Creating a sustainable Kauai ñ by insuring that initiatives to deal with solid waste and sewage, recycling, increasing use of alternative energy and fuels, expanding farming, protecting the environment, increase economic diversification, increase the amount of affordable housing, managing growth, and improving infrastructure - are all designed to work synergistically together to maximize their positive impacts. Examples of such synergy include :
- increasing bus service and running buses using alternative fuels or electricity generated from alternative energy sources ñ reducing dependence on oil and lowering CO2 emissions.
- find ways to use landfill waste, agricultural wastes, and foodservice industry wastes to produce biofuels ñ turning garbage problems into energy solutions.

ASSESS KAUAI'S SUSTAINABILITY
In collaboration with groups involved in sustainability activities, prepare an assessment of Kauai's sustainability and identify and promote opportunities for focused action to increase self-sufficiency and resilience.
Implement a sustainable food security and agriculture strategy for Kaua'i
Implement a sustainable alternative energy and alternative fuels strategy for Kaua'i
Implement a sustainable solid waste management strategy for Kaua'i
Establish and maintain a sustainability network on Kaua'i
Set-up and foster an island wide sustainability plan
Look for ways to synergistically combine sustainability initiatives to maximize their positive impact. Turn garbage problems into energy solutions.

Strongly support the Council doing everything possible to help implement the recommendations of the Hawaii 2050 Sustainability Plan. A summary of the plan is given below. (Note : the full report can be read online at http://www.hawaii2050.org/ )

Hawaii 2050 Sustainability Plan

Definition of Sustainability in Hawai`i
A Hawaiëi that achieves the following:
* Respects the culture, character, beauty and history of our stateís island communities
* Strikes a balance between economic, social and community, and environmental priorities
* Meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs
Guiding Principles of Sustainability
* We balance economic, social, community and environmental priorities.
* We respect and live within the natural resources and limits of our islands.
* We must achieve a diversified and dynamic economy.
* We honor the host culture.
* We make decisions based on meeting the present needs without compromising the needs of future generations.
* The principles of the ahupuaëa system guide our resource management decisions.
* Everyone ó individuals, families, communities, businesses and government ó has a responsibility for achieving a sustainable Hawaiëi.
The Triple Bottom Line Approach:
Where economic, community and environmental goals are in balance.
Goal 1: A Way of Life
Living sustainably is part of our daily practice in Hawaiëi
A new way of embracing Hawaiëi and the world
By 2050, our goal is that sustainability will be a way of life for all Hawaiëi residents

Engaging young people
Young people are our greatest asset. They are open and enthusiastic about sustainability as a mainstream concept. They use technology to connect with each other on this topic, and are developing their own environmental and community-based movement to plan for Hawaiëiís future.

Goal 1: Strategic Actions
1 Develop a sustainability ethic.
2.Conduct ongoing forums and cross-sector dialogue to promote collaboration and progress on achieving Hawaiëiís sustainability goals.

Achieving sustainability requires the collaboration of all sectors. It requires collective action, as well as dispute resolution to reconcile potentially competing goals. The thorniest issues occur when economic, cultural preservation and natural resource goals collide. Providing forums and cross-sector dialogue is important not only for resolving and reconciling competing interests, but for collectively planning for Hawaiëiís preferred future.

3. Continually monitor trends and conditions in Hawaiëiís economy, society and natural systems.

Benchmarks and monitoring systems will make Hawaiëi 2050 accountable. The most effective way to implement an accountability system is the establishment of a Sustainability Council, a lean quasi-governmental agency whose job is to coordinate sustainability efforts and hold us all accountable to the goals, actions, and indicators in the Hawaiëi 2050 plan.


Goal 2: The Economy
Our diversified and globally competitive economy enables us to meaningfully live, work and play in Hawaiëi
A sustainable Hawaiëi cannot occur without a sustainable economy.

For the past three decades, tourism, defense, construction and agriculture have been the foundation of our economy, and will likely be major economic drivers in the years to come. But that shouldnít preclude progress towards creating a more diverse and sustainable economy.

The need for economic diversification
Diversified agriculture, fisheries and aquaculture, and knowledge- and innovation-based industries such as high tech, heath care, biotechnology, film and digital media are important components of building a sustainable economy.
We need a well-trained workforce
A strong economy also requires a strong workforce. The availability and quality of our workforce needs to be improved.

