Public support key to saving state’s precious environment

Hawaii’s environmental leaders are in the throes of preparations for The World Conservation Congress, which convenes Sept. 1 in Honolulu.

In fact, what they discuss should attract the attention of all who are concerned with the sustainability of this island state in particular. Policy changes required to maintain what’s left of Hawaii’s natural resources will require political will, and only pressure from an enlightened public can drive those changes.

The event, sponsored by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, happens every four years and draws international heads of state.

In all, more than 160 countries are represented in the congress, which attracts members of nongovernmental organizations as well. In the words published on its website, the event “helps shape the direction of conservation and sustainable development.”

Hawaii has taken the occasion to highlight its own successes, and failures, in meeting sustainability goals. The 17-member organizations of the Hawai‘i Environmental Funders Group are helping to cover some of the costs for the congress.

In advance of the event, the group issued its first comprehensive report on Hawaii’s environment, titled “He Lono Moku: the State of the Hawaii Environment.” Members see the report as one way to raise the profile of key environmental issues.

The proposed expansion of Papahanaumokuakea, the national marine monument, has sparked a heated debate. It’s a topic that interests President Barack Obama, who, according to some reports, may join the roster of speakers.

On balance, the supporters of the proposal make the stronger argument, that global warming and other dire environmental threats intensify the need to protect this marine zone.

But policymakers must be on guard against tipping the balance too far.

For instance, the report lists among Hawaii’s unsustainable conditions its status as the only coastal state that doesn’t mandate saltwater fishing licensing. That level of control would find far less popular support and would be difficult to maintain, given Hawaii’s marine history and its recreational and subsistence fisheries.

In other ways, however, licensing and assessment of fees can be invaluable, raising the revenue that it will take to conserve Hawaii’s most treasured attributes.

The state’s beaches, streams and watershed zones need care to address problems such as erosion, runoff and invasive species. Fees could help finance the staffing needed to enforce reasonable restrictions to protect natural areas. The Hawaiian principles of kapu still make sense today in resource management.

The challenge is to find ways to incorporate such policies in a way that keeps the islands’ access to its resources as open and accessible as possible.

The report rightly highlights other areas in which Hawaii could do more to preserve what’s enviable about its natural environment.

A few examples:

>> Too much revenue is diverted to general expenditures from a barrel tax intended to underwrite energy and agriculture projects.

>> The state still hasn’t implemented a permitting system that’s strong enough to manage the state’s precious water. That supply is anything but infinite, especially considering the decreased rainfall of recent decades.

>> Hawaii must adequately fund its land-management and agricultural efforts. More robust agricultural inspections, for example, would provide the gatekeeping against invasive species crossing between islands or entering the state altogether.

But there is progress being made on other fronts, and the environmental meeting should give us the opportunity to showcase them.

Hawaii is pursuing a standout renewable energy program, fueled by its riches of solar, geothermal, wind and hydrological resources.

Innovative applications of seawater-based systems should enable a “greener” approach to air conditioning for coastal projects.

Efforts to forge public- private partnerships have yielded conservation easements and land purchases that will preserve more of the state’s scenic shorelines.

Those are just to name a few.

The World Conservation Congress will afford a global reality check about the state of the environment. For example, experts from Pacific island nations will share their view from the front lines of the battle with climate change and rising sea levels. That should be instructive.

While reveling in the opportunity to host the congress and tell Hawaii’s tale, this state also has the imperative to listen to stories from its neighbors, who have much to teach Hawaii about its future.