Category: News Releases

ENERGY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT MEASURES BECOME LAW

June 27, 2012

For Immediate Release: June 27, 2012

HONOLULU – Governor Neil Abercrombie today signed into law bills that are aimed to move Hawai’i forward in reducing its dependence on imported oil. Two of the measures enacted today are Senate Bills 2785 and 2787, which were among the Governor’s priority bills this past session.

“I want to thank the Legislature for recognizing the commitment that is needed to act now to move ahead with renewable energy projects that will benefit the State of Hawaii,” stated Governor Abercrombie. “These measures are critical in addressing our sustainability. We must view our islands as interdependent and remain open to all renewable projects. My Administration is seeking long-term infrastructure investments that ensure our electric grids are stable, reliable and modern enough to integrate all available alternative and renewable energy technologies.”

Senate Bill 2787 authorizes the Public Utilities Commission to develop, adopt and enforce reliability standards and interconnection requirements, as well as contract for the performance of related duties with a party that will serve as the Hawaii electricity reliability administrator.

Senate Bill 2785 establishes a regulatory structure for the installation and implementation of an interisland high-voltage electric transmission cable system and for the construction of on-island transmission infrastructure.

In January, Governor Abercrombie announced the State will look at every option while being respectful to its approach to our island environment. The Governor assigned Lt. Governor Brian Schatz to coordinate and support the State’s energy priorities and to ensure that the state stays the course.

“These two new laws push us forward with the Governor’s plan for clean energy,” said Lt. Governor Schatz. “We are now leading the nation in this area, and although there’s lots of work ahead, we are on the path to reducing our dependence on imported oil.”

The Governor also signed into law SB 2150 and SB 2746. SB 2150 allows renewable energy systems on land designated for agriculture when the energy is used for the agricultural activity of that parcel. This will help further our clean energy goals while helping farmers implement more sustainable operations. SB 2746 authorizes the Department of Transportation to adopt rules for the issuance of license plates for electric vehicles and clarifies the conditions under which electric vehicles are exempt from parking fees.

Governor Abercrombie also enacted the following bills related to economic development:

SB 490 increases the maximum allocation of transient accommodations tax revenue to the tourism special fund from $69 million to $71 million until June 30, 2015; it also requires $2 million to be expended until June 30, 2015, for initiatives for international tourism.

SB 2281 authorizes an agency or an applicant to bypass the preparation of an environmental assessment and proceed directly with an environmental impact statement for proposed actions that are determined to require an environmental impact statement.

HB 2319 establishes a venture accelerator funding program under the Hawaii Strategic Development Corporation to assist the State’s technology businesses to compete for investment capital.

HB 2265 makes permanent the amendments made by Act 175, Session Laws of Hawaii 2009. It requires performance and payment bonds for procurements for construction greater than $50,000 and raises the ceiling for small purchase procurement for construction from $100,000 to $250,000.

HB 2873 transfers the Pacific International Space Center for Exploration Systems (PISCES) from the University of Hawaii to the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism’s Office of Aerospace Development, and establishes a PISCES board of directors and appropriates funds.

“The economic vitality of our State requires out-of-the-box approaches,” stated Governor Abercrombie. “These measures related to economic development allow for greater opportunities for Hawaii as a prime business location.”

Richard Lim, director of the Department of Business of Economic Development and Tourism, said, “These laws demonstrate the Abercrombie Administration’s commitment to positioning Hawaii as an international leader in renewable energy and business development.”

Governor Abercrombie has enacted more than 160 bills. Tomorrow the Governor will be signing into law a measure that will establish the Early Learning Advisory Board, another priority bill. For a list of the bills signed into law so far, visit capitol.hawaii.gov.

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For more information contact:

Donalyn Dela Cruz
Deputy Director of Communications
(808) 586-0012
https://hawaii.gov/gov

LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR ARRIVE IN KOREA

April 18, 2012

For Immediate Release: April 18, 2012

SEOUL, KOREA – Lt. Governor Brian Schatz met with key South Korean industrial leaders who reaffirmed their commitment to pursue an advanced Smart Grid development project in Hawaii.

On Wednesday, Lt. Governor Schatz sat down with representatives of the Republic of Korea’s Ministry of Knowledge and Economy (MKE), who said they hoped to finalize a collaboration agreement with the state in the next few months.

