NEW ONLINE DASHBOARD AND DATA SUPPORT HAWAII’S CLEAN ENERGY TRANSFORMATION

For Immediate Release: Aug. 15, 2019

HONOLULU — The Hawaii State Energy Office (HSEO) has launched a new online Energy Dashboard that features 26 charts providing Hawaii-specific energy and transportation data that will support sound decision-making as Hawaii moves forward with its clean energy transformation.

In addition, HSEO released its 2019 edition of Hawaii Energy Facts & Figures publication and completed updates to its Hawaii Renewable Energy Projects Directory.

The Energy Dashboard, created jointly with the Research & Economic Analysis Division (READ) of the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT), provides Hawaii-specific data under four main categories: efficiency, electricity, transportation, and economy/environment. The Dashboard is intended to inform all stakeholders, including private industry, regulatory agencies, and consumers.

“Good policy decisions depend on good information, especially when the issues are as complex as ensuring a clean energy future for our state,” said Gov. David Ige. “These new tools provide the accurate, easily accessible and understandable information needed to achieve Hawaii’s clean energy transformation.”

The Dashboard includes data sets pertaining to the pricing and consumption of electricity and fuel, energy sources, transportation means and carbon dioxide emissions, The Dashboard was built as a dynamic resource that can be updated regularly. HSEO and READ plan to enhance and expand the tool by adding new charts, including ones relating to Hawaii’s renewable energy production.

HSEO’s Hawaii Energy Facts & Figures, updated annually, provides a detailed look at Hawaii’s energy ecosystem and the programs and initiatives contributing to meet the state’s clean energy goals. The 49-page publication includes updates on energy efficiency, renewable energy, energy systems and planning, and clean transportation.

The Hawaii Renewable Energy Projects Directory is an interactive online map that identifies all existing and proposed large-scale renewable energy projects throughout Hawaii. It currently lists 75 operational projects and 39 projects proposed or under development. The Directory is updated on a regular basis as needed.

“Decision-makers need access to accurate, timely data in order to pursue the policies and actions that will help Hawaii break its dependence on fossil fuel,” said DBEDT Director Mike McCartney. “These tools developed by the Hawaii State Energy Office ensure that all stakeholders will have the best information possible as they tackle the challenges ahead.”

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About the Hawaii State Energy Office
The Hawaii State Energy Office (HSEO) is an attached agency of the state’s Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism. HSEO is committed to developing and deploying high impact solutions that will maximize Hawai‘i’s renewable energy resources and improve efficiency and transportation standards. Through effective policies and innovative programs, HSEO has positioned Hawai‘i as a leader in clean energy innovation, which will generate quality jobs, attract investment opportunities and accelerate economic growth. For more information, visit energy.hawaii.gov.

About the Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism (DBEDT)
DBEDT is Hawai‘i’s resource center for economic and statistical data, business development opportunities, energy and conservation information, and foreign trade advantages. DBEDT’s mission is to achieve a Hawai‘i economy that embraces innovation and is globally competitive, dynamic and productive, providing opportunities for all Hawai‘i ’s citizens. Through its attached agencies, the department fosters planned community development, creates affordable workforce housing units in high-quality living environments, and promotes innovation sector job growth.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Alan Yonan Jr.
Communications Officer
Hawaii State Energy Office
(808) 587-3860
[email protected]

STATE HONORS BUSINESS & EVENTS FOR GREEN PRACTICES

For Immediate Release: Aug. 1, 2019

HONOLULU — This year’s Hawaii Green Business Program (HGBP) awards ceremony has been expanded to include a new “HGBP Alaka‘i 10-Entry Level” category that encourages smaller restaurants and food service companies to take steps to become more sustainable while improving their bottom line. The awardees are among 35 businesses, organizations and events in several categories recognized today for adopting energy efficiency and sustainable business practices that will help them save money while advancing Hawai‘i’s clean energy agenda.

“It’s encouraging to see more and more businesses joining the movement to conserve energy and implement sustainable practices that will protect our environment and help Hawai‘i meet its clean energy goals,” Gov. David Ige said. “The Hawaii Green Business Program creates a profitable partnership among business, government and a concerned public.”

