claim, because the NARS fund has already seen a 50-60% reduction in its budget.  It is a “pound foolish” measure that would eliminate millions of dollars in matching federal funding.  Our environment cannot simply wait until a better budget cycle occurs -- it needs protecting now.


Click here to email the legislature.


What to say:


The watershed protection, invasive species control, and land preservation programs that are supported by the DLNR’s Natural Area Reserve Fund are already anticipating 50-60% cuts in State funding .  This is far more than any other State funded program.  Further cuts would result in many natural resource protection programs being either inoperable or severely diminished.


Our natural areas are critical to Hawai`i’s economy.   Unfortunately they don’t recognize economic recessions.  A budget cut today could result in crippling costs tomorrow.


 

The Sierra Club, Hawai`i Chapter, is committed towards protecting the environment and moving towards a clean, renewable energy future.


Want to know more? Check out our website and blog at hawaii.sierraclub.org.


Support the Sierra Club.  Because of your support, the Sierra Club is the largest and most effective grassroots environmental advocacy organization in Hawai`i.  In this tough economic climate, however, we still need your support!  Rest assured that every dollar you donate stays here in Hawai`i, for Hawai`i.

Table of Contents:


  1. 1)Endorsement of Steve Holmes

  2. 2)Support a Fossil Free Hawai`i

  3. 3)Protect Our Natural Areas