Author: Amanda Ho

STATE OF HAWAII BRINGS CLEAN ENERGY TO THE CAPITAL DISTRICT

December 2, 2010

For Immediate Release: December 2, 2010

HONOLULU – The State of Hawaii’s Department of Accounting and General Services (DAGS) will install over 1,000 solar photovoltaic (PV) panels on the Kalanimoku Building in the downtown Honolulu Capital District as part of the State’s ongoing efforts to lead by example in reducing Hawaii’s dependence on imported oil.

The 236 kilowatts-DC PV system, when complete in February 2011, will generate 296,849 kilowatt-hours of clean energy each year and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by about 500,000 pounds (carbon dioxide equivalents) annually.

“The investments in energy efficiency improvements at State buildings will save taxpayer money in the long-run by reducing electricity costs, while helping to move Hawaii toward a clean energy future,” said Governor Linda Lingle.

This project is made possible by $2.9 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant provided by the U.S. Department of Energy.

“This project will serve as a very visible demonstration of the State’s commitment to clean energy and will provide valuable educational opportunities to the occupants of government offices, the public and decision makers,” said Ted Liu, director of the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism.

The installation of the solar panels will be undertaken by NORESCO, LLC, and will add to the $33.9 million Energy Savings Performance Contracting (ESPC) project they were awarded in October 2009 to improve the energy efficiency of State office buildings within the State Capital District.

“The PV project is one component of DAGS’ overall strategy to reduce energy usage in ten of our large government office buildings through an energy savings performance contract,” said State Comptroller Russ Saito.

In addition to the energy savings generated from the Kalanimoku photovoltaic project, Saito said that the larger ESPC project will reduce total energy consumption in the 10 buildings by about 30 percent, or save about 6.3 million kilowatt-hours of energy per year. The ten buildings include the State Capitol, Kalanimoku, Keelikolani, Kekauluohi, Kekaunaoa, Keoni Ana, Kinau Hale, Liliuokalani, No. 1 Capitol District, and Leioopapa-a-Kamehameha. Energy conservation measures in this project include improvements to air conditioning systems, lighting systems, water conservation, education of building occupants on conservation and sustainable practices, building envelope modifications, and desktop computer power management. Construction is about halfway through and is expected to be completed in late 2011.

These projects are examples of the State’s commitment to the Governor’s Hawaii Clean Energy Initiative and directly support achieving the goal of 70 percent clean energy (40 percent through renewable and 30 percent through efficiency measures) by 2030.

Success for the Kalanimoku PV project can be credited to the collaborative efforts of Patricia Saito, project officer for the U.S. Department of Energy (USDOE), Russ Saito, comptroller of DAGS, and Ted Liu, director of DBEDT.

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For more information, contact:

Russ Saito
State Comptroller, DAGS
Phone: (808) 586-0400

Lenny Klompus
Senior Advisor – Communications
Phone: (808) 586-7708

Ted Liu
Director, DBEDT
Phone: (808) 586-0255

Russell Pang
Chief of Media Relations
Phone: (808) 586-0043

HAWAII-OKINAWA PARTNERSHIP ON CLEAN AND EFFICIENT ENERGY DEVELOPMENT AND DEPLOYMENT

June 17, 2010

For Immediate Release: June 17, 2010

HONOLULU – A United States-Japan national agreement on clean energy development was signed today in Tokyo among the U.S. Department of Energy, Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, the State of Hawaii and the Prefecture of Okinawa. This national agreement features the Hawaii-Okinawa Partnership on Clean and Efficient Energy Development and Deployment.

This agreement follows the meeting between former Japan Prime Minister Hatoyama and President Obama last November to initiate the acceleration of joint energy programs between the two countries through cooperative research, development and deployment activities in renewables, energy efficiency, and next generation vehicles. As the two largest funders of science and technology research, the two leaders affirmed their intent to expand already strong cooperative activities to increase the likelihood that commercially viable technologies will be developed and move towards a clean energy economy.

Due to Hawaii and Okinawa’s demonstrated leadership and experience in energy technologies such as solar, wind, bioenergy, electric vehicles, energy efficiency, and regulatory and policy planning, Japan and the United States have designated Hawaii and Okinawa as the representatives for this groundbreaking partnership.

“This is a momentous day for the United States, Japan, the State of Hawaii and the Prefecture of Okinawa as our nations work together to demonstrate a secure, clean energy economy,” said Governor Linda Lingle. “Solving the issues relating to the rapid transformation of Hawaii’s and Okinawa’s energy systems will provide valuable lessons and experience for other regions of the world.”

