Mayor Kirk Caldwell signed Bill 40 into law on Dec. 15 at 11 a.m. at Magic Island.

“By signing the Bill I believe there is hope for the future,” Mayor Kirk Caldwell shared. “This is another step we’re taking to address our climate emergency, our climate crisis.”

The signing was attended by dozens of the individuals who had stood by the Bill throughout the lengthy legislative process. Several people said a few words before the hearing, including councilmembers Tommy Waters and Joey Manahan.

Mayor Caldwell said he was hopeful for and proud of the “younger people” who live on Oahu.

Youth activist Dyson Chee, who played a crucial role in organizing youth voices to support the bill, also spoke.

“This is not going to solve everything,” Caldwell said. “It’s just the first step of many steps.”

The signing was followed by a short beach clean-up hosted by Surfrider.