Letter: Enact carbon cashback into law

Mahalo nui loa to the Honolulu Star-Advertiser’s editorial board for running the commentary, “Carbon cashback taxes fossil fuels, helps lower-income folks,” by Matt Geyer and Helen Cox (Star-Advertiser, Island Voices, Jan. 29). This commentary hit the nail on the head as to the policies that Hawaii must enact if it is to transition to a clean energy economy in an effective, efficient and equitable manner.

The commentary recognizes the uniqueness of carbon cashback in that it both reduces emissions — 10% reduction in Hawaii’s total greenhouse gas emissions — and financially benefits most low- and middle-income families, as per two University of Hawaii Economic Research Organization studies.

As the last Legislature declared, we are facing a climate emergency and must act now. Fortunately, our Legislature has the great opportunity to make carbon cashback law by passing one of the following four bills: Senate Bill 1004, SB 1060, House Bill 1146 or HB 1498.

Paul Bernstein

Aina Haina

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