“Although our energy sources are different, we are both committed to reducing our dependence on foreign fossil fuels, but need to make some breakthroughs on our electricity system,” Lt. Governor Schatz said.

“By sharing information and collaborating, we can attract capital to Hawaii and allow our clean energy goals to become a reality.”

In February, Gov. Neil Abercombie and MKE Director Kyu-Chong Choi signed a letter of intent to pursue mutual interests in Smart Grid developments in the islands. MKE and its Korea Smart Grid Institute (KSGI) have been at the forefront of the Korea Smart Grid Roadmap, South Korea’s plan to develop and implement a nationwide smart grid by 2030.

The MKE and KSGI are currently leading more than 170 South Korean companies in the development and deployment of the Jeju Island Test Bed, a planned 6,000 household smart grid community demonstration project in South Korea, with investments totaling more than $240 million.

According to Schatz, the Korean government and its private companies are interested inHawaii because of its high penetration of clean, intermittent energy on a relatively small grid.

On Thursday, Lt. Gov. Schatz will tour the Jeju Island Test Bed and will visit the nearby Undersea Power Cable Site developed by LS Cable.

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Media Contact:
Rick Daysog
Chief Communications Officer
State Energy Office, DBEDT
(808) 587-9006

LT. GOVERNOR SCHATZ TRAVELS TO JAPAN AND KOREA FOR CLEAN ENERGY TALKS

April 13, 2012

For Immediate Release: April 13, 2012

HONOLULU–Securing Hawaii’s clean energy future and expanding the state’s green economy will be the central theme of Lt. Governor Brian Schatz’s April 14-21 trip to Japan and South Korea.

Building on the momentum of last year’s Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit, Lt. Governor Schatz will meet with Japanese and South Korean industrial leaders during his seven-day trip to discuss existing clean energy partnerships in Hawaii and ways to bolster those ventures.

“Through our strategic alliances with Japan, Korea and others, Hawaii has become a leading incubator for the global clean energy industry,” said Lt. Governor Schatz.

“It’s important to build on these relationships and move to the next level of deploying utility-scale renewable projects to help Hawaii reach its goal of becoming 70 percent energy independent by 2030.”

Last year, Governor Neil Abercrombie and officials from Japan’s New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO) signed a memorandum of understanding that formalized the $37 million Smart Grid Demonstration Project on the island of Maui.

In February, Governor Abercrombie signed a letter of intent with officials from Republic of Korea’s Ministry of Knowledge Economy (MKE) to pursue a joint smart grid demonstration project in the islands.

In Tokyo, Lt. Governor Schatz will meet with NEDO and Ministry of Economy, Trade & Industry (METI) officials to discuss the Maui Smart Grid and other Hawaii projects. He also will meet with the President of the Japan Red Cross, Tadateru Konoe, and former APEC Ambassador Kurt Tong, who now serves as Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy in Japan.

Executives from Hitachi Ltd. also will brief the Lieutenant Governor on the progress of the Maui Smart Grid project.

In Seoul, Lt. Governor Schatz will meet with MKE officials and executives with Hyundai Motor Co. and LS Cable, one of the world’s foremost undersea cable companies.

The Lieutenant Governor will also travel to Jeju Island off the southern coast of Korea to meet with Korea Smart Grid Institute representatives. The Korean government selected the island for the Jeju Smart Grid Testbed, which is the country’s leading testing site for smart grid technologies.

Lt. Governor Schatz will return to Honolulu on Saturday.

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Media Contact:
Rick Daysog
Chief Communications Officer
State Energy Office, DBEDT
(808) 587-9006

BUSINESSES, STATE, AND MAUI COUNTY EARN HAWAII GREEN BUSINESS AWARDS

March 30, 2012

For Immediate Release: March 30, 2012

HONOLULU – A hotel that uses seawater for its cooling system, a theme restaurant that uses recycled construction materials in its flooring and a Big Island brewery that gets nearly half of its electricity from solar panels are among 15 companies and government agencies recognized today by Governor Neil Abercrombie at the annual “Hawaii Green Business Awards” ceremony.

“The state of Hawaii, Maui County and local businesses are leading by example, demonstrating that investing in energy efficiency, in recycling, and in preserving natural resources protects the environment and makes good business sense,” said Governor Neil Abercrombie. “By reducing the electricity and water they use and waste, these private and public sector innovators are helping our state reach the goal of 70 percent clean energy by 2030.”

