Amanda Ho, Author at Hawai‘i State Energy Office

ADDITIONAL HAWAII ROADWAYS DESIGNATED AS ALTERNATIVE FUEL CORRIDORS

March 27, 2018

For Immediate Release: March 27, 2018

KAILUA-KONA – The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has designated two more Hawaii highways as alternative fuel corridors, clearing the way for the installation of signage that will alert drivers to locations with electric vehicle chargers or hydrogen fuel stations.

The nomination of two Hawaii Island corridors was coordinated by the Hawaii State Energy Office (HSEO), a division of the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism, in cooperation with the Hawaii Department of Transportation (HDOT) and a host of other local partners. The two new corridors are in addition to seven other alternate fuel corridors on Maui and Oahu approved by the FHWA in 2016.

“We are very proud that two of our corridors on Hawaii Island have been selected as alternative fuel corridors,” said HDOT Director Jade Butay. “Moving away from fossil fuel use in transportation plays a critical part in meeting Governor Ige’s clean energy goals and we are grateful to the Hawaii State Energy Office for their guidance in sustainable transportation initiatives.”

DBEDT Director Luis P. Salaveria said ongoing efforts to decarbonize Hawaii’s transportation sector are an essential part of the state’s clean energy transformation. “Ground transportation constitutes one of the largest uses of petroleum in Hawaii,” Salaveria said. “Increasing the number of EVs and other alternative fuel vehicles will go a long way toward reducing greenhouse gas emissions and strengthening our energy security.”

Highway 19 from Kailua-Kona to Hilo (Queen Kaahumanu Highway/ Kawaiahae Road/ Hawaii Belt Road) and Highway 190 from Kailua-Kona to Waimea (Mamalahoa Highway) received the alternative fuel corridor designation because they meet the FHWA’s criteria for placement of EV charging and hydrogen fueling stations along major highways.

Hawaii Island’s alternative fuel corridors have EV charging stations that are no further than 50 miles from each other and no more than 1 mile from the highway. There are also plans for a hydrogen fueling station that will be located at the National Energy Laboratory of Hawaii Authority campus at Keahole Point just off Highway 19.

These designated highways are in addition to Hawaii’s existing alternative fuel corridors, which include I-H1/Hwy 72, I-H2/Hwy 99, and I-H3 on Oahu and Highway 30, Highway 311, Highway 31, Highway 32, Highway 36, and a portion of Highway 37 on Maui.

Other partners in the Hawaii Island corridor solicitation with the FHWA include the Hawaii Center for Advanced Transportation Technologies, Hawaii Natural Energy Institute, County of Hawaii, the Hawaiian Electric Companies, and EV charging network provider, Greenlots.

Corridors from across the country were nominated as part of FHWA’s Alternative Fuel Corridor (AFC) program. For more information on the program and to view a map of designated and pending corridors, visit the AFC website and the GIS map.

For locations and other information on EV charging stations in Hawaii, download the HSEO “EV Stations Hawaii” app on your mobile device or visit https://energy.hawaii.gov/what-we-do/transportation/#ev-charging

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ABOUT HAWAII STATE ENERGY OFFICE
The Hawaii State Energy Office (HSEO) is a division of the state’s Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism. With the state’s goal to reach 100 percent renewable energy generation by 2045, HSEO is leading the state’s charge toward clean energy independence. HSEO is committed to developing and deploying high impact solutions that will maximize Hawaii’s renewable energy resources and improve efficiency and transportation standards. Through effective policies and innovative programs, HSEO has positioned Hawaii port 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

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

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FORMS AVAILABLE FOR RENEWABLE FUELS PRODUCTION TAX CREDIT

February 20, 2018

For Immediate Release: February 20, 2018

HONOLULU — Qualifying renewable fuels producers planning to claim Hawaii’s new renewable fuels production tax credit (RFPTC) for the 2017 tax year must submit a “RFPTC – Credit Certificate” form now available online.

