Category: News Releases

HAWAII FIRST IN NATION TO RECEIVE MITSUBISHI’S FIRST ALL-ELECTRIC VEHICLE MADE FOR NORTH AMERICAN CONSUMERS

December 12, 2011

For Immediate Release: December 12, 2011

HONOLULU – Governor Neil Abercrombie, Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc., (MMNA), and Cutter Mitsubishi of Aiea hosted a ceremony today at the State Capitol whereby government and private sector leaders gathered as Bryson and Bridget Nishimura of Waipahu took delivery of Mitsubishi Motor’s first 100 percent electric vehicle made for North America, the 2012 Mitsubishi i. The ceremony was the culmination of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) that Governor Abercrombie and MMNA President and CEO Yoichi Yokozawa signed on June 3, 2011 to formalize cooperation on statewide electric vehicle (EV) and EV infrastructure development and deployment. Delivery of the vehicle represents a critical leap forward as Hawaii works towards its goal of reducing petroleum use in ground vehicles by 70 percent within 19 years.

“With the cost of gas still on the rise, these vehicles offer our consumers an option that will be cost-effective in the long run, and at the same time allows our state to reach its energy independence goals,” Governor Neil Abercrombie stated. “In Hawaii, our climate and energy priorities make us best suited for these types of vehicles.”

As part of the agreement with MMNA, the State of Hawaii agreed to work towards improving its existing infrastructure in preparation for widespread conversion to EVs like the Japanese manufacturer’s all-electric Mitsubishi i. The state also agreed that it would pursue and implement strategies to support consumer incentives that aid in the purchase of EVs, and foster an ecosystem that includes deployment, marketing, promotion and sales of the vehicles.

“The State of Hawaii is definitely one of the leaders in North America when it comes to the acceptance of vehicles that are 100 percent electric,” stated MMNA Executive Vice President Masatoshi Hasegawa. “The state has taken its agreement with our company very seriously, and has made great strides in preparing its infrastructure so that businesses and consumers can enjoy these vehicles on a grand scale.”

Delivery of the first Mitsubishi i to a customer in Hawaii fulfills part of the company’s commitment to the state. Moving forward, Mitsubishi Motors will continue providing information and recommendations on strategies to support EV ownership in Hawaii, including standards for EV charging infrastructure.

“This day marks a significant milestone in our effort to attract emerging businesses and business models related to EV development and deployment,” said Richard Lim, Director, State Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism. “As electric vehicles become more mainstream, so will technologies that accompany them, including those that aid in the storage of energy generated through renewable sources such as wind turbines, bioenergy or solar photovoltaic systems. All viable options are needed as we work towards our goal of 70 percent clean energy by 2030.”

Hawaii’s clean energy goal is one of the most aggressive in the world, and has become a major catalyst for new business growth and innovation in the state. With at least 66 renewable energy projects in various stages of development in the queue, Hawaii is fast becoming a major player in the global clean energy economy.

The City and County of Honolulu and Hawaii Electric are among the first fleet customers to take advantage of the reduced operating costs, high efficiency and environmental benefits provided by adding the Mitsubishi i to their respective fleets. Vehicle deliveries will occur later in the month.

For Hawaii residents interested in vehicles like the Mitsubishi i, the state is offering a clean energy rebate of $4,500 toward the purchase of such vehicles. That, coupled with a federal tax credit of $7,500, subject to availability of funding, reduces the i’s out-of-pocket cost to under $16,000 after rebates and credits.

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For more information, contact:

Mark B. Glick
State Energy Administrator
Phone: (808) 587-3812

Lois Hamaguchi
Energy Analyst
Phone: (808) 587-9006

Christine Jew
Mitsubishi Motors
Phone: (714) 372-6326

GOVERNOR ABERCROMBIE SIGNS MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING FOR JAPAN-U.S. SMART GRID DEMONSTRATION PROJECT

November 22, 2011

For Immediate Release: November 22, 2011

HONOLULU – State government and energy officials joined Governor Neil Abercrombie and Japan-based New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO) President Hideo Hato at the State Capitol today as the two leaders signed a memorandum of understanding to memorialize ongoing efforts between the State of Hawaii and NEDO. NEDO is an arm of Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry. They are set to build a first-of-its-kind smart grid demonstration project on the Island of Maui. The multi-million dollar project is aimed at improving integration of variable renewable resources, such as solar and wind power, and preparing the electric system for widespread adoption of electric vehicles.

