Strong voice for Hawaii in addressing climate change

HONOLULU, Hawaii – Hawaii Governor Neil Abercrombie shared Hawaii’s unique perspective as an island state at the first meeting of President Obama’s Task Force on Climate Preparedness and Resilience, held Tuesday at the White House Eisenhower Executive Office Building in Washington, DC.

The President established the task force to advise his administration on how the federal government can respond to the needs of communities nationwide that are currently dealing with or anticipate extreme weather, sea level rise, and other impacts of climate change.

This first meeting focused on building climate resilience into efforts to better prepare for and recover from natural disasters. In addition, task force members had the opportunity to share their expertise and experience in implementing climate preparedness measures, and begin to consider recommendations for the President.

The Governor’s participation ensures a strong voice for the State of Hawaii in the national discussion. Named to the task force last month, Governor Abercrombie attended along with Deputy Chief of Staff Blake Oshiro and Hawaii State Sustainability Coordinator Jacqueline Kozak Thiel. Cited as factors in his selection for the task force were Governor Abercrombie’s congressional experience (including serving on the Armed Forces Subcommittee on Air and Land Forces, and as a senior member on the Natural Resources Committee) along with his ability to provide insight into the needs of the Asia-Pacific region.