DECLARING A PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCY RELATING TO CLIMATE CHANGE AND REQUESTING STATEWIDE COORDINATION TO IDENTIFY, PLAN FOR, AND CREATE CROSS-SECTOR SOLUTIONS TO STRENGTHEN HAWAII'S PUBLIC HEALTH RESPONSE TO THE CLIMATE CRISIS.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Stanley Chang and 3 co-sponsors

SCR 111 declares a public health emergency in Hawaii due to climate change, urging coordinated efforts to address health impacts and develop cross-sector solutions.

Received from House (Hse. Com. No. 768).

#climatechange #publichealthemergency

Bill Overview

Bill Number: SCR 111
Title: Declaring a Public Health Emergency Relating to Climate Change and Requesting Statewide Coordination to Identify, Plan for, and Create Cross-Sector Solutions to Strengthen Hawaii's Public Health Response to the Climate Crisis
Status: Received from House (Hse. Com. No. 768)
Introduced: March 07, 2025
Classification: Concurrent Resolution
Subject: Climate Change, Public Health Emergency

Purpose and Intent

SCR 111 aims to formally declare a public health emergency in Hawaii related to the impacts of climate change. The resolution seeks to initiate a coordinated statewide response to address the public health challenges posed by climate change, emphasizing the need for cross-sector solutions that integrate various areas of public health, environmental policy, and community planning.

Key Provisions

Declaration of Emergency: The resolution declares a public health emergency due to the adverse effects of climate change on the health of Hawaii's residents.

Statewide Coordination: It calls for the establishment of a coordinated effort among state agencies, local governments, and community organizations to identify and plan for the health impacts of climate change.

Cross-Sector Solutions: The resolution emphasizes the need for collaborative solutions that span multiple sectors, including health, environment, and infrastructure, to effectively address the challenges posed by climate change.

Affected Parties

Public Health Officials: The resolution will impact public health officials who will be tasked with developing and implementing strategies to mitigate health risks associated with climate change.

State and Local Governments: Agencies at both state and local levels will need to coordinate efforts and resources to respond to the declared emergency.

Community Organizations: Local organizations will play a crucial role in implementing solutions and raising awareness about the health impacts of climate change.

Legislative Timeline

March 07, 2025: SCR 111 was introduced.

April 10, 2025: The committee on Energy and Environmental Protection (EEP) recommended that the measure be passed unamended.

April 11, 2025: The resolution was reported from EEP and referred to the Health Committee (HLT).

April 17, 2025: The resolution was adopted by the House with some voting reservations and was transmitted to the Senate.

April 21, 2025: The resolution was adopted in its final form by the Senate and received from the House.

Conclusion

SCR 111 represents a significant step towards addressing the public health implications of climate change in Hawaii. By declaring a public health emergency and calling for coordinated action, the resolution aims to mobilize resources and strategies necessary to protect the health of residents in the face of climate-related challenges.

Bill