“Anticipation for this project has been building for quite some time, and now it is official,” stated Governor Neil Abercrombie. “Hawaii’s clean energy industry has shown significant year-to-year growth, and it is becoming a strong driver in our economy. This project will invest $37 million in the development of advanced smart grid technology and will further position Hawaii as an international leader in the clean energy space, serving as a hot spot for global investment and research and development.”

The project is part of the Hawaii-Okinawa Partnership on Clean and Efficient Energy Development and Deployment, which was signed by the U.S. Department of Energy, Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan, State of Hawaii and Prefecture of Okinawa in June 2010. The partnership is intended to foster the development of clean and energy efficient technologies needed to solve global energy security and climate change challenges. Japan and the United States designated Hawaii and Okinawa as the representatives for this groundbreaking partnership due to their demonstrated leadership and experience in clean energy and energy efficiency.

“It is our great pleasure to be provided a special opportunity to work along with Hawaii in a cutting-edge smart grid project under the Japan-U.S. Clean Energy Policy,” said President Hato of NEDO. “Such mutual collaboration will contribute to a breakthrough toward a solution needed by both countries, expansion of renewable energy and integration of grid networks. We hope that this project will provide a model for island grids in the Asia-Pacific region and across the globe.”

Hawaii’s clean energy goal is one of the most aggressive in the world, and has become a major catalyst for new business growth and innovation in the state. With at least 66 renewable energy projects in various stages of development in the queue, Hawaii is fast becoming a major player in the global clean energy economy. The fact that Hawaii is the perfect test bed for renewable energy has also contributed greatly to the state’s success. Surrounded by the Pacific Ocean, blessed with year-round sun, consistent trade winds, and home to one of the earth’s most active volcanoes, Hawaii is one of the few places in the world capable of harnessing solar, wind, geothermal and ocean thermal energy – all within a 200-mile span.

“The Maui smart grid demonstration project will elevate Hawaii’s position in the global clean energy marketplace and reaffirm our position as an energy test bed in the Pacific,” said Richard Lim, Director, State Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism. With significant renewable energy already in place, Maui is the perfect location for the project, which is designed to establish a model to integrate clean energy in a smart grid system. More specifically, the project will develop and install smart utility system controls in the Kihei area on Maui to improve the integration of photovoltaics and electric vehicles. Advanced electric vehicle charging management systems will enable utility operators to better balance generation and power demand while accepting larger amounts of solar and wind power.

The project’s contractors, Hitachi, Ltd., Cyber Defense Institute, Inc. and Mizuho Corporate Bank, Ltd., will cooperate with the State of Hawaii, the Hawaiian Electric Company, the University of Hawaii and the United States National Laboratories.

Installation of the smart grid technology is expected to begin in late 2012, with the project becoming operational in 2013. The demonstration project is scheduled to run from 2013-2015.

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For more information, contact:

Mark B. Glick
State Energy Administrator
Phone: (808) 587-3812

Lois Hamaguchi
Energy Analyst
Phone: (808) 587-9006

Mr. Onodera
NEDO Representative
Phone: +1-408-567-8033

GOVERNOR ABERCROMBIE SECURES AGREEMENT WITH CHINA FOR CLEAN ENERGY DEVELOPMENT

November 14, 2011

For Immediate Release: November 14, 2011

Honolulu – Governor Neil Abercrombie last night signed an agreement with Mr. Yu Ping, Vice Chairman of the China Council for Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT), to pursue mutual interests in clean energy development. The Letter of Intent was signed by both parties just hours after the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Hawaii-China CEO Forum “Transforming to Clean Energy.”