On March 29, 2010, the first meeting of the Hawaii-Okinawa Task Force was held in Honolulu. Top-level officials from the U.S. Department of Energy, Prefecture of Okinawa, Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, New Energy Technology Department, Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism, Hawaii State Energy Office, Department of Defense, and national laboratory representatives met to discuss the acceleration of renewable energy technologies and energy efficiency, and evaluate the achievements of existing clean energy projects to enable the islands to be energy independent. Initiation of several joint projects resulted from that meeting.

“Through the groundbreaking Hawaii Clean Energy Initiative, our state is leading the way toward an energy-secure and self-sufficient future,” said Lt. Governor Aiona, who delivered the keynote address at the Hawaii-Okinawa Task Force meeting. “Working together, Hawaii and Okinawa can exchange new ideas and cultivate the energy initiatives needed to provide a clean energy future.”

The partnership between Hawaii and the Prefecture of Okinawa intends to deploy both governments resources, including its national laboratories, to support the structural transformation that needs to occur to help transition Hawaii and Okinawa to sustainable, clean energy economies.

This includes demonstration of clean energy and energy efficient technologies, financing methodologies, and enabling policies designed to support social, economic, and political acceptance of clean energy projects. A network of policymakers, scientists, and academicians will work together on a sustained basis to support the efforts of Hawaii and Okinawa to achieve maximum deployment of renewable energy and energy efficient technologies.

“The Memorandum of Cooperation is a critically important step in strengthening our government partnerships among Hawaii, Okinawa, Japan, and the U.S.,” added Governor Lingle. “This MOC will be play a major part in the Hawaii Clean Energy Initiative as we our State towards a 70 percent clean energy future while reducing our dependency on fossil fuels.”

In 2008, Hawaii created a partnership with the U.S. Department of Energy that launched the Hawaii Clean Energy Initiative with the goal of achieving 70% Clean Energy in Hawaii by 2030. Similarly, Okinawa has announced plans to formulate an “Okinawa Energy Vision” to achieve both energy security and low-carbon goals by 2030. This common background forms the basis for future cooperation between the two islands.

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For more information, contact:

Lenny Klompus
Senior Advisor – Communications
(808) 586-7708

Russell Pang
Chief of Media Relations
(808) 586-0043

Ted Liu
Director, DBEDT
Phone: (808) 586-2355

Ted Peck
State Energy Administrator
Phone: (808) 587-3812

STATE OF HAWAII TO PROVIDE ENERGY STAR TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE TO HOTELS

February 11, 2010

For Immediate Release: February 11, 2010

HONOLULU—In support of the Hawaii Clean Energy Initiative’s (HCEI) energy efficiency goals, the State of Hawaii is providing technical assistance to hotels statewide to enhance energy efficiency in the state’s tourism industry by attaining or renewing an ENERGY STAR building label.

To provide these businesses with the technical support they need to meet the ENERGY STAR standards, the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism’s (DBEDT) State Energy Office is soliciting request for proposals (RFPs) for technical assistance.

ENERGY STAR is a program developed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Energy to promote energy cost savings and environmental protection through energy efficient products and practices. The ENERGY STAR label is available for buildings as well as for major appliances, office equipment, lighting and other electronics.

“We encourage hotels statewide to partner with the State in receiving technical assistance that can help them become more energy efficient,” said Governor Linda Lingle. “Earning an ENERGY STAR involves implementing energy-efficiency measures that will help save businesses money on utility bills while decreasing Hawaii’s dependence on imported oil and strengthening our state’s energy security.”

The ENERGY STAR program offers a proven energy management strategy that assists in measuring current energy performance, setting energy-savings goals, tracking savings and offering incentives for improvements. The EPA reports that in 2008 the energy saved through the ENERGY STAR program nationwide avoided greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to those from 29 million cars, while saving Americans $19 billion on their utility bills.

ENERGY STAR’s Role in the Hawaii Clean Energy Initiative
Hawaii is the most oil-dependent state in the nation and currently pays the highest electricity prices in the United States. This high utility cost is directly related to Hawaii’s oil dependency, accounting for over 77 percent of the state’s electricity generation. Incorporating and expanding energy-efficient products and practices into the hotel and resort industry is a major step toward greater energy efficiency for the state, which is vital to achieving Hawaii Clean Energy Initiative’s ambitious clean energy goal.

Announced by Governor Lingle two years ago, HCEI is an unprecedented partnership between the State of Hawaii and the U.S. Department of Energy that aims to have 70 percent of the Hawaii’s energy come from clean sources by 2030. Of that, 30 percent must come from energy-efficiency measures. The HCEI partnership has received considerable national and international interest as a clean energy model for other states and nations.

