On June 1, 2022, 14 youth in Hawaiʻi filed a constitutional climate lawsuit, Navahine F. v. Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation, against the Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation (HDOT), HDOT Director Jade Butay, Governor David Ige, and the State of Hawaiʻi. The youth plaintiffs claim that their state DOT’s operation of a transportation system that results in high levels of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions violates their state constitutional rights, causing them significant harm and impacting their ability to “live healthful lives in Hawaiʻi now and into the future.”

The youth seek to ensure HDOT steps up to meet the state legislature’s goal to decarbonize Hawaiʻi’s economy and achieve a zero emissions economy by 2045.

The first hearing in this youth-led climate case is scheduled for Thursday, January 26th at 10:30am HST!

Attend the hearing in-person on January 26th at 10:30 am! Help us fill the courtroom to show the court the people of Hawaiʻi stand in support and solidarity with the youth plaintiffs.

When: Thursday, January 26th at 10:30am HST
Where: Oʻahu First Circuit Court, Kaʻahumanu Hale, 777 Punchbowl Street, Honolulu HI 96813-5093

Not able to join us in Honolulu? You can also watch the hearing online: On January 26th, before 10:30am HST, click this link to join the Zoom.

What Can I Do To Support the Children of Hawai‘i in Navahine F. v. Hawai‘i Department of Transportation?

There are THREE easy, impactful actions you can take to support the Navahine F. v. Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation youth plaintiffs.

• Attend (or Watch) the Hearing on Thursday, January 26th at 10:30 am HST!
  Join us on January 26th at 10:30 am! Help us fill the courtroom to show the court the people of Hawaiʻi stand in support and solidarity with the youth plaintiffs. Not able to join us in Honolulu? You can also watch the hearing online: On January 26th, before 10:30am HST, click this link to join the Zoom.

  When: Thursday, January 26th at 10:30am HST
  Where: Oʻahu First Circuit Court, Kaʻahumanu Hale, 777 Punchbowl Street, Honolulu HI 96813-5093
  
  As this is a court session, please be sure to adhere to all courtroom rules and regulations.

• Join us After the Hearing for an In-Person and Online Press Conference!
  After the hearing, join us in-person at the courthouse, or online via livestream, to stand in solidarity with these brave children and young people of Hawaiʻi!

  What: Navahine F. v. Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation Press Conference

  When: Thursday, January 26th at 12:00pm HST

  Where: Outside Oʻahu First Circuit Court, Kaʻahumanu Hale, 777 Punchbowl Street, Honolulu HI 96813-5093 (Livestream)

  You’ll hear from some of the youth plaintiffs who filed this lawsuit, as well as their attorneys, as they talk about the hearing and share why this climate action in our courts is critical to securing their legal right to life, health, and safety in the state of Hawaiʻi. 

  Again, you can help us spread the word so that these young people can see their enthusiastic community in Hawaiʻi who support their legal fight to protect their right to a safe climate. Please use the social media toolkit above to help us get the word out on this public event as well!

• Spread the Word about the Hearing on January 26th!

  Help us spread the word so that we can have as many people as possible in the courtroom to support these young climate leaders on January 26th. 

  Here is a social media toolkit with sample images and language you can use to help us spread awareness about this upcoming hearing and post-hearing event. We also invite you to email friends, family, and - if you are with an organization or climate group - your community of supporters to inform them about the hearing and encourage them to fill the courtroom!

  CLICK HERE FOR SOCIAL MEDIA TOOLKIT!

Thank you for supporting Hawaiʻi youth fighting to protect their right to live healthful lives now and into the future!