“We set out to do business with China and I believe this past weekend, we’ve accomplished a first step in moving towards a direction of mutual economic growth in the area of clean energy,” said Governor Abercrombie. “Mr. Ping was very excited to enter into an agreement in which the state of Hawaii and China will pursue clean energy business projects in the near future.”

Governor Abercrombie began courting Chinese businesses last month when he visited Beijing. Yesterday, the Governor hosted members of the CCPIT and Chinese APEC delegates at Washington Place along with state lawmakers and local business leaders. Attendees were treated to local cuisine, music and hula, and were provided information about local energy business ventures.

The gathering was followed by a two-hour Hawaii-CEO forum called, “Transforming to Clean Energy” held in the House Chambers and hosted by House of Representatives Speaker Calvin Say. Participants included the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism’s State Energy Office, CCPIT, U.S. Pacific Command, Bestsun Energy Group and state lawmakers.

The Letter of Intent signed by Governor Abercrombie and CCPIT cites “there was invoked a spirit of collaboration between China and Hawaii on clean energy development efforts, as passionately presented by esteemed panelists from Hawaii and China.” The next step for both parties is to collaborate on a more defined memorandum of understanding by March 30, 2012.

“This weekend has advanced our collaboration with China and the U.S. Department of Energy,” said Governor Abercrombie. “We all recognize the need for lessening our dependence on fossil fuels and there is also recognition that energy projects present economic growth opportunities.”

On Saturday, two dozen government and private leaders working on achieving Hawaii’s clean energy goals participated in the roundtable discussion at the Governor’s office. Leading the roundtable was U.S. Department of Energy Secretary Steven Chu, U.S. Senator Daniel K. Inouye, and Governor Abercrombie. Subjects ranged from operations of renewable energy, to continued smart grid advancements, biofuel development, and the necessity of an inter-island cable.

At the meeting Secretary Chu expressed great interest in the State’s current energy initiatives noting that Hawaii is “the perfect test-bed.”

“As we compete in the global marketplace for the clean energy jobs of tomorrow, we need to continue to invest in the technologies that will create jobs here in Hawaii and ensure American companies remain competitive,” stated Secretary Chu.

Currently, the state and the U.S. Department of Energy have partnered on The Hawaii Clean Energy Initiative which is focused on implementing actions to reduce Hawaii’s dependence of fossil fuel oil by 70 percent by 2030.

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For more information, contact:

Donalyn Dela Cruz
Press Secretary
(808) 586-0012
https://hawaii.gov/gov

HAWAII-CHINA CEO FORUM CONVENED AT STATE CAPITOL

November 13, 2011

For Immediate Release: November 13, 2011

HONOLULU – The State House of Representatives, Hawaii Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism (DBEDT) and China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT) today hosted nearly 350 CEOs of Chinese and Hawaii companies as they discussed energy transformation initiatives and projects. The Hawaii- China CEO Forum focused on the critical decisions that government and business leaders will face in the coming decades to address expanding energy needs, including renewable energy options, clean energy infrastructure and prospects for clean energy cooperation between Hawaii and China.

Keynote speakers included Governor Neil Abercrombie. House Speaker Calvin Say, Senator J. Kalani English, DBEDT Director Richard Lim, CCPIT Deputy Director General Han Meiqing, Dr. George Kailiwai of U.S. Pacific Command, and Wang Donghai, Chairman, Bestsun Energy Group.

“Hawaii’s clean energy goal is one of the most aggressive in the world, and has become a
major catalyst for new business growth and innovation in the state,” stated Governor Neil Abercrombie. “With more than 66 renewable energy projects in various stages of development in the pipeline, Hawaii is fast becoming a major player in the global clean energy economy. Our experience and understanding of both the clean energy economy and Asia-Pacific market makes Hawaii a great place to do business.”

In addition to information sharing regarding emerging clean energy technologies, project opportunities and best practices, particular emphasis was placed on China’s outbound investment strategies China will spend an estimated $1.54 trillion on clean energy projects over the next 15 years. China Investment Corporation, a $300 billion-asset-holding state wealth fund, is investing heavily in Chinese clean-energy companies and foreign operators with projects in China. Similarly, the China Energy Conservation Investment Corporation, a state holding company, invests in energy conservation, pollution control and renewable energy private sector projects.

