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HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution No. 2020-43COUNTY COUNCIL COUNTY OF KAUA'I l\,esolution No. 2020-43 RESOLUTION SUPPORTING '.AINA ALOHA ECONOMIC FUTURES INITIATIVE AND TRANSITION TO A CIRCULAR ECONOMY WHEREAS, the novel coronavirus 2019, known as "COVID-19," has spread globally at a rapid pace; and WHEREAS, because of the rapid spread of COVID-19, Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami issued an emergency declaration for the County of Kaua'i on March 4, 2020, and Governor David Y. Ige issued an emergency proclamation for the State of Hawai'i on March 5, 2020; and WHEREAS, the COVID-19 crisis creates the need for Hawai'i to reshape its economy; and WHEREAS, food security is a public-health concern that has been magnified as a result of COVID-19 and demands a shift in how we utilize 'aina, including the creation of new industries centered on food production; and WHEREAS, under the Hawai'i State Constitution, all public natural resources are held in trust by the State of Hawai'i for the common benefit of Hawai'i's people and the generations to come. Additionally, the State Constitution specifies that public lands "ceded" to the United States by the so-called Republic of Hawai'i following the overthrow of the Hawaiian Monarchy and returned to Hawai'i upon its admission to the Union hold a special status under law. These lands are held by the State in trust for the benefit of Native Hawaiians and the general public. Accordingly, the Hawai'i State Constitution places upon the State duties with respect to these trusts much like those of a common law trustee, including fiscal duties and responsibilities, an obligation to protect and preserve the resources, however they are utilized; and WHEREAS, the European Commission adopted a new Circular Economy Action Plan on March 11, 2020; and WHEREAS, according to an article from the Honolulu Star-Advertiser on May 20, 2020, Germany, Copenhagen, and parts of China are adapting to a circular economy, producing products that can be repaired instead of discarded; and WHEREAS, in the same article notes the '.Aina Aloha Economic Futures Declaration is the first part of an effort to create a different island economy based on centuries of island-based values; and 1 WHEREAS, the '.Aina Aloha Economic Futures initiative was conceptualized by a group of Native Hawaiian community members who came together organically after separate discussions brought forth common sentiments regarding the need to have Native Hawaiian voices, values, and experiences influence the economic recovery for our 'aina aloha and in humble acknowledgement of the many kupuna, cultural experts and practitioners, scholars, and community leaders that were integral to the Hawaiian Renaissance, thereby creating a strong foundation to continue their work; and WHEREAS, the '.Aina Aloha Economic Futures Declaration was submitted to Governor David Y. Ige and Alan M. Oshima, Hawai'i's Economic and Community Recovery and Resiliency Navigator, on May 19, 2020; and WHEREAS, over 2,300_ individuals, businesses, and organizations have expressed their support of the 'Aina Aloha Economic Futures Declaration; and WHEREAS, Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami is a signatory of the '.Aina Aloha Economic Futures Declaration; and WHEREAS, it has been confirmed by the County of Kaua'i Office of Economic Development similar priorities between '.Aina Aloha Economic Futures and the Kaua'i Economic Recovery Strategy Teams (KERST) "Finance," "Futures," and "Tourism" team recommendations; and WHEREAS, the State House Select Committee on COVID-19 Economic and Financial Preparedness was briefed on the '.Aina Aloha Economic Futures Initiative on June 1, 2020; and WHEREAS, the '.Aina Aloha Economic Futures Initiative is a process of empowering community voices through community action to bring to life a resilient Hawai'i economy through the core value of 'aina aloha; and WHEREAS, 'aina aloha represents a deep and abiding love for Hawai'i's communities and natural environment; and WHEREAS, 'ciina aloha places 'ike kupuna (Native Hawaiian ancestral knowledge) as the foundation upon which we determine our collective actions to achieve pono (balanced) management of our resources; and WHEREAS, overdependence on extractive industries, such as high-impact tourism, are not economically sustainable and do not promote the health and well-being of 'aina or kcinaka; and WHEREAS, according to Dr. Kamanamaikalani Beamer, components of a circular economy include: • a regenerative and equitable economic system; • decoupling of economic growth from environmental degradation; • meaningful work while rejuvenating the environment; • keeping materials and resources in the economy for as long as possible while preserving their value; and • minimization of waste; and 2 WHEREAS, part of building a circular economy 1n Hawai'i involves incorporating aloha 'aina; now, therefore, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE COUNTY OF KAUA'I, STATE OF HAWAI'I, that it supports the principles of the '.Aina Aloha Economic Futures Initiative and transition to a circular economy. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that it looks forward to considering policy actions, including through amendments to the Countywide Policy Plan, that support a circular economy. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that it will incorporate the use of the '.Aina Aloha Economic Futures Assessment Tool for decision-making in establishing policies, improving projects, and supporting programs, unless inapplicable. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that restoration of 'aina and communities, in a manner that elevates local self-sufficiency, should be incorporated into all economic-recovery efforts. BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED that the County Clerk shall forward a copy of this Resolution to Dr. Kamanamaikalani Beamer, Associate Professor, University of Hawai'i at Manoa; the Honorable David Y. Ige, Governor, State of Hawai'i; the Honorable Scott K. Saiki, Speaker of the House, and Co-Chair, House Select Committee on COVID-19 Economic and Financial Preparedness; Mr. Peter Ho, President & CEO, Bank of Hawai'i, and Co-Chair, House Select Committee on COVID-19 Economic and Financial Preparedness; and the Honorable Derek S.K. Kawakami, Mayor, County of Kaua'i. Introduced by: ~ MASON K. CHOCK ui~~9~ KIPUKAI KUALI'I V:\RESOLUTIONS\2018-2020 TERM\Aloha Aina Economic Futures Reso 9-1 KK-MC_CT_jy.doc ~VC :Jjrun ([bock X ([owben X ~bslin X Jkagab:Ja X Jkanesbiro X Jkuali'i X W:otal 6 ~av ~xcm,eb x··-" 0 1 3aecu~eb 0 ~ertifitate c8f aboption We berebp certifp tbat l\.esolution J!o. 2020-43 was abopteb bp tbe ([ouncil of tbe ([ountp of Jkaua'i, $!ate of ~awai'i, Jlibu'e, Jkaua'i, ~ab:Jai'i, on September 23, 2020 ~ uuiptfuk :iJBateb September 23, 2020 3 *Beginning with the March 11, 2020 Council Meeting and until further notice, Councilmember Arthur Brun will not be present due to U.S. v. Arthur Brun et al., Cr. No. 20-00024-DKW (United States District Court), and therefore will be noted as excused (i.e., not present).