If the state wishes to fill the void that is the state budget, state lawmakers must be more proactive in finding ways to create a clean-energy Hawai'i.

Studies have shown that creating outlets for clean energy such as wind power, wave turbines, geothermal generators and solar energy farms not only help our environment, but also will create millions of jobs and save consumers hundreds of billions of dollars in energy costs.

If we cut our spending on foreign and domestic oil, millions of dollars will be kept in Hawai'i and could be used to spur our drowning economy.

Speaking of drowning, that's the bleak future we can look forward to unless we move to clean energy. According to a White House report on global climate change, there could be "potentially severe consequences for Hawai'i," including "a rising sea level and frequent storms." Before we know it, the ocean will tip-toe up the beach and eventually there'll be no beaches — and no sunbathing tourists spending their money.

Mayor Mufi Hannemann suggests 10 things we can do for a more sustainable Honolulu. And my favorite is No. 2: Think like a Hawaiian. Hawaiians lived on these islands for 1,800 years and sustained a population. It is now our kuleana to protect our Hawai'i.