“Merger and acquisition activity in the clean energy sector is a growing phenomenon in China,” said CCPIT Deputy Director General Han Meiqing. “Chinese companies are looking to capitalize on foreign technology and expertise, and that means the door is open for U.S. companies to take on bigger roles in China. With that, Hawaii is strategically positioned, both geographically and philosophically, to play a significant leadership role in the Asia-Pacific region.”

Mergers and acquisitions in the clean energy sector in China amounted to $2.126 billion in 2010; roughly 60 percent of the renewable energy sector deals that took place in the Asia- Pacific region last year. “China is currently the world leader in clean energy investments, and Hawaii is fast becoming the prime location to test, deploy and scale-up renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies and processes,” said Mark Glick, administrator of DBEDT’s State Energy Office. “It makes good sense that we continue to broaden and deepen our clean energy partnership with China. Doing so will help further position Hawaii as a global leader when it comes to the business of clean energy.”

Progress on the clean energy agenda was one of the top U.S. priorities for the APEC summit, along with reducing regulatory barriers to trade and strengthening overall trade and investment ties throughout the region.

For more information on Hawaii’s clean energy progress, visit www.energy.hawaii.gov.

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For more information, contact:

Mark B. Glick
State Energy Administrator
Phone: (808) 587-3812

Lois Hamaguchi
Energy Analyst
Phone: (808) 587-9006

COMMITMENT TO NATIONAL AND STATE ENERGY GOALS SHARED AT ROUNDTABLE WITH U.S. SECRETARY OF ENERGY STEVEN CHU, U.S. SENATOR DANIEL INOUYE, AND GOVERNOR NEIL ABERCROMBIE

November 12, 2011

For Immediate Release: November 12, 2011

Honolulu – U.S. Department of Energy Secretary Energy Steven Chu, U.S. Senator Daniel Inouye and Governor Neil Abercrombie this afternoon led a roundtable discussion to further the clean energy initiatives between the State of Hawaii and the federal government.

“The Obama Administration and Governor Abercrombie share a commitment to promoting the use of locally-produced, clean renewable energy,” said Secretary Chu. “As we compete in the global marketplace for the clean energy jobs of tomorrow, we need to continue to invest in the technologies that will create jobs here in Hawaii and ensure American companies remain competitive. I look forward to continuing and growing the strong partnership between the Department of Energy and the State of Hawaii.”

About two dozen government and private leaders working on achieving Hawaii’s clean energy goals participated in the roundtable discussion. Subjects ranged from operationalizing of renewable energy, to continued smart grid advancements, biofuel development, and the necessity of an inter-island cable.

“Hawaii is a natural alternative energy test-bed due in large part to the many partnerships we enjoy,” said Senator Inouye. “The U.S. Departments of Energy and Defense are active and valued partners to assist in the rapid deployment of renewable energy technology to reduce our dependency on fossil fuels. We must have the political will to stay the course not just for us but for the next generation. It is time to take our test-bed to the next level.”

Governor Abercrombie added, “The partnership we have with the federal government is a key ingredient in reaching the goals we have as an island state. In reaching these goals, we are not only protecting ourselves from the volatility of outside fossil fuel markets, but are setting standards for the rest of country and the world in the application of clean energy technologies.”

The Hawaii Clean Energy Initiative is a partnership between the state and the U.S. Department of Energy to implement actions to reduce Hawaii’s dependence of fossil fuel oil by 70 percent by 2030.

Secretary Chu is in Honolulu attending the APEC leaders’ week conference. He is charged with helping implement President Obama’s ambitious agenda to invest in clean energy, reduce our dependence on foreign oil, address the global climate crisis and create millions of new jobs. He is a distinguished scientist and the co-winner of the Nobel Prize for Physics (1997). Prior to his appointment, Dr. Chu served as the director of the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.

