HONOLULU (KHON2) — Hawai‘i is already feeling the push and pull of a changing climate, from stronger storms and longer droughts to the growing risk of wildfire. In this episode of Empowered Hawai‘i, we explore how policy, infrastructure, and community action come together to keep our islands safe and thriving.
We begin with Governor Josh Green, who explains the state’s Climate Impact Fee and how it channels real funding into three urgent priorities. The focus is clear. Protect natural resources, harden communities against disasters, and support responsible tourism. Viewers see how the right projects can do all three at once, such as replacing invasive grasses with native trees that restore watersheds, reduce fire fuel, and protect nearshore reefs.
On O‘ahu, the Honolulu Board of Water Supply opens the door to the “hidden lifelines” that keep water flowing every day. Crews are replacing vulnerable coastal mains with ductile iron and cathodic protection to curb corrosion, reinforcing facilities for sea level rise and hurricanes, and expanding tools like desalination, recycled water, and graywater reuse to safeguard the aquifer. It is a rare look at the essential system most of us never see.
Wildfire resilience takes shape with the Hawai‘i Wildfire Management Organization and Firewise leaders in Papakōlea. Since most local ignitions are human caused and preventable, simple steps at home make a big difference. Clear the first five feet around your house, clean gutters, use 1/8 inch ember resistant screens, and consider roof clips that help keep roofs on during high winds. These choices add up to safer neighborhoods and steadier insurance.
Fortifying Our Future is hopeful and hands on. It shows how residents, businesses, visitors, and policymakers can work side by side to build resilience, one decision and one community at a time.