Issue Position: Protecting Our Environment

Issue Position

In Hawaii, our environment is our economy, and Chris has fought to protect our irreplaceable natural resources for our next generation. Working with community leaders and Hawaii's Congressional Delegation, Chris helped organize a grassroots effort and pushed to expand protections for the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument. The expanded monument prohibits sea floor mineral mining around the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands and ensures the protection of the oldest species of life on the planet.

When residents began fighting for their health and safety as industrial agriculture companies sprayed thousands of gallons of pesticides near communities and watersheds, Chris questioned officials about the massive quantities of unreported pesticides being sprayed around the state, as well as the lack of meaningful oversight to ensure public safety. Chris championed legislation to ensure that industrial agricultural companies disclose the thousands of gallons of restricted use pesticides being sprayed near schools and homes in communities around the state, as well as establish buffer zones around these sensitive areas. It is impossible to know the extent of the impacts these pesticides may be having on surrounding communities and take appropriate action without reliable data.

When a massive spill in Honolulu Harbor wiped out nearly all marine life, Chris helped lead the effort to ensure negligent regulators and shipping companies paid to clean up the mess, restore marine life, and prevent it from happening again.

After jet fuel began leaking from the Navy's underground storage tanks into the public water supply, Chris helped push the Navy toward a fix and passed a law ensuring public oversight of the recovery process, and continues to fight for a permanent solution.

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