The Sierra Club, Hawai`i Chapter, endorsed Steve Holmes today based on his proven record and leadership in protecting our `aina. 

“Good environmental policy starts with good environmental politicians,” said James Hayes, Chair of the O`ahu Group of the Sierra Club.  “Steve Holmes has been a champion for moving Hawai`i towards a sustainable future, and he understands that a healthy environment is the foundation of a strong economy.”

The Sierra Club was faced with a tough choice in selecting a candidate for the City and Council of Honolulu District 3 special election.  While the Club may not agree with all of Holmes’s positions, he was chosen based on his proven record and his overall vision for sustainability.

“Steve Holmes has consistently fought for legislation that benefits and sustains the environment,” said Hayes.  “He has gone to bat for Hawai`i’s environment year after year.”  For example, Holmes led the way for:

•Addition of 1,000 acres of new park land in his previous district;

•Protection of the Ka Iwi Coastline and Waimea Valley;

•Creation of the Honolulu Energy Code;

•Conversion of all city diesel vehicles to biodiesel;

•Development of the first water recycling facility at Honoululi;

•An ordinance that required office recycling and recycling of beverage containers at bars that is still in effect today; and

•Creation of a greenwaste recycling facility in Kailua.

The Sierra Club’s endorsement process involved sending detailed surveys out to the candidates and reviewing their records.  This endorsement received a majority vote from at least two Sierra Club committees of elected leaders in order to be approved.

The Sierra Club, Hawaii Chapter is one of the state’s most active grassroots environmental organizations dedicated to protecting Hawaii’s special places. The Club is actively working to reduce the impacts of global climate change by encouraging the development of clean renewable energy, reducing the use of fossil fuels, and ensuring our fragile native habitat is protected from harm.