A professor in the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources was appointed to the City and County of Honolulu’s Climate Change Commission on August 7. Commission members are appointed by the mayor and confirmed by the City Council.
“I look forward to ensuring that the City and County of Honolulu has access to the best available science when crafting policy and developing plans,” said Kirsten Oleson, of the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Management. “The county can be a leader in both urban and rural initiatives to mitigate our contribution to the problem of climate change, and adapt in equitable, sustainable, and fiscally responsible ways.”
In her role, Oleson will bring the latest science on climate change impacts into policy and planning discussions to a five-person group. Over the next five years, she will help develop and decide guidance notes and briefings.
“I very much look forward to serving in this role. Volunteering for public service is, I believe, civic duty,” said Oleson.
The Climate Change Commission is charged with gathering the latest science and information on climate change impacts to Hawaiʻi. They also provide advice and recommendations to the mayor, City Council, and executive departments as they look to draft policy and engage in planning for future climate scenarios.
Oleson joins architect Melanie Islam (UH master’s graduate), fellow UH Professor Rosie Alegado, UH Professor Brad Romine from Hawaiʻi Sea Grant College Program and Kiana Otsuka from the Hawaiʻi Energy Office.
