Councilmember Elefante calls for countywide installation of solar PV

City can lead the way in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, toward net-negative goal

HONOLULU, HAWAI‘I — Forward-looking legislation has been introduced by Honolulu City Councilmember Brandon Elefante to move the city toward reducing the threat of climate change for future generations on O‘ahu.

“Overwhelming scientific evidence shows that climate change is caused primarily by human activities. If we fail to respond to this growing threat and its impacts, our future generations will have to shoulder an unconscionable burden,” Councilmember Elefante said. His measure calls on the City Administration to expedite installation of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems across city structures and facilities islandwide.

Energy use by the city comprises three percent of O‘ahu’s electricity demand, according to the “One Climate One Oahu Climate Action Plan 2020-2025.” The City’s Climate Action Policy, adopted as law in December, sets a goal of net-negative carbon emissions by the City and County of Honolulu by 2045.

“The city must take action, aligned with years’ worth of legislation toward reducing greenhouse gas emissions at the city and state levels. It is time for the city to evaluate, install and where needed, retrofit municipal buildings and facilities with low-impact PV technology to reduce our reliance on imported fuel and protect our future generations,” Elefante said.

His proposed legislation will be heard Tuesday, May 18, during a meeting of the Council Committee on Transportation, Sustainability and Health, beginning at 9 a.m.

Track the legislation here: https://hnldoc.ehawaii.gov/hnldoc/measure/1853

Councilmember Brandon Elefante represents Council District 8 which includes Lower ʻAiea, Pearlridge, Waimalu, Newtown, Pearl City, Seaview, Crestview, Waipiʻo Gentry and Waipahu. He also serves as Chair of the Council Committee on Zoning and Planning.