Declaration of Catherine Smith: Navahine v. Dept. of Transportation, State of Hawai’i

Authors

Catherine Smith, Washington and Lee University School of LawFollow

Document Type

Expert Report or Declaration

Publication Date

4-26-2023

Abstract

I submit this expert declaration in support of the children’s motion to maintain their September 2023 trial date so they can have their urgent constitutional rights case involving a life-sustaining climate system accorded the legal prioritization it deserves. Each day that passes without redress not only means an infringement on children’s rights but also impacts their health, safety, well-being, and the cultural lifeways and traditions of Native Hawaiian children. These harms are cumulative and compounding for the duration of the plaintiffs’ childhoods as they mature into adults. And many of the plaintiffs’ climate change-induced injuries are irreversible.

Recommended Citation

Declaration of Catherine Smith, Navahine v. Dept. of Transportation, State of Hawai’i, Haw. Cir. Ct. 1st Cir. No. 1CCV-22-0000631 (filed Apr. 26, 2023).