Today’s roundtable discussion fostered a stronger relationship in moving Hawaii closer to reaching its renewable energy goals. In closing, Secretary Chu expressed great interest in the State’s current energy initiatives stating, “This is very exciting. Hawaii is the perfect test-bed for us.”

Participants included:

Steven Chu, Secretary, U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)
Daniel K. Inouye, U.S. Senator
Neil Abercrombie, Governor
Brian Schatz, Lt. Governor
Jennifer Sabas – U.S. Senator Inouye Chief of Staff
George Kailiwai – PACOM Director of Resources & Assessment Directorate
Richard Carlin – Office of Naval Research, Head, Sea Warfare & Weapons Department
Ross Roley – Senior Military Analyst, PACOM Energy Office,
Joelle Simonpietre – CMDR, PACOM J81, Innovation & Experimentation Energy Team
Steve Lindenberg – DOE, Senior Advisor, Renewable Energy
Jim Spaeth – DOE, Senior Advisor, Pacific Region Office
Richard Lim – Director, Hawaii Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism
Tom Quinn – Director, Hawaii Center for Advance Transportation Technologies
Mark Glick – Administrator, Hawaii State Energy Office
MRC Greenwood – University of Hawaii (UH), President
Jim Gaines – UH, Vice President for Research
Rick Rocheleau – UH, Director, Hawaii Natural Energy Institute
Don Thomas – UH, Director, Center for Study of Active Volcanoes
Andy Hashimoto – UH, Former Dean, College of Tropical Agriculture & HR
Hermina Morita – Hawaii Public Utilities Commission, Chair
Mike Champley – Hawaii Public Utilities Commission, Commissioner
Robbie Alm – Hawaiian Electric Company, Executive Vice President
Colton Ching – Hawaiian Electric Company, Vice President, System Operation & Planning
Edward Reinhardt – Maui Electric Company, President
Joel Matsunaga – Hawaii BioEnergy, Chief Operating Officer
Chris Benjamin – Hawaiian Commercial & Sugar Co. (Maui)
Darren Kimura – Sopogy, President & Chief Operating Officer
Dan O’Connell – HNU Photonics, Chief Operating Officer
Jim Rekoske – Honeywell, Vice President of Renewable Energy
Barry Mizuno – Puna Geothermal Venture, Consultant
Maurice Kaya – Hawaii Renewable Energy Development Venture, Project Director

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For more information, contact:

Donalyn Dela Cruz
Press Secretary
(808) 586-0012
https://hawaii.gov/gov

HAWAII STATE CAPITOL BUILDING TRIMS MORE ENERGY USE DURING EPA’S ENERGY STAR NATIONAL BUILDING COMPETITION

November 2, 2011

For Immediate Release: November 2, 2011

HONOLULU– Employees at the Hawaii State Capitol Building cut back another 32,000 kilowatt hours, saving an additional $2,400 in electricity during the ENERGY STAR National Building Competition: Battle of the Buildings that began on May 2, 2011 and ended on August 31, 2011. The Capitol Building entered the competition with an Energy Star score of 86, which meant it already ranked in the top 15% of similar buildings nationwide. By the end of the competition, it reduced its greenhouse gas emissions by 31 metric tons of CO2 equivalent, while improving its Energy Star score to 87.

The Battle of the Buildings award, however, went to a parking garage on the main campus of the University of Central Florida, which reduced its energy use by 63 percent.

“We were already reducing energy use at the Capitol when we entered the competition, so our results are not as dramatic,” said Mark Glick, Administrator, Department of Business and Economic Development Tourism’s (DBEDT) State Energy Office. “EPA’s competition helped to get the State employees involved with our iConserve and Lead by Example energy saving programs, so it was a great opportunity for us. Occupant participation is an essential part in meeting our long-term energy conservation goals and we are excited by the commitment we’ve seen.”

The State Capitol Building was featured as one of the success stories on EPA’s National Building Competition website at the halfway point of the competition for its unique efforts to engage the building’s occupants.

Even before the EPA competition, the Department of Accounting and General Services (DAGS), which manages over 50 State facilities, instituted a number of energy-saving projects at the State Capitol and other public buildings. Between fiscal years 2008 and 2009, energy use at the Capitol dropped 11.1% and last year, the State saved $20 million in energy bills due to efficiency and conservation efforts. Since that time, there continues to be additional improvements for further energy reduction.

