Think B.I.G. events
Improving Local Evacuation and Recreation Routes
Join Think Big for a discussion on how creative planning can result in routes that double as recreation and evacuation routes.
Making the Big Island Sustainable and Resilient
Join Think BIG on September 13, 2023, 1130 AM - 1 PM HST to learn the role the Office of Sustainability, Climate, Equity, and Resilience (OSCER) will play in the island’s journey to a sustainable future. OSCER is the recently formed cabinet-level office in the County of Hawaii.
County of Hawaii leaders - Planner Bethany Morrison, Research and Development Director Doug Adams, and County Council Chair Heather Kimball - will discuss the importance of OSCER, its role in the County’s programs and policies, and how it will facilitate decisions and actions necessary for a sustainable future.
This is free and open to the public.
Register today for the webinar information at bit.ly/OSCER
Healthy Soil, Healthy Planet
Join us for an informative webinar on critical role soil plays in sustainability, food production, and climate action!
This free virtual event will provide you with detailed information and insights into the importance of soil and its impact on the environment. You’ll learn how soil is being used to mitigate the effects of climate change, improve food security, and preserve biodiversity.
Don't pass up this chance to learn from experts. Register today!
Hawaii Island's Clean Transportation Journey
Join Big Island EV and Think Big to learn about Hawaii Island's clean transportation initiatives. We will cover an array of topics: EV charging infrastructure, mass transit, and multi-modal transportation; electrification of government fleet; biogas for transportation; and local policy. More…
Creating a circular economy in Hawaii
Visit our Past Events Page for the event details, including the recording.
Circularity is a crucial sustainability strategy. It calls for a shift in how we consume and produce 'stuff.' It maximizes our finite resources by extending the utility of products and their component materials for as long as possible. It encourages well-known practices like recycling, upcycling, sharing, and repairing. It demands that products are designed to last.
This approach presents important challenges for our growth-motivated economies where consumers are offered a steady stream of new stuff, many with obsolescence intentionally designed into them to allow for a steady stream of consumption. This, unfortunately, is not sustainable and is contributing to waste, economic woes, and degradation of our environment.
One answer is to transition to a circular economy, one that maximizes resources. This is especially important for Hawaii since most of what we consume is imported and delivered through high-carbon transportation, and most of our waste ends up in landfills.
If you'd like to learn more, sign-up for this webinar. Speakers include Ikaika Hussey, Heidi Sanborn, and James Ehrlich. The event will be hosted by Think BIG board member and County Councilmember Heather Kimball.
The event is on April 27, 12-130 PM HST.
To register, go to bit.ly/circularhawaii
Bamboo and Hemp Webinar
Join us to learn how these fast-growing plants can contribute to regenerative agriculture, enable carbon-intensive construction, create natural carbon sinks, and diversify our economy.
Webinar on vertical agriculture
Visit our Past Events Page for the event details, including the recording.
Is vertical agriculture good for Hawaii?
A public webinar on the pros and cons of “vertical agriculture” with Sensei Ag, MetroGrow, State Rep. Nicole Lowen, and Big Island farmer Richard Ha.
Zoom webinar recording may be accessed here: https://youtu.be/HicFCmbmCSo
Monday, August 16, 11 AM – 1230 PM
Speaker bios:
Nicole Lowen
A resident of Kailua-Kona for more than 20 years, Nicole has been serving as state representative from the Big Island since 2012. She is chair of the House Energy and Environmental Protection committee and has sponsored and passed a number of bills helping to improve Hawaii’s environment and quality of life.
Blair Richards
Blair entered the ag world as a seasonal employee for Charlie’s Produce while studying at Washington State. Blair eventually became General Manager of Rogge Co., a division of Charlie’s that specializes in providing goods & services to Alaska. Upon relocating to Hawaii, after working for D. Otani Produce, a family-run distribution company, in 2018, Blair joined Sensei, where he is currently the Director of Sales & Business Development for Hawaii.
Richard Ha
Richard is a US Army Vietnam Veteran and forty-year commercial banana and hydroponic tomato farmer. He is also Founder and President of Sustainable Energy Hawai’i; a member of the Social Science Ass’n, and various boards and organizations.
Kerry Kakazu
Kerry is CEO of MetroGrow, the first vertical ag operation to open in Hawaii. Based in Honolulu, this facility is producing greens and other crops that are sold in local markets.