Forms and instructions can be downloaded at: https://energy.hawaii.gov/developer-investor

Once completed, taxpayers can remit the forms and required documentation to the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism (DBEDT). DBEDT will verify and/or certify the information contained in the forms and provide taxpayers a “Credit Certificate” they can file with their state tax return.

Similar to 2017, taxpayers planning to claim the RFPTC for the 2018 tax year must first file written notification to DBEDT of their intent to begin production of renewable fuels. Additionally, taxpayers are required to file a notification with DBEDT within 30 days following the start of production. The Notice of Intent/Notice to Start Production forms are is also available at the above link.

For a full listing of renewable fuels tax credit requirements for the 2017 tax year, Taxpayers should review Act 202 of 2016. The Legislature amended the act in 2017 with revisions that go into effect starting with the 2018 calendar year. Taxpayers filing for the 2018 tax year and later should refer to Act 142 of 2017. In addition, the Hawaii Department of Taxation has issued a Tax Information Release that defines certain terms related to the RFPTC that are not defined in statute: https://tax.hawaii.gov/legal/tir/

Gov. David Ige signed into law Act 202 in July 2016 establishing a renewable fuels production tax credit that allows producers of renewable fuels from a variety of feedstocks to claim the credit through the 2021 tax year.

To qualify for the credit taxpayers must produce at least 15 billion British thermal units (Btu) of renewable fuels per year. The credit is equal to 20 cents per 76,000 Btu of renewable fuels. The credit is capped annually at $3 million per taxpayer, and $3 million in the aggregate. Tax credits will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

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

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PUBLIC INPUT SOUGHT IN DEVELOPMENT OF VEHICLE EMISSIONS PLAN

February 20, 2018

For Immediate Release: February 20, 2018

HONOLULU — The Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT) is seeking public input as it develops a non-binding plan to spend up to $8.125 million from a settlement with German automaker Volkswagen to promote the reduction of vehicle emissions in Hawaii.

The funds represent Hawaii’s share of a $2.925 billion Environmental Mitigation Trust established as part of two Partial Consent Decrees between the federal government and Volkswagen (VW) to settle allegations that the automaker cheated emissions tests and deceived customers. DBEDT is the lead agency for purposes of the state’s participation in the Trust.

The Hawaii State Energy Office (HSEO), a division of DBEDT, has developed a questionnaire to solicit and consider public input as it develops the state’s mitigation plan. The eligible actions as outlined in Appendix D-2 of the settlement focus on activities that support nitrogen oxide emission reductions. Public input, which eligible action items should be pursued will be considered and incorporated into the plan as practicable. The public comment period runs through March 20. The questionnaire, along with information about the VW settlement may be found at: Volkswagen Settlement – Hawai‘i State Energy Office (hawaii.gov).

The Environmental Mitigation Trust fund is being distributed among states, territories and federally recognized Indian Tribes based on the proportion of affected VW diesel vehicles in each jurisdiction. The settlement requires Trust funds to be used for projects that replace or retrofit medium- and heavy-duty vehicles or equipment with cleaner options. Additionally, up to 15 percent of the funds allocated to Hawaii can be used to install electric vehicle charging stations throughout the state.

The Environmental Mitigation Trust is part of a larger Volkswagen settlement intended to mitigate the environmental damage caused by emissions from the non-compliant Volkswagen vehicles. In addition to the Trust, Volkswagen will pay billions of dollars in civil penalties and customer buyback and modification programs. Volkswagen also must invest $2 billion over the next 10 years in zero emission vehicle infrastructure and education projects across the United State through its Electrify America subsidiary, possibly including Hawaii.

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

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STATE UPGRADES ONLINE RENEWABLE ENERGY MAPPING TOOL

January 11, 2018

For Immediate Release: January 11, 2018

HONOLULU — The State of Hawaii has unveiled an updated version of its Renewable EnerGIS online mapping tool that will make it easier for land owners, developers, residents and policy makers to assess the renewable energy potential of sites statewide as Hawaii moves ahead with its clean energy transformation.

