In Waikiki, hundreds march to call for more action on climate change
WAIKIKI (HawaiiNewsNow) - Hundreds marched in Waikiki on Saturday to protest President Donald Trump's efforts to de-fund or dismantle efforts to address climate change.
The organized rally coincided with his 100th day in office.
Demonstrators held signs warning of dying oceans and climate catastrophe. Some even wore snorkeling gear.
"It's just foreshadowing for a future we have to prepare ourselves of," said Rafael Bergstrom. "Seas are getting closer and closer to where we live."
Organizers say the president has left environmental protections in tatters.
On Friday, the Environmental Protection Agency removed most of the information on climate change from its website to reflect the approach of new leadership.
"It's clear the consequences for Hawaii from climate impacts are quite severe," said state Rep. Chris Lee.
"We have hurricanes, loss of fresh water supply and eroding beaches. Here in Hawaii, our progress toward renewable energy has already saved over a third of a billion dollars and that's something important for the president to hear."
Hundreds of sister marches also took place across the nation on Saturday.
In Denver, protestors braved the snow while tens of thousands thundered through the streets of Washington D.C. with temperatures soaring above 90 degrees.
While global movements like these help create awareness, organizers say it's what we do on a day-to-day basis that truly plays a role in combating climate change.
"For one, get yourself a green car, get solar panels on your house and stop using plastic," said David Mulinix with 350.org Hawaii.
Hawaii's Republican Party was not available Saturday for comment.
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