Energy use in commercial buildings accounts for nearly 20 percent of total U.S. greenhouse gas emissions at a cost of more than $100 billion per year.

In its second year, the EPA competition featured teams from 245 buildings across the country in a head-to-head battle to save energy, reduce costs, and protect Americans’ health and their environment. The competitors together saved more than 240 million kBtus of energy and $5.2 million on utility bills annually. The competitors also prevented greenhouse gas emissions equal to the electricity used by more than 3,600 homes per year. The building with the largest percent-reduction in energy use, adjusted for weather and the size of the building, was the winner.

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

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

DBEDT LAUNCHES INNOVATIVE GREENSUN HAWAII PROGRAM FOR ENERGY EFFICIENCY FINANCING

October 26, 2011

For Immediate Release: October 26, 2011

HONOLULU –The State of Hawaii Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism (DBEDT) and Hawaii Community Reinvestment Corporation (HCRC) today announced the launch of GreenSun Hawaii, an innovative energy financing credit enhancement program made available through a Recovery Act grant from the U.S. Department of Energy.

In partnership with approved Hawaii-based solar contractors, the program enables customers to apply for financing for solar water heating and other energy-efficient equipment with up to three participating lenders of their choice through an easy-to-use online application. The improvements will reduce overall energy consumption and ultimately, yield significant cost savings to property owners. GreenSun Hawaii loans will feature longer terms and lower interest rates than loans offered outside of the program. The goal is to provide financing options that will result in lower monthly payments in comparison to the customers’ current utility bills.

“GreenSun is a great example on how we are leveraging federal funds to put money in local people’s pockets,” said Governor Neil Abercrombie. “This $2.69 million investment can grow to millions in loans that will lower the state’s consumption of imported oil and free up consumer dollars through energy savings. It helps our people, it protects our aina, and it contributes to our local economy.”

GreenSun Hawaii is intended to stimulate affordable private lending for energy efficiency and renewable energy installations by covering part of a lender’s risk. It is anticipated that a number of financial institutions will participate in the program and extend financing with competitive terms and rates to a larger pool of customers. Structured as a long-term public-private partnership, the GreenSun Hawaii program is capable of leveraging $2.691 million in federal funds into $98.5 million in clean energy loans over the next 15 years.

“It’s a major step in fulfilling the Governor’s New Day plan to further energy independence,” said DBEDT Director Richard Lim. “The GreenSun Hawaii loans program will increase the ability of participants to qualify and afford the upfront costs of energy efficiency improvements, which will pay for themselves through energy savings for many years to come.

Capitalized with $2.691 million in federal funds, GreenSun Hawaii provides partner financial institutions access to a loan loss reserve which may cover between 10 to 100 percent of defaults on eligible energy efficiency and renewal energy system financing. For every loan that is approved under the GreenSun Hawaii program, HCRC will deposit between four to fourteen percent into a reserve account to be made available to the lender in the event of a default. As loans are repaid, the funds will be reinvested into new clean energy loans.

“Because of state and federal tax rebates, Hawaii has the most solar water heaters and is second in solar electric installations in the country. Now, we can make these and other energy- saving technologies available to more people, especially those who have not been able to afford upfront costs,” said Mark Glick, Administrator of DBEDT’s State Energy Office. “The rebates are available only after spending the money on the equipment, but GreenSun financing take it a step further by allowing more residents and businesses to buy the equipment, save on their electric bills, and help us get to our goal of 70% clean energy by 2030.”

“GreenSun Hawaii aims to afford everyone (residential and non-residential property owners) in Hawaii the opportunity to take advantage of the abundant solar power that exists throughout our islands,” said Gwen Yamamoto Lau, president of HCRC. “With $4 billion annually flowing out of Hawaii to meet our energy needs, it’s important that we find innovative ways to increase our energy efficiency while saving money, both individually and collectively.”