The new Renewable EnerGIS tool may be found at: energy.hawaii.gov/resources/renewable-energis-map

The new tool was developed by the Hawaii State Energy Office (HSEO) and the Hawaii Statewide Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Program in the Hawaii Office of Planning. It includes a number of improvements over the original platform launched in 2012 by HSEO, a division of the State Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism (DBEDT). EnerGIS helps users make “first cut” site decisions to determine whether a particular site may be suitable for a renewable energy project. Based on available data in the Hawaii Statewide GIS Program files, also known as “layers,” the new Renewable EnerGIS tool allows users at a glance to compare sites based on criteria such as energy resources, rainfall, slope, soil characteristics, land use classification, zoning and critical habitats.

“Reaching our ambitious renewable energy goals will require a considerable amount of additional generating capacity from solar, wind and other renewable energy sources,” said DBEDT Director Luis P. Salaveria. “Finding suitable sites for these projects is critical, and the new Renewable EnerGIS tool will help immensely in that process.”

Leo Asuncion, Director of the Office of Planning, added: “This tool can be used by developers and the general public alike for energy planning purposes. Users can have confidence in the results because the Renewable EnerGIS tool utilizes the State’s authoritative data layers.”

Renewable EnerGIS is designed to be user-friendly without the need for special skills, software or experience. A key feature of the upgrade is a new “attribute query” search function that allows users to enter up to 10 criteria to fine tune their search. Users also can research specific sites by entering a tax map key or site address or by selecting sites from a map.

“The Renewable EnerGIS tool is part of our suite of self-help applications the Hawaii State Energy Office offers renewable energy developers and other energy stakeholders that can be found at energy.hawaii.gov,” said Carilyn O. Shon, HSEO administrator. “Renewable EnerGIS allows for more appropriate renewable energy project siting and informed project planning and permitting, thereby decreasing project development timelines, costs and impacts.”

The new Renewable EnerGIS tool was developed by The Onyx Group under a contract with DBEDT. The Onyx Group has developed several custom GIS website tools for the State, including Flood Hazard Assessment Tool and the Public Land Trust Information System.

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About the Hawaii State Energy Office
The Hawaii State Energy Office (HSEO) is a division of the state’s Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism. With the state’s goal to reach 100 percent renewable energy generation by 2045, HSEO is leading the state’s charge toward clean energy independence. HSEO is committed to developing and deploying high impact solutions that will maximize Hawaii’s renewable energy resources and improve efficiency and transportation standards. Through effective policies and innovative programs, HSEO has positioned Hawaii port 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 Hawaii Statewide GIS Program
Authorized under Chapter 225M-2(b)(4)(B), Hawaii Revised Statutes (HRS), as amended, the Hawaii Statewide GIS Program within the Office of Planning leads a multi-agency effort to establish, promote and coordinate the use of GIS data and technology among Hawaii state agencies. The program is critical to more than 150 state GIS data and system users across more than a dozen state departments that develop and maintain a wide variety of data, maps and applications — many of which are available to the public and/or relied upon by state personnel.

For more information, visit the Hawaii Statewide GIS Program main webpage at: https://planning.hawaii.gov/gis or visit the State’s Geospatial Data Portal at: https://geoportal.hawaii.gov.

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

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HAWAII CLEAN ENERGY INITIATIVE MARKS 10-YEAR ANNIVERSARY

January 9, 2018

For Immediate Release: January 9, 2018

HONOLULU — Hawaii celebrated a milestone today by marking the 10th anniversary of the Hawaii Clean Energy Initiative (HCEI).

Since its launch a decade ago, HCEI has proven to be an invaluable resource in advancing Hawaii’s ongoing effort to achieve energy self-sufficiency.