This year’s awardees include a broad collection of local businesses and local government agencies, including hotels, architecture and engineering firms, Maui’s water utility, and a company that makes gourmet gelato. They are Hard Rock Café Waikiki : The theme restaurant, which is pursuing a prestigious Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) gold designation from the U.S. Green Building Council, uses recycled tile and bottle glass in its flooring and employs ultra‐efficient, Energy Star‐certified kitchen equipment, and LED lighting.

The Kahala Hotel and Resort: The Kahala Hotel and Resort cuts its energy costs by using seawater pumped from deep water wells to cool its chillers . The hotel also uses Energy Star-rated equipment, light sensors, low ceiling fans, and low‐flow showers and faucets to further cut energy and water usage.

Ferraro Choi and Associates: Ferraro Choi and Associates’ Ala Moana headquarters is one of the few offices in Hawaii to obtain the prestigious LEED Platinum designation. A state‐of‐the-art energy management system helped the company to operate 25 percent below a code compliant baseline and allows the firm to calculate its own carbon footprint on a daily basis.

Hau`oli Mau Loa Foundation: Another LEED Platinum designee, the Hau`oli Mau Loa Foundation’s downtown office uses translucent partitions and light reflective shelves to reduce energy usage. The foundation cut water use by 43 percent by installing low‐flow fixtures and by implementing green cleaning practices.

Kona Brewing Co.’s Kona Pub & Brewery: The Big Island brewery uses a solar photovoltaic system for 48 percent of its energy needs. The company also recycles the water that collects as condensation in its air conditioning system to irrigate plants, and saves over 53,000 gallons a year.

Kilauea Lakeside Estate: The Kilauea Lakeside Estate on Kauai gets almost all of its electricity from a solar photovoltaic system and produces nearly zero waste. The resort’s green waste is composted into mulch for botanical gardens, fruit orchards, and vegetable and herb gardens.

Marriott’s Maui Ocean Club: Marriott’s Maui Ocean Club recycles most of its construction and electronic waste and donates all HI‐5 recyclables to local high schools. Motion sensor light switches, and low‐flow water fixtures and toilets sharply reduce the resort’s water and energy usage.

Il Gelato Hawaii: The local gelato maker reuses its large tubs used to deliver its products, sparing Oahu’s landfills over 12,000 containers each year. The fast‐growing company was able to control its gasoline costs by improving the scheduling of its delivery and pick‐up routes.

Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort and Spa: As part of a $13 million facelift to the third floor level of the Energy Star labeled Waikiki hotel, Hyatt Regency opted to use recycled glass planters and drought tolerant plants to help save more than 4.7 million gallons of water a year.

Central Pacific Plaza: The downtown high‐rise, which has earned the Energy Star designation for the past eight years, has reduced its energy usage by an average of 25 percent a year. The building’s water retrofits have saved over 2.7 million gallons since 2003.

Holiday Inn Waikiki Beachcomber Hotel: As an Energy Star‐rated building, the Waikiki Beachcomber installed variable speed chillers and other energy efficiency measures, reducing energy use by over 20 percent, equivalent to 4,000kWh per day. An upgraded cooling tower saves more than 624,000 gallons of water each year.

The Ritz‐Carlton Kapalua Maui Resort and Luxury Hotel: By investing in computerized moisture sensing devices with its irrigation system and modifying irrigation schedules, the Ritz Carlton Kapalua sharply reduced its water usage. The hotel also installed LED lighting in public areas and adjusted hot water heater settings to cut energy use.

Honeywell Utility Solutions: Through the Hawaii Energy “Go Green” program, Honeywell helps Hawaii consumers qualify for incentives for installing solar water heaters or make other energy efficiency measures. At its own local offices, the company provided subsidized bus passes to employees, eliminated the use of all plastic utensils, and buys only recycled paper products.

County of Maui Water Resource and Planning Division: Water conservation awareness is a cornerstone of the utility’s marketing campaigns. By installing more efficient toilet fixtures and flow restrictors at its faucets, Maui’s Water Resources and Planning Division is leading by example. Since the retrofits were implemented, the division has cut water usage by 56 percent, or roughly 133 gallons a day.

The Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism and the Department of Accounting and General Services: As the state pursues LEED certification for the State Office Tower building downtown, high‐efficiency lighting, lighting sensors, low‐flush toilets, and low-flow faucets were installed. The savings were: 36,270 gallons of water a year and 100,000 kWh of electricity.

