In adopting its 2020 legislative programme, the Hawai’i State Senate stated its commitment to advancing the 17 SDGs as a framework for a prosperous and sustainable Hawaii. It has identified eight SDGs that it will work to further during the 2020 Legislative Session.

According to a Senate brochure, the eight prioritized SDGs are: Goal 3 (good health and well-being), 4 (quality education), 8 (decent work and economic growth), 10 (reduced inequalities), 11 (sustainable cities and communities), 13 (climate action), 16 (peace, justice and strong institutions) and 17 (partnerships for the Goals).

On Goal 3, the Senate will work to reduce youth vaping and repurpose underutilized state facilities. On Goal 4, legislative work will focus on improving teacher recruitment and retention, and increasing revenue sources for secondary education.

On SDG 8 the legislative programme will encourage job creation and developing sustainable business plans to invest in the future of Hawai’i. The focus on SDG 10 will include increasing the minimum wage and requiring paid family leave.

The Hawai’i State Senate aims to increase local food production to promote food security, as part of its work to advance SDG 11 in 2020.

For Goal 11, the Senate says it will work to reduce homelessness, increase local food production to promote food security, and invest in modern transportation. For Goal 13, efforts will focus on promoting carbon neutrality, ocean conservation, sustainable land use and protection of watersheds.

On SDG 16, the Senate plans to explore options for restructuring government, increase Hawai’i’s participation at the international level, and increase civic education statewide. On SDG 17, it aims to build on existing initiatives to develop “measurements of progress on sustainable development that complement economic goals.”

The 2020 programme also emphasizes addressing areas of need in communities, and continuing momentum towards state-wide implementation of all 17 SDGs.

The Senate notes that its prioritization of the Aloha+ Challenge and the 17 SDGs has led to policy changes and fostered partnerships with organizations including the Hawai‘i Green Growth, the UN’s Local2030 Hub and the Hawai‘i Community Foundation’s CHANGE Framework. It will continue to work with these partners and the public, according to the brochure.

Senate majority leader Kelani English is quoted as saying, “The effects of climate change are upon us now. Together, we can face this uncertain future” by implementing the 17 SDGs. [Senate brochure on 2020 legislative program]