Hawaii Defies Donald Trump, Signs Bills To Stay In Paris Climate Accord

When it comes to President Donald Trump’s decision to withdraw from the Paris Climate Accord, it’s no secret that most of the country and the world disagrees with home. Local politicians have already made their point of views known regarding this topic, but Hawaii went even further. In a clear show of defiance, the island state recently had a bill signing that basically declared an intention to honor the accord.

For some time now, Hawaii has been something of a thorn in the Trump administration’s side. The state was the first to stop the controversial Travel Ban and now, it is openly separating from the decision made in Washington. The bill was signed by Governor David Ige and in a statement said that this was meant to ensure a sustainable future, ABC reports.

"Together, we can directly contribute to the global agenda of achieving a more resilient and sustainable island Earth," Ige said. "The Hawaii State Legislature understands the importance of taking action, and I applaud its work this session to ensure that we continue to deliver the island Earth that we want to leave to our children."

This move makes Hawaii the first to declare defiance against Trump, with Ige being surrounded by the state’s Mayors and other local leaders. As for what the Senate Bill 559 would do, it states that it would “ensure statewide support for Hawaii’s green initiatives and to further the State’s commitment to combat climate change.”

Alongside that bill, the governor also enacted House Bill 1578, which is meant to create a task force that will enforce the clean soil, water, and air legislation of the state. Suffice it to say, Hawaii is taking its environmentalist policies very seriously.

On that note, perhaps it was only natural that the island state would be the most invested in staying with the Paris Climate Accord. After all, climate change results in rising sea levels, and that could devastate Hawaii.