The Hawaii Green Business Awards Program is a partnership between the Hawaii State Department of Health, DBEDT, the Honolulu Board of Water Supply, the City and County of Honolulu’s Environmental Services Recycling Office, and the Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii. The program encourages businesses and organizations to implement efficiency measures and share information and support each other in operating in an environmentally sustainable manner.

For more information, visit: https://energy.hawaii.gov/programs/achieving-efficiency/greenbusiness- program/hgbp-awardees or contact DBEDT program coordinators Gail Suzuki‐Jones or Jonathan Chin, at [email protected] (808) 587‐3802 or [email protected] (808) 587‐2676.

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For more information, contact:

Richard Lim
Director, DBEDT
Phone: (808) 586-2355

Rick Daysog
Communications Officer
Phone: (808) 587-9006

STATE ELECTRIC VEHICLE PROGRAM HITS MILESTONE

March 29, 2012

For Immediate Release: March 29, 2012

HONOLULU – The state Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism has announced the installation of more than 200 new electric vehicle charging stations at over 80 locations statewide, placing Hawaii in the national forefront for the deployment of public charging stations.

The new stations, made possible by $2.6 million in federal stimulus funding, will also include six fast-charging units that allow owners of Nissan Leafs, Mitsubishi I-MiEV and other plug-in EVs to re-charge their vehicles in less than 30 minutes.

By providing easy access at local parking garages, shopping centers, hotels and other attractions, the new chargers are helping Hawaii meet the demands of its growing electric vehicle market, reduce electric vehicle owners’ range anxiety when driving over long distances and will help reduce the state’s dependence on foreign oil.

“This makes owning an EV in Hawaii a real option for regular folks. We are now the leader in charging stations per person and this will create a market for clean cars,” said Lt. Governor Brian Schatz.

Details of the new charging equipment are among the highlights of this week’s First Hawaiian International Auto Show at the Hawaii Convention Center.

The new, publicly accessible chargers are being installed by private companies, Kauai County and the City and County of Honolulu, which were awarded more than $2.6 million last year by DBEDT’s EV Ready Grant Program. The developers include:

• AeroVironment, a leader in the EV industry, which is 75 charging stations in the islands. The Monrovia, Calif.-based company, which began working in Hawaii about a decade ago, also plans to install six, 480-volt fast charging stations around the state;
• Better Place, another global pioneer in the EV space, launched its Hawaii  Charge Spots in February. The Palo Alto-based company now has about 140 charging stations on Oahu, Maui, Kauai and the Big Island in operation;
• GreenCar Hawaii now has two chargers in Waikiki and plans to install others on Kauai;
• The City and County of Honolulu also plans to deploy eight chargers at several city parking facilities, including the Honolulu Zoo and Neal Blaisdell Center; and,
• Kauai County, which now has five stations online.

The nation’s EV structure is a fast-changing market that continues to develop rapidly around the country. But when you include the new 200 charger stations, Hawaii becomes the nation’s leader on a per-capita basis for public EV charging availability. The state will have one charging station for every 5,500 residents.

Oregon, which has the next highest ratio, has one charger for every 10,000 residents, followed by Washington where ratio is one charger for every 11,800 residents, according to figures provided by the U.S. Energy Department.

Launched in March 2011, DBEDT’s EV Ready Grant Program, is part of the Transportation Energy Diversification Project, which is supported by funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).

The grant program complements the state’s EV Ready Rebate Program, which provides state incentives of up to $4,500 toward the purchase of new EVs and up to $500 for EV charging equipment.

A list of the publicly available EV charging stations in Hawaii can be found on the Charging Station Database at the State Energy Office’s website. (See: electricvehicle.hawaii.gov.)

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For more information, contact:

Mark Glick
Energy Program Administrator
DBEDT’s State Energy Office
Phone: (808) 587-3812

Rick Daysog
Communications Officer
DBEDT’s State Energy Office
Phone: (808) 587-9006

STATE REINVESTS IN ELECTRIC VEHICLE REBATE PROGRAM

March 13, 2012

For Immediate Release: March 13, 2012

HONOLULU – With the increase in demand for electrical vehicles, the state of Hawaii is re-charging its highly successful EV Ready Rebate Program with an additional $350,000 for rebates on new electric or plug-in hybrid electric vehicles and chargers. The state has also extended the deadline for the rebates from March 31 to Nov. 1, 2012.