“Hawaii’s hotels and resorts have made great strides in implementing energy-efficiency initiatives,” said State Tourism Liaison Marsha Wienert. “We have already seen many innovative programs implemented by Hawaii’s visitor industry. Technical assistance in benchmarking, planning, training and expert guidance on efficiency measures will further demonstrate that ‘going green’ can be a business benefit as well.”

Objectives for ENERGY STAR Implementation
The RFP for ENERGY STAR technical assistance will be funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act Stimulus Fund. Proposals by independent contractors to assist with implementing or renewing ENERGY STAR programs in hotels will be reviewed by the State. The selected contractors will advise hotel engineers, managers and owners on ways to benchmark, plan, implement and oversee projects involving the ENERGY STAR program; develop materials and conduct training for hotel personnel; and provide selection criteria, written reports, metrics, evaluations and recommendations for participation and recognition in the ENERGY STAR program.

For more information on the RFP go to: governmentnotices.state.hi.us and click on State & County Procurement Notices.

For more information on the ENERGY STAR program, visit www.energystar.gov or www.hawaiicleanenergyinitiative.org/work.html.

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For more information, contact:

Ted Liu
Director, DBEDT
Phone: (808) 586-2355

Ted Peck
State Energy Administrator
Phone: (808) 587-3812

HAWAII SELECTED TO PARTICIPATE IN NATIONAL POLICY ACADEMY TO IMPROVE ENERGY EFFICIENCY IN STATE BUILDINGS

February 4, 2010

For Immediate Release: February 4, 2010

HONOLULU – Hawaii has been selected to participate in the National Governors Association (NGA) Center for Best Practices’ Policy Academy on State Building Efficiency Retrofit Programs for the second straight year.

Hawaii is one of only six states selected by the NGA to participate in this competitive building retrofit program. The Policy Academy will provide targeted technical assistance from NGA Center staff, expert faculty and consultants as well as other assistance to improve energy and resource efficiency in State facilities.

“The NGA Policy Academy will provide Hawaii with additional national assistance in reviewing both legislative and regulatory proposals for advancing energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies in our building sector,” said Governor Linda Lingle. “Participation in the NGA Policy Academy to institute building retrofit programs will help move us closer to the Hawaii Clean Energy Initiative goal of 70 percent clean energy by 2030.”

“The Policy Academy will assist Hawaii in innovative funding and financing mechanisms, energy use benchmarking tools, workforce training programs, targeted education and outreach measures,” said State Energy Administrator Theodore Peck. “The NGA Policy Academy, funded by the U.S. Department of Energy under the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act, will help the state develop larger-scale building programs that will lower energy use and create jobs for our residents.”

The NGA building retrofit program complements the State’s ongoing efforts to reduce Hawaii’s dependence on imported oil, increase energy security, strengthen the local economy, and utilize the state’s renewable resources.

Building retrofit programs may include measures such as air sealing, insulation, upgrading or replacing heating or hot water systems, lighting upgrades, window replacement, appliance replacement with ENERGY STAR products, solar thermal hot water, and energy management system installation.

The State of Hawaii Energy Office and the NGA Policy Academy will seek to partner with many state agencies including The University of Hawaii system, the Department of Accounting and General Services and the Airports Division of the Department of Transportation which are currently three of the largest energy consumers among state agencies.

Last October, the State entered into a contract with Noresco, LLC, an energy services company to implement energy efficiency improvements to 10 State office buildings within the State Capitol District, including the State Capitol, that comprise over 1.3 million square feet of building space.

The project is expected to save over 6.3 million kilowatt hours of electricity per year, reducing utility bills by 30 percent, which equals approximately $3.2 million per year in operational savings. This reduces Hawaii’s dependency on imported fossil fuels and will reduce emissions of carbon dioxide equivalent by 9,917 tons each year. These reductions are comparable to eliminating 1,647 cars from the road.

For more information on the NGA Policy Academy go to: www.nga.org/center/eenr

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For more information, contact:

Ted Liu
Director, DBEDT
Phone: (808) 586-2355

Ted Peck
State Energy Administrator
Phone: (808) 587-3812

Lenny Klompus
Senior Advisor – Communications
Phone: (808) 586-7708

Russell Pang
Chief of Media Relations
Phone: (808) 586-0043

HAWAII CLEAN ENERGY INITIATIVE ON TRACK AT TWO-YEAR MARK

January 27, 2010

For Immediate Release: January 27, 2010

HONOLULU — The Lingle-Aiona administration today reaffirmed its vision and commitment to a clean energy-driven Hawaii economy at an event marking the second anniversary of the Hawaii Clean Energy Initiative (HCEI).

