Urging The Governor, Mayors Of Each County, And The State To Work Towards A Just Climate Future By Integrating Indigenous Knowledge Into Policy And Decision-making Processes Related To Climate Adaptation, Climate Mitigation, And Climate Resiliency.
Summary
SR76 is a Senate resolution urging the Governor, county mayors, and the State of Hawaii to pursue a “just climate future” by incorporating Indigenous knowledge into climate-related policy and decision-making. The resolution frames Native Hawaiian and broader Indigenous practices, including traditional ecological knowledge, cultural practices, and native language, as essential tools for climate adaptation, mitigation, and resiliency. It also emphasizes that these knowledge systems are already reflected in the Hawaii State Constitution through protections for natural resources, customary practices, and the right to a clean and healthy environment.
The resolution further calls for the State and counties to identify goals that meaningfully include Indigenous knowledge and to invest in and practice ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi as a key mechanism for achieving climate justice. It references collaboration across Moananuiākea and the 2024 Tuurama Ariki Declaration as support for regional knowledge-sharing and collective response to climate challenges. The measure is advisory rather than regulatory: it does not create new statutory requirements, but instead expresses the Senate’s position and encourages executive and county action.
Impact
SR76 does not amend the Hawaii Revised Statutes or create enforceable duties; as a Senate resolution, its legal effect is limited to expressing legislative intent and urging policy direction. Its practical impact is to encourage state and county leaders to integrate Indigenous and Native Hawaiian knowledge into climate planning, environmental decision-making, and language revitalization efforts, potentially influencing agency priorities, planning frameworks, and public engagement around climate resilience.
Sentiment
The general sentiment around SR76 appears supportive and favorable. The resolution passed the Senate Agriculture and Environment committee 4-1 with amendments, indicating broad support but not unanimity. The bill’s framing around climate justice, Native Hawaiian knowledge, and ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi suggests a strong affirmative posture toward cultural and environmental integration in state policy.
Contention
The main point of contention appears to be the extent to which climate policy should explicitly center Indigenous knowledge and language in government decision-making. The 4-1 committee vote suggests at least one member had reservations, though no transcript is available to identify the specific objection. Potential concerns may include the advisory nature of the resolution, the scope of the policy guidance, or differing views on how climate policy should be developed and implemented across state and county governments.
Same As
Urging The Governor, Mayors Of Each County, And The State To Work Towards A Just Climate Future By Integrating Indigenous Knowledge Into Policy And Decision-making Processes Related To Climate Adaptation, Climate Mitigation, And Climate Resiliency.