“Expanding the EV Ready Rebate Program not only helps consumers today, it provides a long-term solution as we work towards reaching energy independence,” said Mark Glick, Energy Program Administrator for the Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism’s State Energy Office. “The widespread adoption of EVs is critical if we are to reach the Hawaii Clean Energy Initiative goal of displacing 385 million gallons of oil for ground transportation fuel by 2030. With the cost of gas persisting above $4 per gallon, these vehicles offer a cost-effective, long-term solution.”

Since March 2011, a total of 618 rebates have been approved for 372 electric vehicles and 246 chargers, leaving the state rebate program with about $37,000. The new funding will increase the available total to $387,000.

Through the Hawaii Electric Vehicle (EV) Ready Program, state residents can apply for rebates of up to $4,500 on purchases of electric vehicles and up to $500 for electric vehicles chargers. In addition to the state EV rebates, federal tax incentives of up to $7,500 (the Qualified Plug-in Electric Drive Motor Vehicle credit) are also available for highway-capable vehicles. This provides for the potential of up to $12,500 in rebates and tax credits for each electric car buyer.

The state rebates are available on a first-come, first-served basis and will run through the Nov. 1 deadline or while funds last, whichever comes first. Rebate forms can be obtained from DBEDT’s State Energy Office Web site at www.energy.hawaii.gov.

The EV Ready Program is funded by Federal stimulus funds administered by DBEDT. By April 2012, approximately 220 charging stations, at roughly 100 sites across all counties, will be installed as part of the EV Ready Grant Program. Some chargers will have the capacity to charge more than one vehicle at a time. A listing of publicly available EV charging stations in Hawaii can be found on the Hawaii Charging Station Database, which is available on DBEDT’s State Energy Office Web site.

DBEDT’s Hawaii Electric Vehicle EV Ready Program has also provided $2.6 million in grants for the systematic installation of electric vehicle chargers across the state; public education and outreach including an EV Ready Guidebook; introduction of EVs to rental car and county fleets; car-sharing services within the hospitality industry; and an online permitting system for charger installations at single-family residences on Oahu.

The State of Hawaii’s economic enterprise is to pursue energy independence by building a clean energy economy and reaching 70 percent clean energy by 2030. The DBEDT State Energy Office’s mission is to act as a catalyst for efficiency measures, renewable energy resources, transportation initiatives, green jobs, and investments in Hawaii’s economy. For more information, visit www.energy.hawaii.gov.

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For more information, contact:

Mark Glick
Energy Program Administrator
DBEDT’s State Energy Office
Phone: (808) 587-3812

Rick Daysog
Communications Officer
DBEDT’s State Energy Office
Phone: (808) 587-9006

GOVERNOR ABERCROMBIE SECURES AGREEMENT WITH REPUBLIC OF KOREA FOR SMART GRID DEVELOPMENT

February 3, 2012

For Immediate Release: February 3, 2012

Honolulu – Government officials and private sector leaders today joined Governor Neil Abercrombie and Choi Kyu-Chong, Director of the Electricity Market and Smart Grid Division at the Republic of Korea Ministry of Knowledge Economy (MKE), at the Hawaii State Capitol as the two leaders signed a letter of intent to pursue mutual interests in smart grid development in the Hawaiian Islands.

“We are delighted that the Republic of Korea has seen the value of partnering with Hawaii on a mutually beneficial smart grid development project,” said Governor Abercrombie. “Partnerships like this show the world just how serious Hawaii is about our commitment to building a leading clean energy economy through clean energy demonstration and implementation. We are building an energy legacy for our state that will benefit the people of Hawaii for generations.”

Both Korea and the United States, specifically Hawaii, have been conducting a number of relevant smart grid demonstration projects. Korea and State of Hawaii recognize that it would be mutually beneficial to collaborate on smart grid research, development and demonstration projects in conjunction with public/private partners from Korea, Hawaii and elsewhere in the United States.

“The Republic of Korea and the State of Hawaii both share the common goals of clean energy and energy independence,” said Director Choi Kyu-Chong. “The language that we share is that of green growth, independence and prosperity. Through the development of advanced energy technologies, including smart grid, we can sustain and prosper.”