Two years ago, on January 28, 2008, Governor Linda Lingle announced the unprecedented HCEI partnership between the State of Hawaii and the U.S. Department of Energy with the bold vision to transform Hawaii from the most foreign oil-dependent state in the nation to a secure and thriving economy based on tapping our state’s abundant local energy resources.

At its two-year mark, HCEI is on target to meet its ambitious goal of 70 percent clean energy by 2030.

“The scope, breadth and depth of activity surrounding the Hawaii Clean Energy Initiative has truly been remarkable,” said Governor Lingle. “I am very optimistic and confident that we are on the right path toward a clean and secure energy future for our state and today I re-commit our State to achieving the HCEI objectives. The breadth of partnership and collaboration across so many participants has been and will be critical to making this a success.”

To achieve HCEI goals, the Lingle-Aiona administration recognizes that government’s role is to establish the policy and regulatory framework that allows the markets to function and to invest in and develop clean energy resources. From 2006 through the 2009 legislative session 19 landmark clean energy bills have been enacted into law, including a Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard (RPS) and an Energy Efficiency Portfolio Standard (EEPS), both the most progressive in the nation.

The Lingle-Aiona administration further recognized the importance of transforming the state’s regulatory environment to facilitate clean energy development. To date 34 dockets related to clean energy development are active before the Public Utilities Commission (PUC), including historic and “game-changing” dockets establishing feed-in tariffs and decoupling for the Hawaiian Electric Companies.

Fundamentally transforming Hawaii’s energy system also required collaboration with the state’s utility companies to increase renewable energy generation and integrating renewable energy into utility grids. The Lingle-Aiona administration and the Hawaiian Electric Company (HECO) entered into a historic Energy Agreement on October 20, 2008, pursuant to which HECO committed to integrating 1,122 megawatts (MW) of utility-scale renewables by 2030, along with approximately 660 MW of customer-sited photovoltaics and other distributed generation into its power grid.

Renewable energy development has surged since HCEI’s inception. Hawaii now leads the nation in solar water heating, which accounted for more than a third of all systems installed in 2008. With the ramping-up of photovoltaic installations on public and private facilities, Hawaii now ranks third in the nation in per-capita photovoltaic generation.

Hawaii residents are also becoming more energy efficient. In 2008, Hawaii residents used 8 percent less energy per-capita in 2008 than 2007, marking the sharpest decline in recent years. As per-capita energy use drops steadily, Hawaii is spending less on energy per dollar of gross state product (GSP), leaving more to be invested by its residents and businesses.

State agencies are leading by example. As a result of the Lingle-Aiona administration’s Lead by Example initiative, electricity consumption in the executive branch of state government decreased by nearly 6 percent from 2008 to 2009, saving an estimated $10 million a year in general funds. The State’s Department of Accounting & General Services (DAGS) has entered into energy savings performance contracts for 10 downtown state office buildings, including the State Capitol, with more buildings to follow.

In the liquid fuels sector, which is important as one-third of Hawaii’s energy consumption is in transportation, the state’s 2009 Bioenergy Master Plan created a roadmap for bioenergy development in Hawaii. In December the U.S. Department of Energy released $48 million in Recovery Act funding for biorefinery technology advancements and production facilities in Hawaii. Further in transportation, the state has established partnerships with several private sector entities to deploy and test electric vehicles. The state’s first public EV charging station opened on January 23, 2010, and new legislation encourages electric vehicles by requiring designated parking stalls and charging stations in parking lots with at least 100 public stalls.

Dozens of energy companies are pursuing clean energy projects statewide in wind, solar, geothermal, wave and ocean energy and biomass. Wind-generated electricity is one of the fastest-growing renewable energy industries in Hawaii. A landmark agreement between HECO, Castle & Cooke, and First Wind in March 2009 initiated wind energy projects on the islands of Lāna‘i and Molokai, where wind resources are the most abundant, each with potential to supply between 200 and 400 MW of power.

Ancillary to the development of the renewable generation facilities is the development of an undersea cable between Maui County and Oahu that would transport renewable energy from where it is more abundant to where it’s needed most. The state is progressing with a number of studies, including seafloor surveys that have confirmed the physical feasibility of the project and identified possible cable routes. The state has also issued a request for proposals for an environmental impact statement (EIS) and will look to the findings of that EIS to help it make decisions that work for everyone. The state hopes to commence construction of the cable within three years.

Approximately $133.9M of federal ARRA funds have been obtained for Hawaii energy projects in areas including biomass, geothermal, water, smart grid, state electricity regulators assistance, energy efficiency and conservation, and workforce development.