Today’s event, held at Washington Place, brought together a wide range of energy stakeholders, including representatives from government, energy companies, non-profits, and special interests groups. Participants recognized the contributions of HCEI, which is widely recognized for establishing the most aggressive clean energy goals in the nation.

“For the past 10 years the Hawaii Clean Energy Initiative has been instrumental in Hawaii’s bold pursuit of a clean energy future that benefits all of the state’s residents,” said Gov. David Ige. “Built of the foundation of our invaluable relationship with the U.S. Department of Energy (USDOE) and other key stakeholders, HCEI will continue to serve as a guiding force as we face the challenges of transitioning to a 100 percent clean energy future,” Ige said.

HCEI traces its roots to a 2008 memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the State of Hawaii and the USDOE. The overarching goal of this unprecedented collaboration was to transform the energy foundation of Hawaii’s entire economy to clean energy, using Hawaii’s indigenous renewable energy resources. The State of Hawaii and the USDOE reaffirmed their commitment to Hawaii’s clean energy future in an updated MOU signed in 2014. A critical component of the MOU is the technical assistance provided to Hawaii by the USDOE through its network of national labs.

“Hawaii is a leader in the global energy transformation, and NREL is proud to contribute to the Hawaii Clean Energy Initiative’s success,” said Martin Keller, Director of the National Renewable Energy Laboratory.

HCEI has provided the impetus for a host of statues and regulations aimed at reducing Hawaii’s dependency on fossil fuels, including historic Act 97, which made Hawaii the first state to set a target of generating 100 percent of its electricity sales from renewable resources. At the heart of HCEI is the diverse group of stakeholders who have joined together to deliver Hawaii’s clean energy future. Thanks to this broad based support from this stakeholder alliance HCEI has grown stronger during the course of three gubernatorial administrations and five biennial legislative sessions.

“On the 10-year anniversary of the Hawaii Clean Energy Initiative, it’s important to reflect on how this pioneering effort has established Hawaii as a leader in energy policy and deployment of energy efficiency measures and renewable generation,” said Luis P. Salaveria, director of the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism. “As the state’s blueprint for energy transformation and independence, HCEI is helping stimulate economic growth in an innovation economy by elevating Hawaii’s job growth prospects and business opportunities.”

Hawaii has made significant progress in its clean energy transformation since the launch of HCEI. Renewable energy now accounts for about 27 percent of utility electricity sales, and carbon emissions from power plants are down by more than 750,000 metric tons. In addition, the state is ahead of its interim target for reducing energy demand through efficiency and conservation measures. Clean energy also has become an important source of job growth in Hawaii, with 5,100 people employed in energy efficiency and 4,900 in the solar industry, according to a recent report from the USDOE.

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For more information, visit energy.hawaii.gov.

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

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ENERGY OFFICE SCHEDULES COMMUNITY MEETINGS ON UTILITY MODEL STUDY

October 5, 2017

For Immediate Release: October 5, 2017

HONOLULU — The Hawaii State Energy Office (HSEO) will host a series of community meetings across the state next week to solicit community input for a study being done on future models for utility ownership and regulation in Hawaii.

HSEO, a division of the State Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT), is undertaking the study at the request of the Hawaii State Legislature to evaluate the costs and benefits of various electric utility ownership models, as well as the viability of various utility regulatory approaches to help Hawaii in achieving its energy goals. The study will examine scenarios for each of Hawaii’s counties.

HSEO has contracted with Boston-based London Economics International (LEI) to carry out the study, which is expected to be completed by January 2019. LEI and subcontractor Meister Consultants Group will lead the community meetings for Oct. 9-13. The meeting schedule is as follows:

Maui County:

Wailuku, Oct. 9, 5:30 – 7 p.m.. Wailuku Community Center, 395 Waena St. Event Flyer | RSVP Link

Kaunakakai, Oct. 10, 5:30-7 p.m. Mitchell Pauole Center Main Hall, 90 Ainoa St. Event Flyer | RSVP Link

