MASON’s Melanie Islam Reappointed to Honolulu Climate Change Commission

MASON Architects is proud to congratulate Principal and Sustainability Director Melanie Islam, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP BD+C, LFA, on her reappointment by Mayor Rick Blangiardi to the Honolulu Climate Change Commission through June 30, 2031.

First appointed to the Commission in 2021, Melanie currently serves as Chair. In this role, she helps ensure that the latest climate science, data, and guidance inform the City and County of Honolulu as it plans for the future of Oʻahu.

Connecting Design, Sustainability, and Climate Action

Melanie brings more than a decade of experience in master planning and all phases of architectural project delivery. As MASON’s Sustainability Director, she works across projects to integrate sustainable strategies into the built environment, with a focus on creating places that are healthier, more resilient, and responsive to Hawaiʻi’s unique environmental conditions.

Her work with the Climate Change Commission builds on that experience, bringing an architectural and planning perspective to the challenges facing Oʻahu.

The Commission provides science based information and recommendations related to climate change impacts, adaptation, and resilience. Its work helps inform the Mayor, City Council, and City departments as they consider decisions that affect Oʻahu’s communities, infrastructure, and built environment.

For Melanie, this work reflects a principle that is central to her practice: sustainability is not separate from good design. It is part of understanding place, planning responsibly, and considering how buildings and communities will serve people for generations to come.

A Commitment to Service

Melanie’s work extends beyond MASON and the Climate Change Commission. She continues to serve Hawaiʻi’s design community through her roles on the boards of AIA Honolulu and the U.S. Green Building Council Hawaiʻi.

These roles provide opportunities to contribute to conversations around architecture, sustainability, professional practice, and the future of Hawaiʻi’s built environment.

At MASON, we are proud to support Melanie in this continued service to our community. Her leadership demonstrates the value of bringing design expertise into broader conversations about climate, resilience, and the future of Oʻahu.

Hoʻomaikaʻi, Melanie, and mahalo nui for your continued leadership and service to the people of Oʻahu.

About the Honolulu Climate Change Commission

The Honolulu Climate Change Commission advises the City and County of Honolulu on climate change impacts and adaptation. The Commission works to ensure that current scientific information and data are considered as Oʻahu prepares for climate related challenges.

The next Commission meeting will be held on October 30. The public is welcome to attend and submit testimony. Meeting details and the agenda will be posted at resilientoahu.org/ccc.