Back in 2005, when the United States balked at ratifying the Kyoto Protocol, Mayor Greg Nickels of Seattle led the charge for the U.S. Conference of Mayors. He launched the U.S. Mayors Climate Protection Agreement, which mirrored the goals of Kyoto (7 percent reduction of greenhouse gas emissions from 1990 levels by 2012) and advocated local action by America's cities. I was one of the early signers of that agreement, which has now recruited 720 U.S. mayors.

This November I revisited my alma mater, Harvard University, to take part in a major climate protection forum. The forum was sponsored by Harvard's Institute of Politics, and the U.S. Conference of Mayors, and was attended by Mayors Greg Nickels of Seattle, Doug Palmer of Trenton and Martin Chavez of Albuquerque.

I presented key components of Honolulu's 21st Century Ahupua'a sustainability plan and contributions to the battle to lower greenhouse gas emissions. This commitment by me on behalf of Honolulu led to our first-ever sustainability plan, which was published earlier this year.

At the Mayors Climate Protection Summit held in Seattle on Nov. 1, newly minted Nobel laureate Al Gore praised the work of the U.S. mayors. He called this effort a "rallying cry and moment of uplift" when discussing our country's response to global climate control with other leaders in the international community, and the boldest effort in the United States to comply with the goals of Kyoto. The clear message is that our mayors and municipal governments are taking the leadership role in lieu of our federal government's inaction.

At the recent United Nations Climate Change Conference in Bali, Gore was even less kind about our federal response. "My own country, the United States is principally responsible for obstructing progress here in Bali. We all know that," said the former vice president, to an enthusiastic audience.

The Bali conference has moved to adopt a new agreement to take effect when Kyoto expires in 2012. It calls for developed nations to cut greenhouse emissions by 25 to 40 percent below 1990 levels by 2020, as recommended by the U.N.'s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.

The United States opposes such a goal, and has asked for renewed talks among affected nations to be held next month in Honolulu. This could make Honolulu the focal point for the intense discussions on global climate protection, and one that should highlight Honolulu's unique ability to contribute to solutions.

Hawai'i is a perfect model for our planet. We are isolated, possess a vulnerable ecosystem and have developed a dangerous dependence on fossil fuels. We can help to lead the way by achieving sustainability and self-sufficiency and then exporting that knowledge to a waiting world.

Honolulu can become the world leader in developing alternative energy, sustainable practices, green economics, and a climate and ecofriendly way of living.

Within the critical problems the world is now facing, Honolulu may find some golden opportunities to shine and in so doing truly honor our cultural heritage.

Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann wrote this commentary for The Advertiser.

Make a difference. Donate to The Advertiser Christmas Fund.