Functioning infrastructure is critical to economic health

Many of our roads, harbors, water and sewer systems are overwhelmed by massive increases in population. We must plan ahead for the financing of infrastructure so that transportation and other vital economic systems are prepared to manage and accommodate planned growth. While this topic is about the public expenditure of funds, itís a high priority for business, because without basic infrastructure, the economy will be inefficient. we need consistently significant investments to maintain public services.
In addition to simply planning for inevitable growth, we must be more aggressive in directing growth towards areas that efficiently use infrastructure dollars. Adopting smart growth policies to guide our decision-making will maximize the efficient use of infrastructure dollars.

Goal 2: Strategic Actions
1. Develop a more diverse and resilient economy.
Creating greater resiliency in the economy also means buying locally produced goods and services. As an island state, we may not become totally economically self-sufficient, but there are many products that we can purchase to reduce our dependence on outside sources.
* Provide incentives that foster sustainability-related industries, which include, but arenít limited to renewable energy, innovation and science-based industries, and environmental technologies.
* Increase production and consumption of local foods and products, particularly agricultural products.
2. Support the building blocks for economic stability and sustainability.

The visitor industry, military, construction and agriculture are the stateís primary creators of jobs and revenue. Ensuring that these pillars of our economy are solid is a basic component of the plan. As with new industries, we must work with mature industries to adopt sustainability principles and practices as part of their operations.
* Recognize and support established industries such as the visitor industry, military, construction and agriculture as strong components of the Hawaiëi economy.
* Provide incentives for industries to operate in more sustainable ways.
* Attract local and outside capital and investments in Hawaiëiís economic activities.
* Reduce regulations and lower the cost of running a business.
3. Increase the competitiveness of Hawaiëiís workforce.
workforce development is critical to economic diversification. Hawaiëiís workers must be trained to meet not only our stateís workforce needs, but to compete in the global marketplace. We must provide training opportunities to enable our workers to improve their skills. Create incentives and opportunities for workforce skills upgrade training programs, including the availability of remedial education programs.
4. Identify, prioritize and fund infrastructure ìcrisis pointsî that need fixing.

Public infrastructure is key to building a strong economy, protecting our environment and a better quality of life. Roads, highways, dams, bridges, harbors, airports, water supply and wastewater systems are key functions of sustainable communities. It is essential that we identify and prioritize our infrastructure needs to adequately allocate resources to maintain and improve them.


Goal 3: Environment and Natural Resources
Our natural resources are responsibly and respectfully used, replenished and preserved for future generations

Managing our natural resources so that they are able to replenish themselves isnít the responsibility of just environmentalists, itís everybodyís responsibility.
Hawaiëiís environment is under significant stress. Our ratio of renewable energy (5%) vs. fossil fuel use (95%) is among the worst in the nation. We have not updated our capacity to manage water resources since the plantation era.
We must encourage economic growth that directly contributes to environmental progress.

Energy and global warming

As we look towards a sustainable future, we must also prepare for the realities of rising fuel costs and climate change. Our energy picture is a tale of two worlds. The U.S. Department of Energy has indicated that we are one of the best positioned states for renewable energy potential, with abundant wind, solar, geothermal and other resources. Yet, we perform among the worst in terms of using renewable energy sources. This stems from a lack of political will and capital investment, a regulatory scheme that seems to discourage renewables, and a not in my backyard attitude that seems to prevent projects from getting off the ground. The result so far is that we continue to rely almost solely on imported fossil fuels.
There is irrefutable evidence that global warming is real and occurring at an alarming rate. As the planet warms over the next fifty years, sea levels are rising, impacting our coastal areas. Hawaiëi could also be struck by stronger and more frequent storms because of these changes. Homes, hotels, businesses, harbors and waterfront properties are increasingly at risk. We must aggressively address the impact of global warming and rising sea levels for our island state.


There is a tendency for people to think that economic productivity and use of natural resources inevitably must lead to its degradation, but that doesnít have to be the case. With proper planning and coordination, the goals of economic development and environmental protection can be mutually reinforced and simultaneously achieved.

