Youth Response to Climate Injustice: Navahine + Hawai’i DOT

by Shelby Ottengheime

On June 20, 2024, a group of thirteen children made history by reaching a settlement in their climate lawsuit against the Hawai’i Department of Transportation (Hawai’i DOT). Due to the rising output of greenhouse gas emissions, the youth of Hawai’i were frustrated with the empty environmental promises and “aspirational goals [the Hawai’i DOT] c[ould] disregard at their discretion,” and decided to hold the transportation system accountable. The youth plaintiffs sued the Hawai’i DOT, arguing that it was in direct violation of Hawai’i’s public trust doctrine that promised a constitutional right to “live healthful lives in Hawai’i now and into the future.”

After a two-year battle, this historic and first-of-its-kind settlement resulted in the defendants agreeing to take all actions necessary for the state of Hawai’i to achieve zero emissions by 2045 for ground, sea, and inter-island air transportation. This agreement puts Hawai’i at the forefront of addressing the climate crisis and has created a framework to help the state shift away from imported fossil fuels toward a more sustainably-minded transportation system. This includes not only switching to greener alternatives for motorized vehicles but also expanding accessible public transit as well as increasing infrastructure for bike lanes and walkways!

By giving people access to alternative forms of transportation, especially biking, communities are not only safer, but healthier, happier, and greener. In addition to the environmental benefits cycling provides, it enables people to foster a deeper connection with their natural surroundings and community, a value that is integral to the principle Aloha ‘Āina (love of the land), which is a central idea to Native Hawaiian culture and thought. 

 As Hawai’i begins to implement more sustainable programs, it will now serve as an exemplary model for all other states on how to put our environment and children’s future first by decarbonizing our transportation systems. Navahine + Hawai’i DOT compelled the government to recognize its role in the climate crisis as well as our collective responsibility to make it right. The strength and resilience of the youth plaintiffs are inspiring, and their groundbreaking victory will echo and ensure that Hawai’i’s natural beauty as well as public trust resources are protected for generations to come. 

Join the League on October 1st at 3:00PM ET for “Youth Climate Action in Hawai’i: Navahine + Hawai’i DOT” to explore the case further. We’ll hear from youth plaintiff Charlotte M., attorney Joanna Zeigler, expert witness Michael Replogle, and Hawai’i Bicycling League’s Advocacy Director Eduardo Hernandez discuss how we as advocates can transform our communities and protect our climate through active transportation like biking and walking.

Sign up!