Lanai City, Oct. 11, 5:30-7 p.m. Lanai Community Center, Eighth St. and Lanai Ave. Event Flyer | RSVP Link

Hawaii County:

Kailua-Kona, Oct. 9, 5:30 – 7 p.m. NELHA Research Campus, Hale Iako Building, 73-970 Makako Bay Drive. Event Flyer | RSVP Link
Hilo, Oct. 10, 5:30 – 7 p.m. Waiakea High School, 155 W Kawili St. Event Flyer | RSVP Link

Kauai County:

Lihue, Oct. 12, 5:30 – 7 p.m. Chiefess Kamakahelei Middle School, 4431 Nuhou St. Event Flyer | RSVP Link

Honolulu County:

Waialua, Oct. 11, 5:30 – 7 p.m. Waialua High & Intermediate School, 67-160 Farrington Highway. Event Flyer | RSVP Link
Honolulu, Oct. 13, approx. 6 – 7:30 p.m. Hawaii Foreign Trade Zone #9, Homer Maxey Conference Center, 521 Ala Moana Blvd. Suite 201, Pier 2. Event Flyer | RSVP Link

Next week’s meetings will focus on the topic of utility ownership and the role the utility plays in achieving community and state goals, including achieving 100 percent renewable energy in the electricity sector and minimizing costs. There are two additional rounds of statewide meetings scheduled. The second round of meetings slated for next spring will focus on utility regulatory models, while the third round of meetings next fall will be used to gather community input on draft findings of the report.

Community members planning on attending the meetings are encouraged to RSVP at the link above. Light refreshments will be served. Those unable to attend a meeting in person can view a copy of the material presented, which will be posted on HSEO’s website after the meetings, and may participate by submitting feedback via email to: [email protected]. Questions about the meetings or the study can be emailed to the same address.

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

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DRIVE ELECTRIC HAWAII COALITION LAUNCHES ONLINE EV RESOURCE HUB

September 7, 2017

For Immediate Release: September 7, 2017

Contacts:
Noreen Reimel
Ulupono Initiative
[email protected]
(808) 544-8979

Melissa Miyashiro
Blue Planet Foundation
[email protected]
(808) 499-5713

HONOLULU — To gear up for National Drive Electric Week (September 9-17, 2017) and celebrate electric vehicle adoption across the country, the Drive Electric Hawaii coalition has unveiled a website aimed at encouraging drivers to charge up and go electric!

DriveElectricHI.com launched today as a resource hub for Hawaii residents. Visitors will find news, links to online and print resources, upcoming events, and stories from EV drivers and local experts. The goal of the site is to help Hawaii residents understand the driving, charging, and owning experience of switching to electric transportation.

The website also offers details about upcoming events and ways to get involved with National Drive Electric Week, including ride-and-drive events on Hawaii Island (Sept. 9 in Waimea and 16 in Hilo) and Kauai (Sept. 16 in Lihue), and the Electric Island Drive and Fair on Oahu (Sept. 17 in Honolulu)

“Working together on strategies to electrify transportation in Hawaii is a key component of our transition to 100 percent renewable electricity by 2045,” said Shem Lawlor, clean transportation director at Blue Planet Foundation. “We see the newly launched Drive Electric Hawaii website as an ideal place to start for community members who are interested in learning more about electric vehicles. We’ve worked to answer the top questions on people’s minds as they think about making the switch from gasoline vehicles.

Drivers who have already made the transition are also featured on the site. “We purchased our first EV in 2011 and thoroughly enjoy the ownership experience, the environmental impact, and the ability to run our cars on solar energy,” said Noel Morin and Stephanie Hall-Morin of Hilo when asked about their experience as electric vehicle owners. Lori McCarney, executive director of Bikeshare Hawaii (“Biki”), shared how the electric Smart cars her organization received as a donation from Hawaiian Electric Industries (HEI) Charitable Foundation have made a positive impact: “Biki loves the two EV Smart cars donated to us by HEI. Booking about 30 miles each day to check on Biki Bikes and Biki Stops, their compact size makes them perfect for navigating Honolulu’s tight streets in an eco-friendly way.”

