“Groundbreaking Settlement: Hawaii Agrees to Decarbonize Transportation System by 2045”
Youth plaintiffs gathered before the start of the Navahine F. v. the Hawai’i Department of Transportation hearing at the First Circuit Environmental Court in Honolulu, Hawaiʻi, on Jan. 26, 2023. The lawsuit, brought by 13 young people, alleged that the state had violated their constitutional rights by contributing to greenhouse gas emissions through its infrastructure, exacerbating climate change.
In a groundbreaking development, Hawaii agreed to settle the lawsuit on Thursday, as reported by Reuters. Governor Josh Green, a Democrat, called the settlement “groundbreaking” and emphasized the urgency of addressing the impacts of climate change in the present rather than the future.
The settlement, outlined in a joint stipulation and order, requires the state to decarbonize its transportation system by 2045. This agreement marks a significant step towards addressing climate pollution from transportation and shifting towards a zero-emissions transportation system.
The youth plaintiffs in the case asserted their state constitutional rights to a healthy and safe climate, urging the government to take necessary actions to combat the climate crisis. They argued that Hawaii’s focus on projects like highway expansion and construction was not aligned with the priority of reducing carbon emissions.
As part of the settlement, the Hawaii Department of Transportation (HDOT) will implement immediate and ongoing steps to transform the state’s transportation system. This includes establishing a plan for greenhouse gas reductions within one year, creating a council of youth volunteers to advise HDOT, and investing in green transportation infrastructure such as electric vehicle charging stations and bicycle, pedestrian, and transit networks.
The settlement also highlights the importance of involving youth in climate action, with provisions for youth involvement in advising and monitoring the progress of the transportation system transformation. The court will retain jurisdiction to enforce the agreement for the next 21 years to ensure its terms are achieved.
Many of the youth plaintiffs are Native Hawaiians who have experienced firsthand the impacts of climate change, including sea level rise, flooding, drought, and wildfires. These climate hazards have threatened cultural traditions and put their lives at risk, underscoring the urgency of addressing climate change.
The settlement represents a collaborative effort between the state and the youth plaintiffs to combat climate change and protect Hawaii for future generations. It serves as a model for other states and countries to prioritize climate action and hold leaders accountable for the future they will inherit.