MKE and its Korea Smart Grid Institute (KSGI) have been at the forefront of the Korea Smart Grid Roadmap, South Korea’s plan to develop and implement a nationwide smart grid by 2030. The MKE and KSGI are currently leading more than 170 South Korean companies in the development and deployment of the Jeju Island Test Bed, a planned 6,000 household smart grid community demonstration project in South Korea, with investments totaling more than $240 million between 2009 and 2013. KSGI is also currently implementing a joint Korea-State of Illinois project to install energy-saving equipment in at least four Chicago buildings with investments of more than $35 million by companies such as LG Electronics and KT Corporation (formerly known as Korea Telecom).

The goal of the partnership between Korea and Hawaii is to develop a memorandum of understanding for a project in Hawaii similar to those mentioned above. Such a partnership would help both partners achieve the mutual goals of smart grid development and deployment, which ultimately improves energy efficiency and promotes economic growth.

“The state currently has approximately 80 renewable energy projects in various stages of development in the queue,” added state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism Director Richard Lim. “Building a smart grid system will help us manage the power that is generated by renewable resources, which means more projects can come to fruition. That translates into more jobs for our local economy.”

The next step outlined in the letter of intent is for both parties to collaborate on a more defined memorandum of understanding by October 31, 2012, which will describe the project partners, scope, location and resource contributions.

This project is in addition to another smart grid demonstration project that is currently taking place on Maui, which was brought forward through an agreement with Japan-based New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO) in November of 2011.

For more information, visit www.energy.hawaii.gov.

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Media Contacts:

Donalyn Dela Cruz
Deputy Director of Communications
Office of the Governor
(808) 586-0012

Kathy Yim
Energy Analyst
State Energy Office, DBEDT
(808) 587-9003

Mark Glick
Energy Program Administrator
State Energy Office, DBEDT
(808) 587-3812

STATE EXTENDS ELECTRIC VEHICLE REBATE PROGRAM

January 30, 2012

For Immediate Release: January 30, 2012

HONOLULU – The State of Hawaii is re-energizing its successful EV Ready Rebate Program with an additional $150,000 and has extended the deadline for rebates on new electric or plug-in hybrid electric vehicles and chargers from January 31 to March 31, 2012.

Funding is available on a first-come, first-served basis, and will run through the deadline or while funds are available, whichever comes first. The State anticipates an increase in consumer demand for new electric vehicles this year.

From early January 2011 to mid-January of this year, 528 rebates have been approved for 318 electric vehicles and 210 chargers, with $153,999 remaining in funding as of January 23. The additional funds increase the available total to $303,999. Rebate forms are available on the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism’s (DBEDT) State Energy Office website at electricvehicle.hawaii.gov. The Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs will continue administering the EV Ready Rebate Program.

“The State of Hawaii is definitely becoming a national leader when it comes to the acceptance of vehicles that are 100 percent electric,” said Mark Glick, Energy Program Administrator for the DBEDT’s State Energy Office. “With the cost of gas still on the rise, these vehicles offer consumers a cost-effective, long-term advantage. Expanding the EV Ready Rebate Program not only helps consumers today, but it will help our State in the long run as we work to reach our energy independence goals.”

Hawaii residents can apply for State rebates of up to $4,500 on purchases of electric vehicles and up to $500 for electric vehicle chargers through the Hawaii Electric Vehicle (EV) Ready Program. In addition to the State EV rebates, federal tax incentives of up to $7,500 are also available for highway-capable vehicles (the Qualified Plug-in Electric Drive Motor Vehicle credit, which applies to at least 200,000 units per auto manufacturer before it phases out). This allows for the potential of up to $12,500 in rebates and tax credits for an individual.

Many electric vehicle manufacturers are continuing to choose Hawaii as an ideal location for many reasons, including:
• Consumers’ high level of enthusiasm to adopt electric transportation. Hawaii has the largest number of reservations per capita in the country for the Nissan LEAF.
• Favorable electricity time-of-use EV charging rates from electric utility companies.
• Moderate climate, limited driving distances and a strong tourism industry are ideal for EV utilization.

“EV enthusiasts in Hawaii have rewarded automakers for rolling out their new electric vehicles in the islands,” stated Dave Rolf, Executive Director of the Hawaii Automobile Dealers Association. “The highest per capita U.S. market embrace of the Nissan LEAF was in Hawaii this past year. The State’s addition of $150,000 in Hawaii state tax rebates for consumers purchasing EVs will help keep the momentum on this important transition to renewable fuels.”

