Governor’s goal is to have 70 percent from renewables by 2030
October 30, 2008
Hawaii’s largest utility signed onto plans for a future filled with renewable energy, electric cars and stable power supplies as the islands strive to become energy independent.
Hawaiian Electric Co. and Gov. Linda Lingle inked an agreement earlier this month to move the state away from dependence on fossil fuels for electricity and ground transportation.
But some of the biggest ideas in the deal — including expensive undersea power cables to move wind-generated energy between the islands — lack funding or even cost estimates for how they’ll become reality.
The transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy is a major step for Hawaiian Electric, said Connie Lau, chairwoman of the board of directors for the utility, which powers Oahu, Maui and the Big Island.
"This is a historic moment for all of us, and it really does take us far beyond what our companies have done historically," Lau said. "(It) will protect our customers in the long run from these severe fluctuations in oil prices."
Goal: 70 percent renewable by 2030
The goal is to create 70 percent of Hawaii’s energy use from clean energy sources by 2030. Currently, the state gets about 10 percent of its energy from renewable sources.
The accord seeks to make renewable energy easier to use by integrating it into the power grid.
Under the agreement, Hawaiian Electric commits to not build any new coal plants, integrate up to 1,100 megawatts of renewable energy into the power grid and convert existing fossil fuel generators to biofuels using locally grown crops.
"We don’t have years and years anymore to make these changes," Lingle said. "These are not hopes or dreams or wishes, these are our specific plans that we hope to achieve."
The undersea cables, which could cost hundreds of millions of dollars, would link potential wind farms on Lanai or Molokai to population centers on Maui and Oahu.
It’s unclear exactly where the money will come from. Private companies could step in, the state may pursue revenue bonds, or Sen. Daniel Inouye, D-Hawaii, could seek federal funds.
‘Most vulnerable’ state
Inouye said it’s essential that Hawaii emphasize its energy independence efforts because of the state’s isolation and the steady long-term rise of oil prices.
"It’s not going to be easy, but we must do it, because of all the 50 states in the union, our state is the most vulnerable," Inouye said. "We have no fossil fuels, so we have to manufacture our own energy."
Additional parts of the plan call for:
- Creating incentives to encourage adoption of electric vehicles.
- A requirement that 40 percent of electric power come from renewable sources by 2030. An additional 30 percent of clean energy savings would come from consuming less and using power more efficiently.
- Changing the way Hawaiian Electric is compensated by moving away from a business model that relies on increased electric sales.
- Making it easier for customers to get credits for electricity contributed to the power grid from home solar or wind systems.
The agreement stems from the Hawaii Clean Energy Initiative, a partnership between the state and the federal Department of Energy launched in January with the goal of making Hawaii a model for how the United States can become energy independent.
The state is working separately with Kauai Island Utility Cooperative on similar proposals.
Awards honor those who go green
October 29, 2008
Mattson Davis, chief executive officer of Kona Brewing Company, was honored recently for the company’s efforts to develop an environmentally friendly business in Hawaii.
David shared the story of his company’s sustainable success at the second annual "Who’s Keeping Hawaii Green" awards ceremony last month on Oahu. More than a dozen other businesses and individuals were also honored for their contributions to keeping the environment green.
Davis said the company, which originated in 1998 in Kailua-Kona on the Big Island, does its best for the environment and the public by developing a popular brew while leaving less of a carbon footprint on the earth.
"Its not just good beer, but a way of life," Davis told those attending the award ceremony at Moanalua Gardens.
Davis said the brewery’s superb "green" practices include:
- using all Hawaii grown ingredients,
- using biodiesel fuel from used vegetable oil for delivery trucks,
- using energy saving, compact fluorescent lighting (and will soon be incorporating photovoltaic solar cells to replace fossil-fuel generated electricity at the brewery),
- Donating leftover grain, yeast, and hops from the brewing process to cattle farms for feed.
- Using packaging made from recycled cardboard, and
- delivering products to restaurants and bars without packaging, and in reusable trays.
Other companies and individuals honored at the event included
- Celebrity ; Jack Johnson
- Hospitality industry; Four Seasons Hualailai
- Retail; Muumuu Heaven i Restaurant; Town & Downtown restaurants
- Business with a Green program; Maui Brewing Company
- Non-profit with a green purpose; Re-use Hawaii
- Non-profit resource; UH Environmental Law Program
- Business with a green purpose; Styrophobia
- Business with a longstanding program; Hawaii regional cuisine
- Green pioneer; evolution sage
- Contractor; unlimited construction
- Design; PK White Architects
- Developer; Actus Lend Lease
- Individual Educator; Ramsay Taum
- Green Entrepreneur; Bob King, Pacific Biodiesel
- Agricultural Innovation; Cellana
- Business with longstanding green program; NELHA (National Energy Laboratory of Hawaii Authority
Hawaii credit union gives ‘green’ discounts
July 26, 2008
Aloha Pacific Credit Union has become the first financial institution in Hawaii to introduced a loan program to help drivers become sustainable.
It’s easier being green: More schools incorporate eco-friendly elements
July 24, 2008
WASHINGTON — Waterless urinals. Geothermal cooling systems. Photovoltaic solar panels.
The space shuttle? Try your child’s school.
Classrooms are slowly going green, prodded by rising energy bills, public health concerns and a general desire to adopt eco-friendly principles. Green schools cost a little more to build — generally 1 percent to 2 percent extra — than conventional schools but promise payback through lower utility bills and, some studies suggest, better student achievement.
Hawaii firms consider 4-day work week
July 18, 2008
Hawaii employers and state government are looking at four-day work weeks as a way to cut costs, save energy and get their workers off the roads one day a week.
Some are looking at the switch as a “green” initiative while others are seeing a way to boost employee productivity and morale. For workers, it’s one fewer day on the road burning $4.50-a-gallon gas or jamming into a crowded bus.
A recent online survey by Pacific Business News found that 57 percent of the roughly 700 people who responded said their job or business could shift to a four-day work week. Thirty-four percent said they couldn’t.
Last week, Gov. Linda Lingle said the state is “seriously considering” a switch to four-day work weeks for some employees. Lingle has said that there have been discussions with the state Department of Human Resources Development and the state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism about whether a four-day work week model would be feasible and ensure the same level of service.
Fireman’s Fund offers ‘green’ policy in Hawaii
July 9, 2008
Hawaii is among 26 states where Fireman’s Fund Insurance Co. will offer "green" insurance for homeowners, allowing policy holders to rebuild homes to green standards should their residence be completely destroyed.
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