Hawaii pledges 70% renewable by 2030

Duncan Wilson




Lt. Governor James R “Duke” Aiona of Hawaii is encouraging Pacific Islands nations to follow Hawaii’s emphasis on renewable energy and conservation, a move he says will reduce a costly dependence on oil and also increase tourism revenue.
Lt Governor Aiona, along with Governor Linda Lingle, spearheaded the state’s ambitious environmental and energy reforms that now serve as a model for the rest of the United States.
Hawaii has pledged to become 70% powered by renewable energy by 2030, and to never again build a coal-fired power plant.
Biofuel production is to become a major industry. And from 2010, all new homes must include solar water heaters.
The moves will slash emissions, improve the environment, and reduce oil dependence.
In an interview in Washington, Lieutenant Governor “Duke” Aiona told ISLANDS BUSINESS that Hawaii, like the Pacific Islands, faced barriers to these projects.
The state was separated by distance from a major economy and energy supplier, while its population was spread across several islands. And the Ltple Governor said he was always conscious that any environmental project needed to be tested against other competing budget priorities.
“You’re going to have to evaluate that budget policy decision first and foremost, but when you think about what we’re focused on, improved energy security and clean green initiatives, the benefits are inter-related,” Aiona said.
“For instance, because we’re so dependent on oil and the market, we can spend anywhere from US$3.7 billion year in imports.
“Oil has supplied about 90% of Hawaii’s total energy and more than 80% of its electricity generation.
“If we can reduce that dependence and cost, then imagine how much we can save and keep in our economy.
“It will be a huge project that will benefit Hawaii and our next generation.”
Biofuel production now benefits from significant tax breaks and favourable leasing deals for state land, and Hawaii plans to run many of its oil-fired power plants on sustainably harvested biofuel.
For solar energy, the governor approved state loans and some cost-reimbursement for renewable energy projects, and authorised special bonds to construct a solar energy facility in Oahu, as well as hydrogen generation and wave energy facilities.
Aiona said electricity and construction industries opposed some of his and Governor Lingle’s plans:
“We have changed the attitude of the utility companies here in Hawaii; and the construction industry wasn’t too happy with it initially either.
“But we have introduced substantial credits for homes and businesses, and the response has been overwhelming.
“The market for renewable energy from a national standpoint has also been very important, as the last price spike over oil and the rise in the price per kilowatt increased the costs to Hawaii’s people and to the state. So our explanations of our reasons for the energy reforms as well as the credits we have provided heralded a huge shift,” Aiona said.
These measures also contributed to Hawaii’s positive brand as a tourism destination, according to the Lt Governor.
“Tourists come to Hawaii for its beauty and if they can see we are making positive environmental changes that will preserve that beauty, then those people will appreciate that. Our reforms will also help improve water and air quality as well.”
The Lieutenant Governor said Hawaii would also spend US$220 million over several years to improve tourism, beaches, parks, restaurant and infrastructure.
Part of that funding included a bond issue, which Aiona applauded as “creative thinking” that departed from the usual method of financing through state budget appropriations.
The return on that funding would be provided through revenue-producing parks, camping and travel.
In a message of encouragement to Pacific Islands governments, Aiona encouraged other islands nations to follow Hawaii’s lead where possible.
“We have found that although the moves might initially appear daunting, our environmental initiatives have had very successful economic and social results.
“I would encourage islands leaders to get to it, where possible, and reap the benefits across a number of industries.”