Formed in 2016, Drive Electric Hawaii seeks to promote the use of electric vehicles, reduce fossil-fuel-powered transportation, and enable more renewable energy through collaboration on education, promotion, advocacy, and infrastructure to make electric mobility easier for all.

The coalition of public, private, and nonprofit organizations includes Blue Planet Foundation; Hawaiian Electric Companies; Kauai Island Utility Cooperative; Rocky Mountain Institute; Hawaii State Energy Office, Department of Transportation, and Division of Consumer Advocacy; and Ulupono Initiative.

“Many people do not yet realize that driving an electric vehicle can be both economically and environmentally beneficial,” said Brennon Morioka, Hawaiian Electric general manager for electrification of transportation. “About 7,000 Hawaii drivers are already enjoying the smooth and silent drive experience from state-of-the-art technology, a reduced carbon footprint and the financial benefits that come with driving an electric vehicle. Electric vehicle owners are not just leading the future of mobility; they are helping Hawaii on our journey to 100 percent renewable energy.”

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HAWAII GARNERS NATIONAL RECOGNITION FOR INVESTMENT IN ENERGY EFFICIENCY

August 21, 2017

For Immediate Release: August 21, 2017

HONOLULU — A national network of energy efficiency experts recently honored Hawaii with its “Race to the Top Award” for the pioneering work being done by state and county agencies to boost investment in energy efficiency projects that are helping the state meet its clean energy goals.

The nonprofit Energy Services Coalition (ESC) for the sixth consecutive year recognized Hawaii as the nation’s per capita leader in energy performance contracting (EPC), a form of innovative financing for capital improvements that allows government agencies to pay for energy efficiency upgrades with the savings on their utility bills. In addition, the ESC for the second straight year named Hawaii one of its “Energy Stewardship Champions” for achieving infrastructure modernization, environmental stewardship, and economic development through performance contracting.

“The growth of energy performance contracting is making a significant impact on Hawaii’s use of imported fossil fuels while helping diversify our economy by sustaining and creating jobs in the clean tech sector,” said Luis P. Salaveria, director of the State Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism. “I commend the state and county agencies that are executing energy performance contracts, and for playing a leadership role in Hawaii’s clean energy transformation.”

EPC uses the savings from upgrades such as digital controls for energy systems, and lighting, plumbing and air conditioning improvements to repay the cost of the equipment and its installation. The costs are borne by the performance contractor and paid back out of the energy savings. The ESC in its annual “Race to the Top” program ranks the 50 states based on the per capita amount invested in performance contracts for government buildings. Hawaii’s investment of $372.81 per capita in 2017 earned the state a sixth consecutive No. 1 ranking. The national average for EPC investment is $62.72 per capita.

“Using a tool like energy performance contracting to retrofit buildings not only makes them more efficient and comfortable, it delivers meaningful energy cost savings to building owners,” said Carilyn Shon, HSEO administrator. “Furthermore, using energy more efficiently is the fastest, most cost-effective way to pursue Hawaii’s clean energy goals.”

In addition to the Race to the Top honor, Hawaii was one of 12 states that earned the ESC’s Energy Stewardship Champion award for a combination of its political leadership, programmatic design, and the amount of private sector investment in guaranteed energy savings performance contracting (GESPC) in their states.

“GESPC is a financial strategy leveraging guaranteed future energy savings to pay for energy efficiency upgrades today,” said Jim Arwood, ESC Executive Director. “Hawaii has achieved considerable recent success in support of implementing energy efficiency projects in public buildings and infrastructure through the use of a GESPC.”

The Hawaii State Energy Office (HSEO), a division of the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism, accepted the Race to the Top and Energy Stewardship Champion awards during the ESC’s annual conference August 9-11 at the Green Valley Ranch Resort in Henderson, Nevada.

