Environment and Natural Resources

The Challenge

Hawaiʻi’s natural resources are central to our identity, culture, economy, and quality of life. Healthy watersheds, productive agricultural lands, thriving reefs, clean beaches, and resilient ecosystems support our communities and help sustain future generations.

At the same time, Hawaiʻi faces growing challenges from invasive species, watershed degradation, wildfire risk, coastal erosion, aging infrastructure, and the increasing impacts of natural disasters.

Protecting Hawaiʻi’s environment requires long-term stewardship, science-based decision making, and a commitment to balancing conservation with the needs of local communities.

The choices we make today will shape the Hawaiʻi we leave for future generations.

Daniel’s Position

Daniel believes environmental stewardship is both a responsibility and an investment in Hawaiʻi’s future.

Protecting natural resources should strengthen communities, support agriculture, improve resilience, and preserve the places that make Hawaiʻi unique.

Effective environmental policy requires measurable outcomes, responsible management, local knowledge, scientific expertise, and a commitment to long-term sustainability.

The goal is simple: leave Hawaiʻi’s natural resources stronger, healthier, and more resilient than we found them.

Action Plan

Protect Watersheds and Water Resources

Support watershed restoration, water system improvements, responsible water management, and investments that strengthen long-term water security.

Strengthen Wildfire and Landscape Resilience

Reduce wildfire risks through vegetation management, invasive species control, fuel reduction projects, and coordinated land stewardship.

Combat Invasive Species

Support prevention, early detection, rapid response, and long-term management strategies that protect native ecosystems, agriculture, and public resources.

Improve Environmental Infrastructure

Encourage investments in wastewater systems, stormwater management, erosion control, and other infrastructure that protects public health and environmental quality.

Support Science-Based Resource Management

Promote the use of data, research, local knowledge, and measurable performance standards to guide environmental decision making.

Measuring Success

Daniel supports annual reporting on:

  • Watershed restoration progress

  • Water system reliability and capacity

  • Invasive species management outcomes

  • Wildfire risk reduction projects completed

  • Native habitat restoration efforts

  • Water quality indicators

  • Environmental infrastructure improvements

  • Coastal and watershed resilience projects

Environmental stewardship should be measured by the condition of our resources, not simply by the number of programs or regulations that exist.

Future generations should be able to see measurable improvements in watershed health, water security, ecosystem resilience, and environmental preparedness. The public deserves clear reporting on whether those outcomes are being achieved.