HI HR197

Urges the Hawaiʻi Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission to develop a proactive and comprehensive communication strategy educating residents about health impacts of climate change.

Directs the Commission to develop a public health engagement strategy led by Native Hawaiian communities and communities most reliant on the natural environment, using federal Inflation Reduction Act funding and partnering with state agencies, local governments, and community organizations.

Strategy must address how climate crisis will uniquely affect public health in Hawaii, including impacts from heat, vector-borne diseases, food insecurity, water insecurity, waterborne diseases, extreme weather, air pollution, and mental health effects including eco-grief.

Requires the Commission to submit a progress report to the Legislature no later than twenty days before the 2024 Regular Session, detailing actions taken, identification of most vulnerable communities, and funding needed to improve outreach and communication effectiveness.

Identifies Hawaii's particular vulnerability to climate change as an island state and notes scientific consensus on public health threats including increased violent crime with temperature increases, trauma, substance abuse, and post-traumatic stress disorder from climate disasters.