“The importance of HCEI’s goals to Hawaii’s future cannot be overstated,” said DBEDT Director and State Energy Resources Coordinator Theodore Liu. “In addition to being a catalyst for energy independence and greater energy security across the state, HCEI is paving the way for economic recovery and growth, providing incentives for investment in clean energy development, generating exciting new business opportunities and higher-paying, green-collar jobs that come with a new, clean energy economy.”

Moving Forward – Clean Energy Legislative Initiatives
To continue building on the foundation of the Hawaii Clean Energy Initiative, Governor Lingle unveiled in her State of the State Address on Monday a comprehensive package of legislative initiatives that will serve as effective incentives for investments in clean energy. The measures include:

• A ban on the construction of new power plants that burn fossil fuels.
• A general excise tax exemption on renewable energy projects of at least 2 megawatts that are placed in service between January 1, 2011 and January 1, 2015.
• A general excise tax rebate on electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles as well as charging stations.
• The Hawaii Clean Energy Investment (HCEI) Bonds Program to assist residential and commercial property owners with upfront costs of installing clean energy systems or efficiency upgrades by allowing them to borrow money from the State and then repay the loans over a period of years via an annual assessment on their real property tax bill.

HAWAII CLEAN ENERGY INITIATIVE MILESTONES
Several important milestones in a number of key areas have been achieved that form the foundation on which HCEI’s ambitious goals will be
achieved, including:

• The Lingle-Aiona Administration, together with the State Legislature, have put into place the policy and regulatory framework to facilitate the development and growth of Hawaii’s clean energy economy.
• As the result of this framework, the private sector has responded with proposing over 100 renewable energy projects involving billions of dollars of private investment.
• Significant opportunities have been put into place and will continue to be developed for Hawaii’s residents and businesses to conserve energy and to reduce their energy bills.
• State government is “leading by example” with energy conservation retrofits and deploying their assets, including state lands, to support clean energy generation.
•  Cutting-edge clean energy technologies and processes are being developed or tested and deployed in Hawaii funded in large part by off-shore private or federal sources of investment.
• Analysis, planning and pilot projects are underway to upgrade and modernize how Hawaii transmits and distributes electricity and to lay the foundation of development and adoption of “smart grids.”
• Significant progress has been made on planning and developing liquid fuel alternatives to transition transportation away from foreign oil while supporting local food production and security.
• Substantive and lasting partnerships have been launched, including with our local utilities and refineries, the visitor industry and the U.S. Department of Defense military installations, to capture the benefits of a clean energy economy.
• Over $125 million in federal investment have been obtained to fund the initial work on Hawaii’s energy system transformation.
• Significant attention has been drawn to Hawaii as a model that other states in the United States and countries in the region can follow.

Additional information on the Lingle-Aiona Administration’s legislative initiatives is available on the Governor’s website (www.hawaii.gov/gov).

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For more information, contact:

Ted Liu
Director, DBEDT
Phone: (808) 586-2355

Ted Peck
State Energy Administrator
Phone: (808) 587-3812

Lenny Klompus
Senior Advisor – Communications
Phone: (808) 586-7708

Russell Pang
Chief of Media Relations
Phone: (808) 586-0043

INTERISLAND CABLE SURVEY REPORT COMPLETED

December 8, 2009

For Immediate Release: December 8, 2009

HONOLULU – The State of Hawaii today announced the completion of the Interisland Cable Project Ocean Floor Survey. Conducted by the University of Hawaii – Mānoa School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology (SOEST), the survey indicates that placement of undersea electrical transmission cables is physically possible between the islands of Oahu, Maui, Molokai, and Lanai.

The cable is an integral part of a proposed Interisland Wind project that would transmit up to 400 megawatts of renewable electricity generated from wind farms on Molokai and Lanai to Oahu and potentially to Maui.

The Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT) contracted with SOEST to conduct this intensive survey of the ocean floor to identify possible cable routes. The survey indicates several viable route options; however, a preferred route will not be selected until after completion of an environmental impact statement (EIS). Data collected from this survey will also be integrated into the EIS for the interisland cable.

“By providing a way to move renewable energy from where it is abundantly available to where it is needed, the interisland cable will help meet Hawaii‟s goals of reducing dependence on imported oil,” said Ted Peck, state energy administrator with DBEDT. “The cable, as part of the Interisland Wind project, will help improve our energy security by reducing Hawaii‟s dependence on the volatile global petroleum market.”

The cable will also bring investment and jobs in construction, high technology and other related industries. Reducing dependence on imported oil will keep in Hawaii part of the $6 billion to $7 billion sent out of state yearly for energy. The cable will also provide a backbone for the future development of Hawaii‟s electrical infrastructure and the addition of more renewable energy in Hawaii.