The EV Ready Program is funded by Federal stimulus funds administered by DBEDT. By April 2012, approximately 210 charging stations, at roughly 140 sites across all counties, will be installed as part of the EV Ready Grant Program. Some chargers will have the capacity to charge more than one vehicle at a time.

A listing of publicly available EV charging stations in Hawaii can be found on the Hawaii Charging Station Database. This database is frequently updated as private and public organizations add charging stations across Hawaii and as requests to post information are received. The database is available on DBEDT’s State Energy Office website at electricvehicle.hawaii.gov.

The EV Ready Grant and Rebate Programs are part of the Transportation Energy Diversification Project, which is supported by funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). These funds are directed for use in the Hawaii State Energy Program through the U.S. Department of Energy.

DBEDT’s Hawaii Electric Vehicle EV Ready Program has also provided $2.6 million in grants for the systematic installation of electric vehicle chargers across the State; public education and outreach including an EV Ready Guidebook; introduction of EVs to rental car and county fleets; car-sharing services within the hospitality industry; and an online permitting system for charger installations at single-family residences on Oahu.

The State of Hawaii’s economic enterprise is to pursue energy independence by building a clean energy economy and reaching 70 percent clean energy by 2030. The DBEDT State Energy Office’s mission is to act as a catalyst for efficiency measures, renewable energy resources, transportation initiatives, green jobs, and investments in Hawaii’s economy. For more information, visit www.energy.hawaii.gov.

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For more information, contact:

Mark Glick
Energy Program Administrator
DBEDT’s State Energy Office
Phone: (808) 587-3812

Kathy Yim
Energy Analyst
DBEDT’s State Energy Office
Phone: (808) 587-9003

HAWAII LEADS NATION IN ENERGY SAVINGS PERFORMANCE INVESTMENT PER CAPITA

December 29, 2011

For Immediate Release: December 29, 2011

HONOLULU – Hawaii is ranked No. 1 in the United States for investment in energy savings performance contracting (ESPC) for public buildings per capita, according to a ranking published by the Energy Services Coalition, a national nonprofit network working at the state and local level to increase energy efficiency through building upgrades. Hawaii’s overall conservation investment exceeds $150 million.

ESPC uses guaranteed future energy and water utility bill savings to pay for the up-front capital costs of facility improvements. In Hawaii, the State Energy Office has been providing technical assistance on performance contracting to state agencies and the counties, upon request, since 1996.

“This is exactly the type of investment what will propel the State of Hawaii toward our goal of 70 percent clean energy by 2030,” said Governor Neil Abercrombie. “Energy savings performance contracting projects combined with other ambitious clean energy programs – such as the aggressive expansion of photovoltaic use at public school facilities – will further our state’s energy independence and provide a strong catalyst for job growth.”

From 1996 to 2008, ESPC projects by the State of Hawaii Executive Branch, University of Hawaii at Hilo, state Judiciary, local hospitals, City and County of Honolulu, and the counties of Hawaii and Kauai totaled $68,218,183. In 2009, an additional investment exceeding $33,900,000 for Phase I of a state Department of Accounting and General Services (DAGS) ESPC project brought the total for Hawaii to over $100 million.

This year, the state Department of Public Safety (PSD), with DAGS as overall manager, and the University of Hawaii Community Colleges (UHCC) initiated projects of $25,511,264 and $32,802,833, respectively, bringing the total investment to more than $159 million (or $117 per capita).

The PSD project covers more than 569,000 square feet at the high and medium security sections at the Halawa Correctional Facility (HCF) and the Laumaka Work Furlough Center at the Oahu Community Correctional Center (OCCC). Work includes energy and water efficiency retrofits and improvements to operations and maintenance with annual savings of $2.3 million over the 20-year term of the project.

The UHCC project covers four campuses on Oahu with upgrades in lighting and heating, ventilation and air conditioning equipment and is expected to generate savings of $4.5 million annually over the 20-year term of the project.

The state is moving forward on other Energy Savings Performance Contracting projects to further increase energy efficiency and reduce costs at state government buildings and facilities. DAGS issued an invitation for proposal (IFP) for a Phase II ESPC for 28 buildings; the Hawaii Public Housing Authority is finalizing agreements for a 789-building project; and the state Department of Transportation, with the Airports Division taking the lead, issued an IFP for ESPC for 15 airports, five harbors, and highways facilities throughout the state.