Goal 3: Strategic Actions
1. Reduce reliance on fossil (carbon-based) fuels.
There are other sources of energy that can be produced locally. We must reduce our reliance on fossil fuels by expanding renewable energy opportunities. We must rethink how we use energy by improving efficiencies in all that we do.
* 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 bio-fuels.
* Adopt building codes that encourage ìgreen buildingî technology.
* Encourage all government agencies to adopt sustainable practices, including purchasing hybrid cars, buying biodegradable products, and mandating recycling.
2. Conserve water and ensure adequate water supply.

We consume the most water per capita in the United States, 18% higher than the national average. The decline in agriculture gives our aquifers temporary relief, but with projected development and the use of agricultural lands for fuel production, usage will increase dramatically.
We must care for and manage our watersheds, uphold water quality standards, and support adequate infrastructure for residential, commercial and agricultural use.
* 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, reuse and waste reduction strategies.

Recycling, reuse and waste reduction cuts down on the amount of energy and raw materials to make products, and reduces waste in the landfill. Hawaiëiís people are enthusiastic and determined about recycling. In fact, most want recycling mandated, and they want it now.

4. Provide greater protection for air, and land-, fresh water- and ocean
based habitats.

We are home to the most rare and sensitive ecosystems in the world, from upland rainforests to coral reefs. They form the foundation of our society from a biological and cultural perspective. Itís important to understand that our most pristine areas will not stay as they are if we just leave them alone. Because of invasive species, we need conservation officers on the ground, in the forests and marine habitats, monitoring these places and making sure that their biological integrity is preserved. The greatest threat to the health of our most biologically rich ecosystems is not just development ñ it is weeds. By protecting our habitat, we protect our native species. By protecting both, we ensure biological sustainability.
* Strengthen enforcement of habitat management.
* Fund public and private conservation education.
* Improve management of protected watershed areas.
* Incorporate the values and philosophy of the ahupuaëa 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.

We need to better conserve agricultural lands, open space and conservation lands. Integrating ìsmart growthî principles and compact patterns of urban development will enable us to better utilize urban lands and develop more sustainable communities. Building ìupî rather than ìoutî will minimize sprawl, and better conserve our agricultural, open space and conservation lands.
* Create compact patterns of urban development.
* Encourage ìsmart growthî concepts in land use and community planning.
* Tighten agricultural subdivision rules to make sure that ag land is really used for agricultural purposes
6. Research and strengthen management initiatives to respond to
rising sea levels, coastal hazads, erosion and other natural hazards.
7. Develop a comprehensive environmental mapping and measurement system to evaluate the overall health and status of Hawaiëiís natural ecosystems.

Caring for the environment cannot be done on a piece-meal basis. Streams impact lands; lands impact the coast; the coast impacts our fisheries. We need a comprehensive way to research, study and evaluate the status our ecosystem.

Goal 4: Community and Social Well-Being
Our community is strong, healthy, vibrant and nurturing, providing safety nets for those in need.


Quality of life encompasses safe, caring, and engaged communities; healthy, sustainable surroundings; quality job opportunities for present and future generations; access to quality education, housing and health care; adequate, well-maintained infrastructure and governmental services; access to recreational facilities and leisure activities; and positive interaction and respect among the citizenry.
With Hawaiëi 2050, we have a unique opportunity to identify the kind of society we want ñ where people live with dignity and respect, and the basic requirements of food, shelter, health care, safety and education are not only met but are exceeded.
We are fortunate that our diverse and multi-cultural community currently provides a strong foundation for such a quality of life. The aloha spirit is still pervasive, and there is respect amongst our cultures. Living on an island has created a culture of collaboration and working together. We have the makings of a community that when determined can achieve great things.
Addressing social impediments now

Over the years, however, it seems that we run into the same issues and challenges that impede our ability to provide for a high quality of life. Our unmet social challenges tear at the fabric of our communities, and undermine our economy, communities and environment.
Caring for our youth, families and the elderly