Lenders and contractors who want to participate in the GreenSun Hawaii program are encouraged to contact HCRC. Currently, participating lenders and authorized contractors include:
Lenders:
o Hawaii National Bank
o Aloha Pacific Federal Credit Union
o Hawaii USA Federal Credit Union
o IEG Federal Credit Union
o Kauai Community Federal Credit Union
o Maui County Federal Credit Union
o NAVFAC Federal Credit Union
o The Queen’s Federal Credit Union
o Wailuku Federal Credit Union

Contractors
o C & J Solar Solutions, LLC
o EnergyPro Hawaii
o Kumukit / Hawaii Energy Connection
o Maui Pacific Solar, Inc.
o PhotonWorks Engineering, LLP
o Renewable Energy Services, Inc.
o RevoluSun
o Sunetric

Dr. Tawn Keeney, owner of the Honokaa People’s Theater, which is one of the oldest and largest theatres in Hawaii, is one of the first recipients of the GreenSun Hawaii program. “With the financial help from The Queen’s Federal Credit Union and the installation of the solar electric (photovoltaic) equipment by Renewable Energy Services, Inc., GreenSun Hawaii has allowed me to achieve my goal to making the theater more sustainable,” said Dr. Keeney. “With this program, we will be able to reduce our operating expenses while having tangible positive environmental impacts in our community such as avoiding an estimated 720,000 lbs. of CO2 and reducing the use of 11,688 gallons of oil, which can be used over the life of the system. What’s interesting is that this amount is equivalent to planting 1,736 trees.”

For more information about GreenSun Hawaii, including loan application and solar contractor and financial institution listings, please visit: www.greensunhawaii.com.

About Hawaii Community Reinvestment Corporation
Hawaii Community Reinvestment Corporation (HCRC) is a community-based non-profit 501(c)3 organization founded in 1990 to facilitate affordable housing, community development and economic development statewide. Designated as a Community Development Financial Institution, Community Development Entity and Certified Development Company, HCRC provides below market, long-term fixed rate financing for multi-family rental projects and SBA 504 loans to small business owners.

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For more information, contact:

Mark B. Glick
State Energy Administrator
Phone: (808) 587-3812

Lois Hamaguchi
Energy Analyst
Phone: (808) 587-9006

Gwen Yamamoto Lau
President, HCRC
Phone: (808) 532-3113

RISE PROGRAM TRAINS WORKERS FOR ENERGY, CLIMATE CHANGE, SUSTAINABILITY CAREERS

October 20, 2011

For Immediate Release: October 20, 2011

HONOLULU – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the State of Hawaii Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism (DBEDT) announced seven new graduates, masters and college students will intern with a wide variety of environmental projects for DBEDT’s State Energy Office, Honolulu Board of Water Supply, and the State Department of Health.

The interns, who were selected for the EPA’s “Rewarding Internships in Sustainable Employment” (RISE) program, will be working to expand the Hawaii Green Business Program, a partnership between DBEDT, Department of Health, the Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii, the City and County Recycling Office and Honolulu Board of Water Supply. RISE is committed to help build the capacity of Hawaii’s workforce to move the State toward a more sustainable future. The Hawaii Green Business Program recognizes hotels/resorts, office/retail, restaurant/food service, and government organizations that have committed to going beyond compliance and reducing their impact on the environment. To date, 52 businesses and organizations in Hawaii have been recognized by this initiative.

The interns will be assisting in increasing the number of businesses and government organizations to implement green measures in the areas of energy, water, and resource conservation and pollution prevention. In addition, the interns will be working on other related projects such as green building projects, landscape irrigation issues, and recycling programs.

“Building a clean energy economy is a State priority, and we must have a work force that is trained and ready for green business jobs,” said Mark Glick, administrator of DBEDT’s State Energy Office. “Our incoming RISE interns have diverse backgrounds and with on-the-job exposure and training. We selected these highly qualified students from a number of applicants and will be working with them to expand their qualifications and expertise to contribute to the State’s goal of 70 percent clean energy within one generation.”

