Waikiki Beach in Hawaii could soon be underwater because of the dramatic climate changes over the past few months. Due to the set of islands in the Pacific, and with an economy that relies on beach tourism, Hawaii is uniquely vulnerable to the threat of rising sea levels, higher tides, and stronger storm surges wrought by global climate change. Lawmakers have been taking actions against these problems causing the  Senate and House of Representatives to  pass a measure, (HB1487)that establishes a “climate protection pilot project” for the Honolulu shoreline. The project would address the threat of rising sea levels, floodwater, and storms and other impacts of a rapidly changing climate.

In 2015, two key acts were enacted, and one of those measures put Hawaii on track to use 100% renewable energy, while another moved to eliminate the use of fossil fuels in ground transportation. Those accomplishments stemmed from a 2014 measure Lee championed that led to creating Hawaii’s Interagency Climate Commission. To fight against the rising sea levels, Hawaii will have to upgrade infrastructure in various ways, in different parts of the state That could create more jobs in the future. Lee said he has started sharing Hawaii’s lessons with other states who have vulnerable coastlines, helping them create policies to resist the negative effects of climate change.

Kelly Dean, a senior said “I think it is crazy that people think climate change is not real, it is a major issue that we should be focusing on.”