HSEO provides technical assistance to state and country agencies entering into energy performance contracts. The EPC projects vary widely and include office buildings, community colleges, airports, highways, and prisons. In a typical EPC, the building owner contracts with an energy service company to install the energy improvements and guarantee the energy savings over the contract term. The contractor is then paid out of the energy savings and captures the incentives made available by Hawai‘i Energy to promote investment in energy efficiency.

“Hawaii continues to be a national leader in clean energy and energy efficiency,” said Brian Kealoha, executive director of Hawaii Energy. “Since 1996, Hawaii state government agencies have saved, on average, more than 5 million kilowatt hours a year, equating to over $24 million in savings, with the majority of this coming through EPCs. Hawaii Energy has worked with the State Energy Office and state agencies to help them make smart energy choices. Hawaii Energy has rewarded these agencies with over $11 million in incentives for projects such as lighting, air conditioning system efficiency upgrades, and advanced building automation systems to promote investments that ultimately save taxpayers money while helping Hawaii achieve its 100 percent clean energy goal faster.”

Performance contracts signed by state and local government agencies in Hawaii since 1996 include 295 buildings and facilities covering more than 112 million square feet. The savings are the equivalent of powering 388,210 homes for one year.

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About the Energy Services Coalition
ESC is a national nonprofit organization, composed of a network of experts from a wide range of organizations, working together at the state and local levels to increase energy efficiency and building upgrades through energy savings performance contracting.

About Hawaii Energy
Hawaii Energy helps educate island families and businesses about the many, lasting benefits of energy efficiency and conservation. Hawaii Energy encourages and rewards smart energy choices which will allow our state to reach 100 percent clean energy faster and cheaper. To date, Hawaii Energy has collectively saved the people of Hawai‘i more than a billion dollars off their energy bills.

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

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NEW ADMINISTRATOR APPOINTED TO DBEDT’S STATE ENERGY OFFICE

July 21, 2017

For Immediate Release: July 21, 2017

HONOLULU—Carilyn Shon has been appointed administrator of the Hawaii State Energy Office (HSEO), effective July 31.

In her new role, Shon will manage, develop, oversee and implement statewide energy programs, policies, and initiatives that support Hawaii’s clean energy transformation. She has extensive experience in the energy field, most recently serving as Energy Efficiency program manager, for the past 17 years, at HSEO, a division of the state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT).

“Carilyn has considerable experience, having worked on a number of energy programs and projects,” said DBEDT Director Luis P. Salaveria. “She has been with the state energy office for many years, and has a solid understanding of Hawaii’s energy landscape.”

In her current role, as Energy Efficiency program manager Shon is responsible for monitoring and implementing key strategies, including the state’s efforts to reach the mandated Energy Efficiency Portfolio Standards. Her responsibilities also included supporting state and county agencies implementation of performance contracting for accelerated efficiency improvements; updating and promoting the adoption of the energy building code; and ensuring that state energy efficiency, conservation and renewable energy programs comport with state energy policy.

“I’m excited for the opportunity to utilize my experience to advance Hawaii’s clean energy agenda,” said Shon. “The Hawaii State Energy Office has played a significant role in the establishment and advancement of the Hawaii Clean Energy Initiative, and I look forward to creating a clear path toward the state’s 100 percent renewable energy goals.”

Through Shon’s leadership Hawaii has received three National Governors Association (NGA) awards for participation in the Policy Academy on Advanced Energy Strategies for Buildings and the Center for Best Practices, as well as participation in NGA’s workshop on Innovations in Energy Policy. For five consecutive years Hawaii has received national recognition from the Energy Services Coalition’s (ERC) Race to the Top award as the leader in per capita investments achieved in performance contracting. In 2016, ESC also recognized the State of Hawaii as an Energy Stewardship Champion for its “outstanding accomplishments in leveraging Guaranteed Energy Performance Contracting to achieve infrastructure modernization, environmental stewardship and economic development. ESC is a national nonprofit organization of experts working together to increase energy efficiency and building upgrades through energy performance contracting.

