Hawaii Settles Youth-Led Climate Lawsuit, Commits To Decarbonization

Heavy traffic is seen Monday, Dec. 28, 2009 in Kailua, Hawaii on the island of Oahu. About two years after 13 children and teens in Hawaii sued the state over the threat posed by climate change

After a two-year legal battle, Hawaii has reached a groundbreaking settlement with 13 children and teens who sued the state over the threat posed by climate change. The settlement includes a requirement to decarbonize Hawaii's transportation system over the next 21 years, making it the world's first youth-led constitutional climate case addressing climate pollution from the transportation sector.

The lawsuit highlighted the impact of climate change on the plaintiffs, including reduced crop yields from extreme weather events and the threat of rising sea levels submerging their lands. The settlement, signed by First Circuit Court Judge John M. Tonaki, mandates Hawaii to achieve zero greenhouse gas emissions across all transportation modes by 2045 and develop a greenhouse gas reduction plan within a year.

As an isolated island chain vulnerable to climate disasters, Hawaii is taking proactive steps to protect its residents and environment. The state will invest in expanding public electric vehicle charging networks and completing pedestrian, bicycle, and transit networks in coordination with Hawaii counties.

The settlement sets a precedent for addressing constitutional issues related to climate change between state governments and youth plaintiffs. While the legal battle was hard-fought, with the state spending nearly $3 million on defense, Governor Josh Green and transportation officials ultimately chose to work with the youth plaintiffs to address the climate crisis.

Settlement mandates zero greenhouse gas emissions from all transportation modes.

Youth lawsuit prompts Hawaii to decarbonize transportation by 2045.

Hawaii to develop a greenhouse gas reduction plan within a year.

Implementation of the settlement over the next 21 years will require commitment from Hawaii's leaders and active involvement from young people. The shift towards a decarbonized transportation system will necessitate a cultural change in Hawaii, which is currently car-dependent with heavy traffic.

By involving youth voices in the process and making necessary investments in sustainable transportation infrastructure, Hawaii aims to create a more resilient and environmentally friendly future for its residents.

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