HGBP provides technical assistance to businesses committed to operating in an environmentally and socially responsible manner. HGBP, now in its 17th year, is a partnership among Hawai‘i’s Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism (DBEDT); Hawai‘i Department of Health; Hawai‘i Lodging and Tourism Association; and Honolulu Board of Water Supply. DBEDT participates in the program through the Hawaii State Energy Office (HSEO), a DBEDT attached agency.

“Participating in the Hawaii Green Business Program is a great way for businesses to market, advertise and increase their competitive advantage while enhancing their overall productivity,” said DBEDT Director Mike McCartney.

The new “HGBP Alaka‘i 10-Entry Level” program offers businesses 10 simple actions they can take to become more sustainable while improving their bottom line.

“Businesses that successfully complete the entry level checklist are encouraged to take the next step and participate in the more rigorous, flagship HGBP program,” said HSEO Chief Energy Officer Carilyn Shon.

From 2009 through 2019 HGBP has assisted and recognized more than 100 businesses and government entities, from the hospitality, commercial office, retail, grocery, venue, restaurant and food service sectors.

The honorees of this year’s Hawaii Green Business Awards are:
• Four Seasons Resort at Ko Olina
• Hale Koa Hotel
• Hokulani Waikiki by Hilton Grand Vacations
• Hyatt Centric Waikiki Beach
• Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort
• The Cliffs at Princeville
• The Kahala Hotel & Resort
• The Westin Nanea Ocean Villas
• Waialae Country Club
• Whole Foods Market, Queen
• Honeywell Smart Energy
• Hawaii State Federal Credit Union, Ali‘i Branch

The Hawaii Green Business Awards also honored green events:
• Blue Zones Community Event
• Verge 2018
• Hawai‘i Tourism Authority’s Global Tourism Summit
• Hawai‘i Library Association’s Annual Conference
• USGBC Hawaii’s Pau Hana – at Bethel Union and Anaha
• Hawaii State Energy Office’s Holiday Party
• Sony Open
• Good Neighbor and Environmental Hero Awards – C&C of Honolulu
• Kona Brew Brewfest
• Mason Architects Firm Crawl
• O‘ahu Surfrider Foundation’s – Moana Lani Fest and Ocean Friendly Restaurant’s Pau Hana at the Kahala Resort

Alaka’i 10 Entry-Level – Small Restaurants and Food Service businesses:
• Puka’s – at Whole Foods Market – Kahala
• Two Tides – at Whole Foods Market – Queen
• Kalapawai – Kailua
• Kalapawai – Kapolei
• Morning Brew
• Via Gelato
• ‘Umeke
• Banzai Sushi
• Ali‘i Coffee
• Bibas
• Banan
• Lanikai Juice at Whole Foods Market – Queen

For a description of the awardees and their energy efficiency efforts, please see the separate awardee accomplishments document. For more information on the Hawaii Green Business Program, visit greenbusiness.hawaii.gov

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About the Hawaii State Energy Office
The Hawaii State Energy Office (HSEO) is an attached agency of the state’s Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism. HSEO is committed to developing and deploying high impact solutions that will maximize Hawai‘i’s renewable energy resources and improve efficiency and transportation standards. Through effective policies and innovative programs, HSEO has positioned Hawai‘i as a leader in clean energy innovation, which will generate quality jobs, attract investment opportunities and accelerate economic growth. For more information, visit energy.hawaii.gov

About the Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism (DBEDT)
DBEDT is Hawai‘i ’s resource center for economic and statistical data, business development opportunities, energy and conservation information, and foreign trade advantages. DBEDT’s mission is to achieve a Hawai‘i economy that embraces innovation and is globally competitive, dynamic and productive, providing opportunities for all Hawai‘i ’s citizens. Through its attached agencies, the department fosters planned community development, creates affordable workforce housing units in high-quality living environments, and promotes innovation sector job growth.

 

MEDIA CONTACT:
Alan Yonan Jr.
Communications Officer
DBEDT State Energy Office
(808) 587-3860
[email protected]

 

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