In early February, ELP hosted two legislative advocacy events. On February 2, ELP co-hosted an Environmental Legislative Network (ELN) meeting with the Conservation Council for Hawaiʻi and the Sierra Club of Hawaiʻi. ELN is an informal email network of activists, community leaders, students, professors, elected officials, and others. It can be used for legislation, calls for support and testimony, and other issues of interest to environmentalists across the islands. The informal event featured a discussion of the current legislative session and priority bills. 

On February 7, ELP held a “Legislative Talk Story” with State Representative Terez Amato, Representative Nicole Lowen, and Senator Chris Lee. Moderated by Evan Miyaki, Jr. ‘23, the paneltalk focused on environmental issues, legislative priorities, and the legislative process. Amato shared her experience as a freshman representative and her adjustments to working at the Capitol. Lowen spoke on her role as the Chair of the House Committee on the Environment and Environmental Protection, including priority legislation on reducing plastic waste and promoting electric vehicles. Lee shared stories about past legislative successes such as the passage of Hawaiʻi’s 100% renewable portfolio standard and helping to legalize same-sex marriage. 

-EM 2/25/23