Looking for economic transformation? Think B.I.G. (Big Island Green)

Thinking BIG from the top of Kohala Mountain

Hawaii’s residents are facing economic devastation not seen since the Great Depression.

Federal stimulus funds are helping to soften the blow but the $1,200 payments to individuals, and the $600 weekly increase in unemployment benefits are set to run dry by the end of July. Tourism, a critical cog in our economic engine, will likely lag for many quarters. The threat of subsequent global COVID-19 infection waves will likely result in prolonged social distancing norms that will impact school schedules, affect work schedules, and decrease the productivity of local businesses.

What are we to do to keep Hawaii island afloat?

We are indeed at a historic place and time where an economic transformation of Hawaii is warranted, an opportunity for a 21st century New Deal specific to Hawaii’s needs. Even before the pandemic a lot of discussion had taken place locally, statewide and nationally about a Green New Deal, which would combine much-needed jobs programs, stimulate local economic activity, enable net zero carbon emissions, improve social equity, and save the environment.

Looking toward Kona from Kohala on the Big Island. It’s a big island, and it needs big ideas to sustain it.

Hawaii’s recent statewide experiment, from 2012 to 2016, in rooftop solar energy and net metering created a statewide economic renaissance –producing the fastest economic growth for Hawaii in decades — created thousands of well-paying local jobs, new solar businesses, saved utility ratepayers substantial dollars which flowed back into the local economy, and produced a lasting effect in advancing statewide solar energy independence. This is a good example of smart policy.

What would a Green New Deal look like on the Big Island, led by local people and the county government? What would it mean to “think B.I.G.” (Big Island Green)?

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