Almost four years ago Mayor Hannemann became one of the first to sign the U.S. Mayors Climate Protection Agreement. The document, authored by Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels, is now joined by a total of 850 U.S. mayors who have committed their cities to the goals of the Kyoto Protocol to establish reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. That launched Honolulu's current sustainability and climate protection policy and planning process.
Mayor Hannemann wanted a comprehensive program that would have wide appeal to Honolulu's residents, one that combined recognition of our cultural heritage with its rich history of self-sufficiency, but also one that incorporated innovative new technologies. By combining the philosophy of the Polynesian resource management system with the cutting edge developments in alternative energy and sustainability the concept of the 21st Century Ahupua'a was created. The award-winning program is truly the best of both worlds and has established both a long-range vision for the future of Honolulu and a near-term operational plan for immediate action.
The Mayor's Energy and Sustainability Task Force was assembled from all city departments and charged with developing the cities first comprehensive, written sustainability plan. There had been pockets of activity within different departments to conserve energy and squeeze efficiency out of vehicle fleets and fuels, but this is the first time a dedicated team approach was used. The Mayor asked for a nuts and bolts operational plan that would set specific goals, deliver measurable results and do it quickly. The city's first plan was first published in 2007 and the most recent version can be accessed by the public at www.sustainhonolulu.com.
The Mayor's team has put the seven principles of the 21st Century Ahupua'a into practice and continues to produce results in each category.
Honoring our host culture
The city has introduced the wisdom of Hawaiian culture and their successful resource management to national and even international audiences. Last year Mayor Hannemann presented the 21st Century Ahupua'a to an enthusiastic audience at the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University. On June 21st, in Miami, The U.S. Conference of Mayors awarded Honolulu's 21st Century Ahupua'a and Mayor Hannemann the prestigious award for "Outstanding Leadership in Support of Urban Livability."
The Mayor's Office of Culture and the Arts also continues to place a focus on authentic cultural events and venues for public performances.
Develop alternative energy
Honolulu has been rated the second most progressive city for the use of alternative fuels in the U.S. for the use of biodiesel in our fleet vehicles and dedication to the conversion of our bus fleet to hybrid-electrics.
Current plans also call for the purchase of and expansion of the H-power waste-to-energy plant for continued production of electricity and diversion of solid waste from our landfill.
Promote green building and conservation
Energy efficiency programs in the Fasi Municipal Building and Kapolei Hale now save close to half a million dollars a year.
The recently announced Honolulu Sustainability Center in Makiki will test advanced energy generation and green building strategies that will then be deployed to other city buildings. This includes the use of solar photovoltaic and wind turbines on building in the urban environment.
Build efficient transportation systems
Honolulu has planned and designed what many national experts are calling the best mass transit project in America.
The new rail system will provide an energy-efficient, non-polluting mode of transportation for Honolulu's future generations and the promise of transit oriented development with affordable homes and lifestyles.
Recycle solid waste
The city has completed successful pilot projects for curbside recycling of mixed recyclables in Hawaii Kai and Mililani and is now rolling out expanded service in Kailua, the North Shore and East Honolulu to Manoa. The schedule for total coverage for Oahu has also been announced.
Restore productive agriculture
The city has held the line and even reduced property tax for active agricultural lands and continues to support our local farm community. The city has also been instrumental in supporting the emergence of biofuel-related agriculture research, including the encouragement of large-scale production of bio-fuels from algae, an opportunity for which Hawaii is uniquely suited.
Protect our forests and reefs
Mayor Hannemann and the city was instrumental in putting the partnerships together to buy Waimea Valley and preserve this rare intact ahupua'a for all time.
Hanauma Bay continues to set the standard for quality preservation of the unique and precious natural beauty that is the essence of our Island home. It has become a model for how to educate the public on the proper care and respect that we should show to all of our unique ecosystems.
There is no better way to honor our Hawaiian heritage than to protect those very aspects of this Island that were held sacred by our original inhabitants. We must do our best to protect the essence of Oahu including the watersheds, our beaches and reef habitats and the remaining intact ahupua'a. These are the living treasures that comprise Oahu's natural ecosystems that provide us with the clean air, water and beauty that ensure our quality of life.
The concept of the 21st Century Ahupua'a has given structure and vision to the city's sustainability and climate protection efforts. It continues to produce results that now rate Honolulu among the country's leaders.
In 2007, the city was ranked #11th out of 72 major U.S. cities for its success with sustainability and environmental management by the Earthday Network. A recent report by the Brookings Institution rated Honolulu the #1 city in the U.S. (out of 100) as having the lightest carbon footprint.
"We have done a lot, but we have a great deal more to do to truly make our Island home into the 21st Century Ahupua'a," says Mayor Hannemann. "We are lucky to live in such a wonderful place, but we also have a responsibility to continue to work toward making Honolulu the model U.S. city."
We owe it to both our ancestors and our future generations.