“We are growing a sustainable economy and transforming government through performance contracting and by mobilizing and leveraging investment in high-impact energy efficiency projects for public and private buildings,” said Mark Glick, administrator, DBEDT’s State Energy Office.

The State of Hawaii’s most important economic enterprise is to pursue energy independence by building a clean energy economy and reaching 70 percent clean energy by 2030. The DBEDT State Energy Office’s mission is to act as a catalyst for creating efficiency measures, renewable energy resources, transportation initiatives and progressive policy that lead to green jobs and investments in Hawaii’s economy. For more information, visit www.hawaii.gov/dbedt/energy.

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For more information, contact:

Mark Glick
Energy Program Administrator
DBEDT’s State Energy Office
Phone: (808) 587-3812

Lois Hamaguchi
Energy Analyst
DBEDT’s State Energy Office
Phone: (808) 587-9006

GOVERNOR ANNOUNCES PLANS TO POWER PUBLIC SCHOOLS WITH SOLAR ENERGY

December 13, 2011

For Immediate Release: December 13, 2011

HONOLULU – Governor Neil Abercrombie and Schools Superintendent Kathryn Matayoshi today announced that the state Department of Education (DOE) is working to significantly reduce the cost of school operations and, as a first step, has awarded a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) contract to install photovoltaic (PV) systems at 15 Kauai schools. Under the agreement, the installation of the PVs at the schools will be completed at no cost to the state.

“What better place to set the example of changing the way we approach our energy needs and usage than in our schools,” said Governor Abercrombie. “It demonstrates to the leaders of tomorrow that we are taking proactive steps now to address our state’s disproportionate dependence on oil.

“This administration will continue to streamline costs while staying on the path of reducing our dependence on fossil fuels. By lowering operating costs such as energy, we can focus state resources on student achievement and effective teaching,” he said.

Superintendent Matayoshi added, “The state Department of Education is committed to utilizing clean, renewable energy sources and finding ways to strategically reduce the cost of school operations. Over the next decade, the DOE plans to aggressively expand its photovoltaic project statewide to all schools.”

DOE awarded a PPA contract to Hawaii Pacific Solar, LLC, for installation of PV systems at no cost to the following Kauai schools: Eleele Elementary; Hanalei Elementary; Chiefess Kamakahelei Middle; Kalaheo Elementary; Kapaa Elementary; Kapaa High; Kapaa Middle; Kauai High; Kekaha Elementary; Kilauea Elementary; King Kaumualii Elementary; Koloa Elementary; Waimea Canyon Elementary; Waimea High; and Wilcox Elementary.

The PV installation at these schools will begin in January and is expected to be completed by summer 2014. Once the solar panels are operational, the DOE will purchase power at a rate of about 16.9 cents per kilowatt hour. This rate will rise to 28 cents per kilowatt hour over the course of the 20-year contract period. The DOE will save an estimated $30 million over the life of the project, taking into account a projected 3 percent yearly increase in commercial electricity rates.

Based on current Kauai Island Utility Cooperative circuit capacity, the new 2.4 megawatt system will generate 4 million kilowatt hours of electrical power per year equal to 60 percent of the 6.6 million kilowatt hours used by Kauai DOE schools annually. The DOE will reduce its dependency on oil imports by more than 6,414 barrels and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by 6,081,390 pounds annually.

By entering into a PPA, the state will receive solar power without any up-front costs, and the third-party providers will be afforded a mechanism to claim tax credits. In 1997, Act 96 established a photovoltaic pilot program to set up solar PV installations in each county. According to the act, solar PV installations would generate adequate energy savings to be self-sufficient. The DOE’s PPA agreement achieves the purpose and goals of Act 96.

The DOE also announced that a pilot PPA project on Oahu, involving four high schools (Aiea High, Kahuku High and Intermediate, Kaimuki High and Waianae High), is underway and expected to be completed in 2012.

The administration is working towards fulfilling Hawaii Clean Energy Initiative’s goal of 70 percent clean energy by 2030, through energy efficiency and the development and implementation of renewable energy sources.

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For more information, contact:

Donalyn Dela Cruz
Deputy Director of Communications
(808) 586-0012
https://hawaii.gov/gov