Hawaii 2050 Sustainability Summit meets in Waikiki

The Hawaii’s 2050 Sustainability Summit took place in Waikiki yesterday to discuss the plan designed for Hawaii until 2050, addressing the issues of infrastructure, growth, natural resources, education, housing, and trying to predict future problems.

The Advertiser ran a great article on it.

The state's infrastructure is deteriorating, housing is insufficient, and Hawaii is too reliant on imported food and energy. The number of people coming to the state is using up the infrastructure and natural resources faster than they can be replenished.

The plan calls for more food to be locally produced (mainly farming on the North Shore and Big island), more energy from renewable resources and growth to be under control, the biggest concerns.

Of the goals set at the Summit, these are of particular interest to people involved in real estate in Oahu:

GOAL I: SUSTAINABILITY IS SHARED - Living sustainably is part of our daily practice in Hawaii
1. Develop a sustainability ethic.
• Integrate sustainability principles and practices into public and private school curricula.
• Develop a statewide marketing and public awareness campaign on sustainability principles and practices.

2. Conduct ongoing forums and dialogue amongst government, environmental, business, labor, and community groups to promote collaboration and progress on achieving Hawaii’s sustainability goals.

GOAL II: ECONOMY - Our diversified and globally competitive economy enables us to meaningfully live, work and play in Hawaii.
1. Develop a more diverse and resilient economy.
2. Support the building blocks for economic stability and sustainability.
• Recognize and support established industries such as the visitor industry, military, construction and agriculture as strong components of the Hawaii’s economy.
• Provide incentives for industries to operate in more sustainable ways. • Ensure funding for infrastructure improvements.
• Attract local and outside capital and investments in Hawaii’s economic activities.
• Reduce regulations and lower the cost of running a business.
3. Increase the competitiveness of Hawaii’s workforce.
• Invest in and improve our public education system to provide for a skilled workforce.
• Create incentives for workforce skills upgrade training programs.
• Increase student enrollment in post-secondary educational programs.
• Adopt living wage guidelines and measurements.

GOAL III: NATURAL RESOURCES - Our natural resources are responsibly and respectfully used, replenished and preserved for future generations
1. Reduce reliance on fossil (carbon-based) fuels.
• Expand renewable energy opportunities.
• Increase energy efficiency in private and public buildings, including retrofitting existing buildings.
• Improve energy efficiencies and options in transportation.
• Encourage the production and use of locally produced biofuels.
• Adopt building codes that encourage "green building" technology.
2. Conserve water.
• Reduce water consumption by means of education and incentives.
• Encourage greater production and use of recycled water.
• Continually review water-conserving technologies for possible incorporation in county building codes
• Encourage price structures for water use that furthers conservation.
• Require water conservation plans from large private users.
3. Increase recycling.
4. Provide greater protection for land-, freshwater- and ocean-based habitats.
• Strengthen enforcement and enhancement of habitat management.
• Fund public and private conservation education.
• Improve management of protected watershed areas.
• Incorporate the values and philosophy of the ahupua'a resource management system as appropriate.
• Establish funding for invasive species control and native ecosystems protection.
5. Conserve agricultural, open space and conservation lands and resources.
• Create compact patterns of urban development.
• Encourage "smart growth" concepts in land use and community planning.
6. Research and strengthen management initiatives to respond to rising sea levels, coastal hazards and erosion.

GOAL IV: COMMUNITY - Our community is strong, healthy, vibrant and nurturing, providing safety nets for those in need.
1. Strengthen social safety nets.
• Review and increase affordable housing opportunities for households up to 140 percent of median income.
• Ensure access to affordable healthcare for all residents.
• Provide access to long-term care, elderly housing and social and human services.
• Invest in greater prevention and treatment of those suffering from substance abuse.
• Increase high school graduation rates.
2. Reduce traffic congestion
• Increase access to public transportation.
• Improve bicycle and pedestrian pathways.
3. Identify and prioritize infrastructure "crisis points" that need fixing.
4. Strengthen public education
• Support educational initiatives that span early childhood through lifelong learning.
• Increase awareness of and competency in financial literacy and asset-building.
5. Provide access to diverse recreational facilities and opportunities.