State Sen. Mike Gabbard said today that he was “surprised, puzzled and disappointed” that Gov. Linda Lingle will apparently not release state money this fiscal year for a climate change task force.

In a joint critique with Robert Harris of the Sierra Club Hawaii chapter, Gabbard, D-19th (Kapolei, Makakilo, Waikele), the chairman of the Senate Energy and Environment Committee, said the state is missing out on federal money to develop climate change showcase communities.

State lawmakers passed the climate change task force bill over Lingle’s veto.

“Our state's budget crisis poses many serious challenges, but also provides us with opportunities if we are creative and show leadership,” Gabbard said in a statement. “There are federal and private dollars available to states that are leaders on this issue, but the task force first has to meet to get the ball rolling.”

Abbey Seth Mayer, the director of the state Office of Planning, said in a Nov. 25 letter to Gabbard that the state’s budget crisis led to the Lingle administration’s decision.

But Mayer said his office is collaborating with a working group on ocean resource management and the University of Hawaii on a framework for climate change adaptation that will fulfill the spirit behind the climate change task force.

Mayer said a report on their work will be presented to the Legislature.

Please contact me if I can help you. My phone is 586-6830 and e-mail is sengabbard@capitol.hawaii.gov. Mahalo for the privilege of serving you!