Ms. Shon holds a BA in English from the University of Oregon and an MA in English and an M.Ed in Education from the University of Hawaii at Manoa.

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Media Contacts:

Christine Hirasa
Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism
Phone: (808) 587-9006
Mobile: (808) 286-9017
Website: dbedt.hawaii.gov

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HAWAII JOINS SELECT GROUP OF STATES TO REACH ENERGY EFFICIENCY MILESTONE

July 11, 2017

For Immediate Release: July 11, 2017

HONOLULU —Hawaii has surpassed the half-billion-dollar mark for investment in energy performance contracting (EPC), an innovative financing tool that allows government agencies to achieve significant savings from the installation of energy, water and operational efficiency projects without having to pay capital expenses up front. With $504.3 million in signed energy performance contracts to date, Hawaii becomes just the seventh state nationally to eclipse the half-billion-dollar threshold for EPC investment.

Buildings account for approximately 40 percent of total U.S. energy consumption and carbon dioxide emissions. By making buildings more energy efficient through retrofits and upgrades government agencies can significantly reduce energy use and negative environmental impacts. EPC also allows government agencies to enjoy the benefits of new high-efficiency lighting, cooling and other equipment without incurring any of the upfront costs while bringing improved working environments to personnel. The $504.3 million of energy performance contracts put in place since 1996 will save the state an estimated $1.2 billion in electricity costs over the life of the contracts.

“State and county agencies, which are some of Hawaii’s largest energy consumers, are demonstrating how energy performance contracting can reduce electricity consumption and help us achieve our clean energy goals cost effectively,” said Luis Salaveria, director of the State Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism. “In addition, reducing the amount the government spends on energy allows us to make better use of taxpayer dollars for other critical programs,” he added.

“Hawaii has long been the national leader for its investment in performance contracting projects on a per capita basis. But now they have joined a handful of states in the exclusive half-billion dollar club for total investment in energy saving projects,” said Jim Arwood, executive director of the Energy Services Coalition. “Other members include the states of Washington, Ohio, Kentucky, North Carolina, Colorado and Massachusetts.”

The Hawaii State Energy Office (HSEO), a division of DBEDT, provides technical assistance to state and country agencies entering into energy performance contracts. The EPC projects vary widely and include office buildings, community colleges, airports, highways, and prisons. In a typical EPC, the building owner contracts with an energy service company to install the energy improvements and guarantee the energy savings over the contract term. The contractor is then paid out of the energy savings and captures the incentives made available by Hawaii Energy to promote investment in energy efficiency.

“The Hawaii State Energy Office has been instrumental in the success of EPC for government facilities in Hawaii,” said Brian Kealoha, executive director of Hawaii Energy. “The ability to finance energy efficiency upgrades over time without any upfront cost while incorporating the incentives from Hawaii Energy removes a critical barrier in moving forward with EPC projects and brings our state that much closer to reaching its 100 percent clean energy goal.”

Hawaii’s commitment to energy performance contracting has made it the national EPC leader on a per capita basis for five consecutive years. Hawaii’s investment of $370.74 per capita is well ahead of second place Washington with investment of $191.67 per capita. The national average is $60.78 per capita. Performance contracts signed by state and local government agencies in Hawaii since 1996 include 295 buildings and facilities covering more than 112 million square feet. The savings are the equivalent of powering 388,210 homes for one year.

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About Hawaii Energy
Hawaii Energy helps educate island families and businesses about the many, lasting benefits of energy efficiency and conservation. Hawaii Energy encourages and rewards smart energy choices which will allow our state to reach 100 percent clean energy faster and cheaper. To date, we have collectively saved the people of Hawaii more than a billion dollars off their energy bills. Let Hawaii Energy be your trusted energy advisor to help save you money and protect what makes Hawaii so special.

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