Vision

Hawaiʻi County operations and community partnerships reflect a deep commitment to land and people, ensuring all communities benefit from collaborative, data-informed policies that protect our environment, culture, and future generations. 

Mission

The Office of Sustainability, Climate, Equity, and Resilience (OSCER) empowers Hawaiʻi Island’s self‑reliance by uniting County departments and the community to share knowledge, build capacity, and coordinate resources related to sustainability, climate action, equity, and resilience.

OSCER accomplishes this by: 

• Strengthening community connections
• Fostering cross-departmental collaboration
• Facilitating data and knowledge exchange
• Managing sustainability projects and programs
• Integrating sustainable and traditional practices into County operations and programs

About

The Office of Sustainability, Climate, Equity, and Resilience (OSCER) was established by Hawaiʻi County Council in 2023 to address sustainability, climate change, equity and resilience in the County through immediate, direct, and coordinated, trauma-informed action. OSCER is designed to coordinate and manage policies and programs to address sustainability, mitigate greenhouse gas emissions, and adapt to the impacts of climate change and other natural and human-caused hazards. 

Join the Team!

County of Hawaiʻi Job Opportunities

Upcoming Events & Community Spotlight

Lāʻau Love: Native and Food Free Plant Adoptions

This pilot plant adoption initiative from OSCER makes it simple for residents to bring native and food plants into homes, schools, and community spaces. The program will feature five community plant adoption events, offering free plants by reservation and on a first-come, first-served basis.

In partnership with local nurseries, community partners, and nonprofits, the County is working to reach communities across the island and provide resources for successful cultivation. Each plant will include an easy-to-follow care guide to help it thrive.

Upcoming events:

• Saturday, Nov. 22 from 9 AM – 2 PM Lāʻau Love Fest at the West Hawaiʻi Civic Center 74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Hwy., Kailua-Kona, HI

• Wednesday, Dec. 10 from 5:30 PM - 8 PM Magic of the Seasons at 25 Aupuni St. Hilo, HI

By December, Lāʻau Love aims to distribute more than 1,500 free plants and spark ongoing community engagement in caring for native species.

Sign up at bit.ly/hicountyLL to receive updates on plant giveaways, reservations, and upcoming events.