The Interisland Wind project is part of a comprehensive energy agreement signed in 2008, between the State of Hawaii and Hawaiian Electric companies designed to move the state away from dependence on fossil fuels for electricity and ground transportation. Partners in the agreement include DBEDT, the Hawaiian Electric companies, the State Consumer Advocate, and the U.S. Department of Energy.

The State-Hawaiian Electric energy agreement is a critical component of the Hawaii Clean Energy Initiative (HCEI), an unprecedented partnership formed in January 2008 between the State of Hawaii and the U.S. Department of Energy to work toward having 70 percent of Hawaii‟s energy come from clean energy sources by 2030.

“The results of the SOEST survey are encouraging,” said Governor Lingle. “The interisland cable is critical to achieving the goal of the Hawaii Clean Energy Initiative of 70 percent clean energy by 2030, and we are eager to move forward with this project.”

The report is available online at https://hawaii.gov/dbedt/info/energy/publications/.

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For more information, contact:

Ted Liu
Director, DBEDT
Phone: (808) 586-2355

Ted Peck
State Energy Administrator
Phone( 808) 587-3812

GOVERNOR LINGLE RELEASES $3 MILLION FOR ENERGY EFFICIENCY IMPROVEMENTS TO HEALTH CENTERS AND FACILITIES

November 19, 2009

For Immediate Release: November 19, 2009

HONOLULU – Governor Linda Lingle has released $3,060,430 for energy efficiency and air conditioning improvements at state health centers and other Department of Health facilities statewide.

The six projects that will be funded include:

Diamond Head Health Center – $1,098,000 will be used to continue air conditioning improvements at Diamond Head Health Center. The project involves the design and construction for replacement of some air handlers and fan coil units and other related improvements at the center.

Wailuku Health Center – $268,000 is allotted for the design and construction of air conditioning improvements at the Wailuku Health Center. The center’s original design, which was completed in 1967, utilized natural ventilation with louvered windows. The new air conditioning system will ensure compliance with the Federal Health Insurance Portability Accountability Act, which requires that doors be kept shut and ground-level windows covered with curtains or blinds for the privacy of clients.

Lanakila Health Center – $584,000 will be used for air conditioning improvements at the Lanakila Health Center on Oahu. Because the center houses a tuberculosis clinic and TB is an airborne disease, it is essential that the air conditioning and ventilation systems in the clinic perform at optimum levels for the health of staff and clients.

Department of Health Facilities – $425,000 in design and construction funds will be used to finance energy efficiency improvements at Department of Health buildings and facilities statewide. The improvements include retrofitting light fixtures with energy efficient lamps and ballasts that will enable the DOH to realize higher energy savings on its electric bills.

Kamauleule Building (DOH Laboratory) – $333,000 will be used to finance electrical system upgrades and energy efficiency improvements at the Department of Health Laboratory in Pearl City. The project includes retrofitting light fixtures with energy efficient lamps and ballasts, rewiring for the emergency generator and other related improvements.

Wahiawa Civic Center, Public Health Nursing Office – $352,430 will be used for energy efficiency and air conditioning improvements at the Public Health Nursing Office in the Wahiawa Civic Center. The improvements include electrical system upgrades, retrofitting light fixtures, and installing new air conditioning units.

The energy efficiency improvements are part of the Lingle-Aiona Administration’s continuing efforts to make state office buildings and facilities more energy efficient in order to reduce electricity costs and decrease Hawaii’s dependence on imported fossil fuels. The effort supports the Governor’s Hawaii Clean Energy Initiative, which aims to have 70 percent of Hawaii’s energy come from clean sources by the year 2030, including 40 percent from renewable energy and 30 percent through energy conservation measures.

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For more information, contact:

Russ Saito
State Comptroller, DAGS
Phone: (808) 586-0400

Lenny Klompus
Senior Advisor – Communications
Phone: (808) 586-7708

Russell Pang
Chief of Media Relations
Phone: (808) 586-0043

GOVERNOR LINGLE RELEASES $1 MILLION FOR ENERGY EFFICIENCY IMPROVEMENTS AT STATE PARKS

November 17, 2009

For Immediate Release: November 17, 2009

HONOLULU – Governor Linda Lingle has released $1 million that will enable the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) to implement energy and water efficiency and conservation improvements at state parks.

As part of DLNR’s ongoing efforts to upgrade and modernize state parks and other outdoor recreational facilities statewide, the department will use the funds to design renewable energy sources to power park facilities such as water system pumps, sewer system pumps, booster pumps, trail lighting and rental cabins and kitchens.

