In 2005, when the Hawai'i State Legislature established the Hawai'i 2050 Sustainability Task Force, the term "sustainability" was a catchy buzzword about saving our planet. Creating a long-range sustainability plan for our island state was met with some skepticism that this was a no-growth, environmentally driven effort to keep our island green. At the time, the Hawai'i economy was roaring, the price of a gallon of gasoline was $2.30 and Molokai Ranch and Aloha Airlines were still in business. Life was relatively good, but on borrowed time.

Yet, in its 2005 interim report, the Task Force issued the first of several warnings: we needed to be more sustainable, particularly because we live on an island. The Task Force opined, "(w)ith housing prices nearing $600,000 statewide for a single-family home, traffic jams on all islands, groundwater supply at dangerously low levels to sustain current and future development, Hawai'i's heavy reliance on increasingly expensive oil in a volatile global energy market, continued over-dependency on a low-wage tourism economy, depletion of natural resources and parts of Hawai'i's fragile ecosystems, steady deterioration of public infrastructure ... the issues of the long term limits of growth, planning, and the sustainability of essential island natural resources require immediate attention."

Fast forward to 2008. In just three years, we now pay $4.30 for a gallon of gas, and the price of a crude oil rose from $50 to $135 per barrel. We continue to import 95 percent of our energy, and 80 percent of our food. Our reliance on the visitor industry has been directly impacted by the demise of Aloha Airlines and ATA Airlines, and the cost of jet fuel affecting airline travel to and from Hawai'i. Businesses and nonprofits are bracing themselves for a potential recession because of the cost of energy, transportation costs, and the downturn in the tourism sector.

Lawmakers and business leaders now see the value of efforts like renewable energy, recycling, and transportation efficiency. Businesses, community groups and citizens alike are more aware of the fragility of our island state, and the reliance we place on outside sources for the basics — food, energy and business activity. Sustainability is more than a buzzword; it is an essential philosophical and practicable approach to our state and nation's survival and livelihood.

In 2008, after hearing the voices of more than 10,000 citizens, experts and stakeholders, the Hawai'i 2050 Sustainability Task Force issued a comprehensive plan for Hawai'i sustainable future-where the term "sustainability" encompasses the inter-relationship between a strong, diversified economy, a clean environment and a resilient community and quality of life. Intertwined in this "triple bottom-line" approach was the need to preserve our Native Hawaiian and island culture, and to promote a sustainability ethic in all that we do. The plan provided a call to action to address key economic, social and community impediments, and developed a road map for a preferred sustainable future for Hawai'i residents.

The Hawai'i 2050 planning process sparked healthy and spirited debate in many sectors of the community, particularly because the stakes were so high. What should a sustainable economy look like? Do we have the funding to ensure that our natural resources are preserved? What does it take to provide healthcare for all? What is the role of government in furthering a sustainable future? The public engagement of top business, labor, government and community leaders, as well as thousands of concerned citizens, created a highly sophisticated discourse about Hawai'i future that went beyond going green. It was a realization that a sustainable Hawai'i requires political will, citizen engagement, and long-range planning that integrates economic, environmental and social goals.

It is also promising to witness the surging dedication and commitment toward Hawai'i's sustainable future. There are literally dozens of flourishing initiatives. Community groups like Kanu Hawai'i, Sustain Hawai'i and the Kokua Foundation educate and promote sustainable living and values. Efforts to buy and grow Hawai'i-made produce and food products are advancing. All levels of government are adopting smart sustainability practices, ranging from recycling, waste-to-energy treatment, promoting water conservation, and advancing aggressive renewable energy initiatives. Large and small companies alike are conducting energy audits and retrofitting their facilities to maximize energy efficiency, including Sustainable Saunders — an effort at the University of Hawai'i to make an entire building self-sufficient.

As we look toward the horizon of Hawai'i's future, we can no longer ignore the warning signs of a community too reliant on imports and fossil fuels. Now, more than ever, advancing a sustainability agenda is crucial. With strong community leadership and an engaged citizenry, I am ever so confident that Hawai'i can be a leader on what will be a driving force in how we do business, and live our lives. A sustainable Hawai'i is a goal that is here to stay.

State Sen. Russell Kokubun represents District 2 (Waiakea Uka, Kalapana, Volcano, Kahuku) and is chairman of the Hawai'i 2050 Sustainability Task Force. He wrote this commentary for The Advertiser.