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#saveDLNR #saveDLNR
March 01
KAHEA has been a vigilant watchdog of the state's Department of Land and Resources (DLNR). This time, we're calling on you to help this agency get a qualified leader. KAHEA and at least 22 other Hawai`i groups oppose the nomination of Carleton Ching as Director of DLNR.
GMO Labeling Rally
March 24
Save O'ahu Farmlands - Protest and March
February 17
» All blog entries on this topic

Environmental Justice

Learn more about KAHEA's environtmenal justice programs and campaigns.

Fundamental to environmental justice, is the idea that all people have a right to a healthy environment – no matter what community they live in, or what their race, color, nation or origin or income.

KAHEA's environment justice programs today focus primarily on serving the estimated 40,000 residents of Wai`anae, on the island of O`ahu. Many of the environmental “bads” that result from unsustainable food, energy, and transportation systems fall disproportionately on residents of the Wai`anae Moku, where over 60% of residents are Hawaiian.

Sign-waving on Farrington Highway

These communities have some of the highest rates of asthma in Hawai`i. Cancers, and other diseases, like diabetes, related to environmental stressors are also of concern to Wai`anae Moku communities. Improving health services and preventative care is incredibly important. It is also important that we put resources towards addressing the root environmental stressors that contribute to incidence of these diseases.

It is a common misperception that poor health stems solely from individuals making unhealthy choices.  Study after study confirms that our economic, social and built environments shape health. We must address the root of of these inequities, including solutions for environmental injustice.

Wai`anae is blessed with rich natural, cultural and human resources. Wai`anae Moku residents have worked for many years towards the restoration of lands and waters where they live and work. Today, this is represented by a growing movement and a growing coalition, building on these past successes and pushing forward. Younger community members are joining with kūpuna, engaging in active cultural practice and joining the effort to defend agricultural lands, air quality, water and stream quality, and human health.

Lo`i at Ka`ala Cultural Learning Center

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Mahalo!

Our Environmental Justice program has been made possible through gifts from our generous 'ohana of donors, and the amazing investment of the Hawai'i People's Fund, the Atherton Family Foundation, Groundwork Opportunities, Koaniani Family Foundation, and Hawaiʻi Community Foundation in our work.

You can join this effort by giving a gift today!

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