The funding will allow DLNR to continue to replace and retrofit existing lighting fixtures and lamps, replace aging and inefficient appliances and water heaters, install water efficient fixtures, and implement energy and water conservation measures.

The funds will also be used to design renewable energy sources for facilities at various state parks and Mauna Kea State Recreation Area on Hawaii. Construction of a pilot project may include one or more of these parks as funding will allow.

In fiscal year 2009, state parks expended over $300,000 for electricity costs and close to $460,000 for water and sewer costs.

“The shift to renewable energy sources and energy efficient lighting and appliances, coupled with water conservation and efficiency measures will result in costs savings that are needed to fund park operations and ongoing maintenance,” said DLNR Director Laura H. Thielen.

The energy efficiency improvements are part of the Lingle-Aiona Administration’s continuing efforts to make State office buildings and facilities more energy efficient in order to reduce electricity costs and decrease Hawaii’s dependence on imported fossil fuels. This effort to lead by example supports the Hawaii Clean Energy Initiative, which aims to have 70 percent of Hawaii’s energy come from clean sources by the year 2030, including 40 percent from renewable energy and 30 percent through energy conservation measures.

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For more information, contact:

Laura H. Thielen
Director, DLNR
Phone: (808) 587-0401

Lenny Klompus
Senior Advisor – Communications
Phone: (808) 586-7708

Russell Pang
Chief of Media Relations
Phone: (808) 586-0043

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL FOR UNDERSEA CABLE EIS RELEASED

October 29, 2009

For Immediate Release: October 29, 2009

HONOLULU – The State of Hawaii today issued a request for proposal (RFP) from companies and other interested organizations to conduct an environmental impact statement (EIS) for an undersea power cable connecting the islands of Lanai, Molokai, Oahu, and Maui.

The undersea cable, which would connect the islands into one electrical grid to allow the integration of renewable wind power generated in MauiCounty for transmission to Oahu is part of a comprehensive energy agreement signed one year ago between the State of Hawaii and Hawaiian Electric companies to move the state away from its dependence on fossil fuels for electricity and ground transportation. Partners in the agreement include the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT), the Hawaiian Electric companies, the State Consumer Advocate and the U.S. Department of Energy.

The State-Hawaiian Electric energy agreement is a critical component of the Hawaii Clean Energy Initiative (HCEI), an unprecedented partnership formed in January 2008 between the State of Hawaii and the U.S. Department of Energy to work toward having 70 percent of Hawaii’s energy come from clean energy sources by 2030.

HCEI is focused on transforming the regulatory environment to facilitate clean energy development, collaborating with island utility companies to increase renewable energy generation and integrating renewable energy into utility grids.

“It has been a remarkable year and we need to continue to build upon HCEI’s success,” said Governor Lingle. “As the most oil-dependent state in the nation, a clean energy future is no longer simply a desire, it is an absolute necessity. The State-Hawaiian Electric energy agreement represents a bold step towards achieving energy security, and the progress made over the past year demonstrates that Hawaii can serve as a clean energy role model for the rest of the nation.”

“This one-year mark is a time for us to recommit to these critical clean energy goals. This achievement – and achievements yet to come – depend on an unprecedented unity of purpose and willingness to cooperate among individuals, businesses, institutions and government in Hawaii,” said Hawaiian Electric Executive Vice President Robbie Alm. “Whether oil prices go up or down, we must stay focused on making the long-term investments to get to a clean energy future.”

Steady Progress Toward Clean Energy Future
Over the past year, the partnership between the State and Hawaiian Electric has enabled Hawaii to take critical first steps in reforming the regulatory framework governing the existing electricity system.

Several key reforms agreed to in the energy agreement have become active Public Utilities Commission (PUC) dockets, including feed-in tariffs and decoupling.

In September, the PUC issued its decision and order on the feed-in tariff principles, which provides a price guarantee for electricity produced by sun, wind and hydroelectric sources that Hawaiian Electric companies will pay for renewable energy fed into the electricity grid. The set rate under the feed-in tariff provides an incentive for renewable energy developers to invest in Hawaii by creating certainty and transparency.

In addition, Clean Energy Scenario Planning and Advanced Meter Infrastructure or “Smart-Grid” (planning ahead to enable more distribution of renewable energy on the grid) are among the other PUC proceedings underway.

Progress has been made on more wind-generated renewable energy such as First Wind’s Kaheawa wind farm on Maui that generates 30 megawatts of power on conservation land. It became the first operating wind farm in the United States to have a habitat conservation plan.

Interisland Power Cable
As part of the HCEI, Governor Lingle also announced that DBEDT is moving forward with the request for proposals process for an EIS for the interisland power cable project.