How society treats our youth, families and the elderly is reflective of the overall health of our community. Hawaiëiís elderly population is growing faster than our ability to provide quality care and housing. We have a dire shortage of nursing home beds, with 24 beds per 1,000, compared to a national average of 43 per 1,000. We must begin to treat elderly care as an urgent economic, social and moral issue.
Likewise, we must ensure that our families and youth are supported and nurtured. For example, after-school programs, sports, musical and other extracurricular activities beyond the school day help keep kids out of trouble; provide expanded learning opportunities and interests; and enhance social skills that make for well-rounded citizens.
Goal 4: Strategic Actions
1. Strengthen social safety nets.
Having a safe and decent place to live, access to health care, and a safe haven when difficult times are upon us are measures of a humane and compassionate society. In creating a sustainable Hawaiëi, we must be sure that our social safety nets are in place to provide the basic necessities of living with dignity and respect. In particular, we must ensure that Hawaiëiís poor and needy populations are taken care of, providing them with the basic necessities of a dignified life, as well as hope, opportunity and the necessary tools for gaining self-sufficiency once again. We must more effectively address major problems that put our society at risk, such as drug abuse, mental illness, crime and violence.
* Increase affordable housing opportunities for households up to 140% of median income.
* Ensure access to affordable health care for all residents.
* Reduce crime and violence.
* Provide access to elderly housing, care-giving and other long-term care services.
* Invest in greater prevention and treatment of those suffering from substance abuse and mental illness.
* Increase awareness of and competency in financial literacy and asset building.
* Strengthen the nonprofit sector, philanthropy and volunteerism.
* Ensure that persons with disabilities are afforded equal opportunity to participate and excel in all aspects of community life.
* Provide after-school and extra-curricular programs to enable Hawaiëiís youth to broaden their life experiences.
2. Improve public transportation infrastructure and alternatives.
A quality transportation system is more than getting from home to work quickly. It links people to places and provides opportunities for social interaction, recreation and community engagement. It enables the flow of commerce, ensuring that business will transport their goods and services to their destination in a timely and cost-effective way. We must alleviate traffic congestion through varied means, ranging from increasing access to varied modes of public transportations, to telecommuting, to providing alternatives to using motorized vehicles.
* Increase access to public transportation.
* Reduce traffic congestion.
* Encourage and provide incentives for telecommuting.
* Increase and improve bicycle and pedestrian facilities, including multi-use pathways.
3. Strengthen public education. NON-COUNTY

4. Provide access to diverse recreational facilities and opportunities.
This is especially critical given the inclinations that many young people have towards computers, handheld devices and video games. In a sustainable Hawaiëi, our young people will continue to play sports, surf, paddle, dance hula, hike, and sing, and not become a culture singularly obsessed with iPods and the latest gadgets. Providing access to recreational facilities and activities to meet the varied needs of differing communities (e.g., rural, urban, large and small communities) are important aspects of a healthy quality of life.
Goal 5: Kanaka Maoli Culture and Island Values
Our Kanaka Maoli and island cultures and values are thriving and perpetuated

No aloha, no sustainability. This island way of life originates with Hawaiëiís indigenous people ñ the Kanaka Maoli. We must ensure that our Kanaka Maoli and island values and cultures are preserved and perpetuated. Such traditions and value systems bind and enrich us all, providing a values-based guide for behavior.
Building on diversity for the future

Likewise Hawaiëiís ethnic diversity and resulting multi-culturalism have contributed significantly to making our state unique. To preserve our island values, we need to recognize the primacy of the Kanaka Maoli while cultivating the active participation of people of all ethnicities in their practices. Community and ethnic organizations must be supported to ensure that our traditions continue to live and thrive through dance, festivals, education and art.


Priority Actions and Intermediate Steps: Target Date 2020
About these priority actions

These nine (9) strategic items were identified by the Hawaiëi 2050 Sustainability Task Force as essential ìnext stepsî towards creating Hawaiëiís preferred future. They are ranked in priority order.
Benchmark 1
Increase affordable housing opportunities for households up to 140% of median income.

Benchmark 2
Strengthen public education. NON-COUNTY

Benchmark 3
Reduce reliance on fossil fuels.

Benchmark 4
Increase recycling, reuse and waste reduction strategies.

Benchmark 5
Develop a more diverse and resilient economy.

Benchmark 6
Develop a sustainability ethic.

Benchmark 7
Increase production and consumption of local foods and products, particularly agricultural products.

Benchmark 8
Provide access to long-term care and elderly housing.

Benchmark 9
Preserve and perpetuate our Kanaka Maoli and island cultural values.