Winter 2023
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HWEA will be the organization of dedicated and knowledgeable professionals
recognized for preserving and enhancing the water environment in the Pacific Island Region.

On October 27, HWEA hosted its third quarterly luncheon of the year at Dave and Buster’s Paina Hale. Our guest speakers were Mr. Matthew Gonser, AICP, CFM, Chief Resilience Officer and Executive Director, and Mr. Alexander Yee, Coastal and Water Program Manager, both from the City  and County of Honolulu, Office of Climate Change, Sustainability and Resiliency (OCCSR). Their presentation was titled “Climate Ready Oahu and One Water”. 
 
Matt provided background information on the OCCSR and their recent work on Oahu’s climate resilience planning efforts, including development of:
 
• The Oahu Resilience Strategy
 
• One Climate One Oahu: Climate Action Plan 2020-2025
 
• Climate Ready Oahu (expected mid-2023)
 
• Annual Sustainability Report
 
 
 
Matt shared that the City is already impacted by climate change and realizing the cost impacts of climate change. Examples include coastal erosion exposing sewer pipes, and higher dewatering costs for excavation work. 
 
Alex spoke about the community engagement that the OCCSR is performing with meetings at various neighborhood board locations. OCCSR is meeting with communities to establish the vision for Climate Ready Oahu. Participants include a range of community stakeholders, such as State/City government officials, elected officials, residents, non-governmental organizations, and academics. If you are interested in participating in community engagement, and/or would like to take a survey to contribute to Climate Ready Oahu, please see: https://www.climatereadyoahu.org/participate. 
 
Matt closed out the presentation with a summary of the City’s One Water efforts and project planning. The collaboration with various leaders of City departments has resulted in execution of a memorandum of understanding amongst departments on the One Water Panel, including: OCCSR, Honolulu Board of Water Supply, Department of Environmental Services, Department of Parks and Recreation, Department of Budget and Fiscal Services, Department of Facility Maintenance, Department of Design of Construction, Department of Transportation, and Department of Planning and Permitting. In addition, the One Water Panel is committed to continuing to strive towards progress in a range of One Water Strategies in 2023 and beyond.
 
 HWEA expresses gratitude to Matt and Alex for their presentation and to all attendees. If anyone has questions for Matt or Alex, feel free to email them at resilientoahu@honolulu.gov and check out the OCCSR’s fantastic website at https://www.resilientoahu.org/.

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Contact Info

Hawai‘i Water Environment Association
PO Box 2422
Honolulu, Hawai‘i 96804
General Inquiries: info@hwea.org