The EIS will consider the impacts from the installation, operation, maintenance, possible repair, and potential long term development envisioned for the interisland power cable, mitigation strategies, and alternatives. It is a structured public process enabling the communities and other stakeholders to understand the impact of the undersea cable. Contract award is expected by the end of the calendar year.

“The interisland cable project is an important piece of infrastructure needed to achieve the goal of the Hawaii Clean Energy Initiative of 70 percent clean energy by 2030,” said Governor Lingle. “We are committed to making sure all environmental, economic, cultural and community issues are fully addressed.”

For more information on the RFP go to: https://www4.hawaii.gov/bidapps

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For more information, contact:

Ted Liu
Director, DBEDT
Phone: (808) 586-2355

Ted Peck
State Energy Administrator
Phone: (808) 587-3812

Lenny Klompus
Senior Advisor – Communications
Phone: (808) 586-7708

Russell Pang
Chief of Media Relations
Phone: (808) 586-0043

 

GOVERNOR LINGLE ANNOUNCES AGREEMENT ON $6 MILLION IN ENERGY PROJECTS

October 29, 2009

For Immediate Release: October 29, 2009

HONOLULU—Governor Lingle announced today that the Department of Business Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT), Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL) and Department of Accounting and General Services (DAGS) will conduct energy efficiency and renewable projects funded by more than $6 million in Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) funds from the U.S. Department of Energy. This is part of the economic stimulus American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) passed by Congress earlier this year.

The DHHL will utilize $3 million through its Hoomaluo Energy Policy program, which outlines five key objectives to achieving healthy, self-sufficient and thriving communities. DHHL plans to upgrade the energy efficiency of about 400 homestead homes with solar water heaters and compact fluorescent lamps.

“This will help reduce household electricity bills for our homesteaders by about 30 percent per year, or five barrels of oil per year per household,” said Kaulana Park, DHHL chairman. “In August, DHHL signed a formal energy partnership charter with Hawaiian Electric companies that will benefit native Hawaiian homesteaders and support Hawaii’s clean energy goals through the development of affordable, energy self-sufficient and sustainable communities.”

In addition, $3 million will go to DAGS to install photovoltaics on state buildings as part of its statewide energy savings performance contract.

“We estimate that each 100 kW photovoltaic system will generate about 167,446 kWh of electricity, and a cumulative reduction of greenhouse gas emissions of at least 320,120 pounds in carbon dioxide equivalents per year,” said Comptroller Russ Saito. “This will enhance our already aggressive solar energy commitment and our ongoing work to make state buildings more energy efficient.”

Earlier this month, DAGS awarded a contract for the State Capital District, Energy Savings Performance Contracting project to Noresco, LLC an energy services company. The project includes energy efficiency improvements to 10 State office buildings within the State Capital District, including the State Capitol, that comprise over 1.3 million square feet of building space. The State Capital District project is expected to save over 6.3 million kilowatt hours of electricity per year, reducing utility bills by 30 percent, which equals approximately $3.2 million per year in operational savings.

The planned energy projects are part of the State’s continuing efforts to make State office buildings and facilities more energy efficient in order to reduce electricity costs and decrease Hawaii’s dependence on imported fossil fuels.

“The effort is an important component of the Hawaii Clean Energy Initiative, which aims to have 70 percent of Hawaii’s energy come from clean sources by the year 2030, including 40 percent from renewable energy and 30 percent through energy efficient measures,” said DBEDT Director Theodore E. Liu. “We are engaged in both energy conservation and energy conversion efforts to make our state truly ‘Hawaii Powered’.”

“The Departments of Hawaiian Home Lands, Accounting and General Services and Business, Economic Development and Tourism are continuing to lead by example in the State’s pursuit of increasing energy security and independence for Hawaii,” said Governor Lingle. “These clean energy projects further support our five-point plan to stimulate Hawaii’s economy and create jobs by attracting investments in renewable energy and maximizing federal funding and partnerships for clean energy initiatives.”

Using DBEDT’s latest job multiplier, the total energy and conservation block grant for Hawaii will generate about 124 direct and indirect local construction jobs, and add $5.7 million in direct and indirect income to Hawaii’s economy.

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For more information, contact:

Ted Liu
Director, DBEDT
Phone: (808) 586-2355

Russ Saito
State Comptroller,DAGS
Phone: (808) 586-0400

Kaulana Park
Director, DHHL
Phone: (808) 620-9509

Ted Peck
State Energy Administrator
Phone: (808) 587-3812

Lenny Klompus
Senior Advisor – Communications
Phone: (808) 586-7708

Russell Pang
Chief of Media Relations
Phone: (808) 586-0043