Our Purpose
The Climate Advisory Team’s 2025 policy paper provides a framework of recommendations and priorities for spending the Green Fee funds that the current Advisory Council will study, along with other models, criteria and proposals. The Green Fee Advisory Council is charged with two main tasks:
1. Evaluation
Provide recommendations for funding priorities to the Governor for inclusion in the Executive Supplemental Budget request, which will be delivered to the Hawaiʻi State Legislature ahead of the 2026 session.
2. Funding Recommendations
Develop a process and criteria for evaluating proposals for potential Green Fee funding,
Meet the Green Fee Advisory Council Members
The Green Fee Advisory Council includes local experts in climate, environmental stewardship, sustainable tourism and disaster resilience who are dedicated to advancing impactful solutions for Hawaiʻi’s people and environment.
Eric Co
CEO of the Harold K.L. Castle Foundation, with 25+ years in ocean management, community development and climate resilience across Hawaiʻi and the Pacific.
Lea Hong
Hawaiʻi State Director of The Trust for Public Land since 2006, championing restoration of lands to Native Hawaiian stewardship and sustainable community spaces.
Dennis Hwang
Faculty, University of Hawaiʻi Sea Grant College Program, NOAA, lead author for the “Homeowner’s Handbook to Prepare for Natural Hazards” and member of the Hawaiʻi Emergency Management Agency’s Hawaiʻi Earthquake and Tsunami Advisory Committee.
Janice Ikeda
Founding CEO of Vibrant Hawaiʻi, advancing resilience networks and community-led development across Hawaiʻi Island.
Michelle Kaʻuhane
Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice President of Hawaiʻi Community Foundation; experience in nonprofit management, community-based economic development and public policy advocacy.
Jack Kittinger, Ph.D.
Conservation scientist and Research Professor at Arizona State University; leads Conservation International’s Center for Regenerative Economies.
Keoni Kuoha
Longtime Hōkūleʻa crew member and Maui nonprofit leader, with deep experience in governance, indigenous resource stewardship and community engagement.
Jeff Mikulina, Chair
Executive Director of Climate Hawai‘i; strategist in social impact and sustainable development, spearheading statewide climate initiatives
Carmela Resuma
Destination Stewardship Director at Kilohana by the Hawaiian Council, integrating culture, tourism and ʻāina stewardship in community programs.
Jeff Wagoner
President and CEO of Outrigger Hospitality Group; leads a global portfolio of beach resorts, hotels, vacation condominiums and retail operations; has a more than three-decade career in hospitality.
Process and Considerations
The Green Fee Advisory Council is undertaking a collaborative and deliberative process that balances known community needs and input, consultation with state agencies and departments and alignment with the law.
September - November 2025
We will first develop clear criteria to evaluate potential funding priorities for Green Fee funding, with a focus on impact, feasibility, cost and alignment with the intent of the legislation.
November - December 2025
Once funding priorities are evaluated by the Council, it will provide the Governor with a prioritized list of recommendations, along with an accompanying budget for inclusion in the Executive Supplemental Budget request by mid-December 2025.
January 2026
These recommendations will be considered by the Legislature as part of the state’s annual budget process. The State Legislature ultimately determines the appropriation of Green Fee funds; the Advisory Council’s role is to provide recommendations and guidance.
Spring 2026
In tandem, the Council will develop and present process recommendations for how future years of Green Fee funding should be appropriated.