State Dept. of Business, Economic Development and Tourism interns:
• Chris Barzman, a Master’s Candidate in Global Leadership and Sustainable Development at Hawaii Pacific University emphasizing in Sustainable Tourism Systems.
• Chris Gore, a recent Environmental Policy and Science and Business Administration graduate from McDaniel College.
• Jacqueline Lum, a recent Environmental Engineering graduate from University of California at Merced.

Honolulu Board of Water Supply interns:
• Davide Giardini, a recent Environmental Science and Economics graduate from Roger Williams University.
• Kapiolani Street, a current Civil Engineering (Environmental track) and Anthropology student at the University of Hawaii at Manoa.

State Department of Health interns:
• Tyson Kanzaki, a current Master of Environmental Engineering student from Umwelt-Campus in Birkenfeld, Germany.
• Brian Wilson, a current Master of Global Leadership and Sustainable Development student at Hawaii Pacific University, graduate from New England School of Law.

The Rewarding Internships in Sustainable Employment (RISE) is an internship program developed to provide college students and recent graduates in Hawaii with paid work experiences with different public and private organizations in the State. RISE is committed to help build the capacity of Hawaii’s workforce to move the State toward a more sustainable future. In addition to the seven new interns, there are 13 other RISE interns working at Dept. of Education, Department of Health, Honolulu Clean Cities on a variety of renewable and energy efficiency projects.

RISE is a collaborative effort of a number of organizations, including DBEDT, Department of Education, Department of Health, University of Hawaii, Kupu, Honolulu Clean Cities, and the Environmental Protection Agency. RISE provides job training opportunities, as well as an engaging Sustainability Seminar Series. The seminars are intended to provide sustainability training, project specific trainings and workshops, a speaker series, volunteer opportunities, community outreach events, and field trips in order to engage the interns in different sustainability projects in Hawaii.

“The experiences gained by the interns will provide the cornerstone for the sustainable green workforce in Hawaii,” said Asia Yeary, EPA’s project coordinator. “They will be pioneers leading the way for the many exciting and challenging green industries and jobs, leading to a more sustainable environment and a cleaner environment.”

Additional RISE intern projects will begin throughout the year. For additional information on RISE, contact Marguerite Harden at [email protected] if you are interested in funding, hiring or becoming a RISE intern.

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 green jobs, efficiency measures, renewable energy resources, transportation initiatives, and investments in Hawaii’s economy. For more information, visit www.energy.hawaii.gov

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For more information, contact:

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

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

MARK GLICK APPOINTED ENERGY ADMINISTRATOR OF DBEDT’S STATE ENERGY OFFICE

October 17, 2011

For Immediate Release: October 17, 2011

HONOLULU—Mark Glick has been appointed administrator of the State Energy Office of the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism (DBEDT) to manage, develop, oversee and implement statewide energy programs, policies, and initiatives that support the State’s clean energy objectives. Glick was appointed to the post after managing DBEDT’s $9.5 million Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant and advising the Hawaii Economic Development Task Force created by The Food and Energy Security Act.

“Mark’s pioneering work in clean energy policy and project management, environmental stewardship, finance and federal and state grant acquisition will be valuable in building a clean energy economy for Hawaii,” said DBEDT Director Richard Lim. “I’m confident that his commitment and drive will energize our efforts to create green initiatives and jobs for Hawaii.”

Prior to joining DBEDT, Glick headed operations and economic development for the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, where he was the architect of changes to increase the productivity of the agency’s 17-year-old low-interest financing program. Glick also led efforts to help Hawaii businesses secure more federal and state contracts with the establishment of the Hawaii Procurement Technical Assistance Center.

Glick was at the forefront of establishing alternative fuel policies and programs as senior advisor to the Texas Land Commissioner from 1987 to 1991, when he played a decisive role in passage of landmark amendments to the Texas Clean Air Act and similar amendments to the federal Clean Air Act. He also owned a small business focused on reducing air pollution in urban areas, and securing contracts and grants for clean fuel and emissions reductions projects from the U.S. Department of Energy, the Gas Research Institute, Southern California Gas Company, Pacific Gas & Electric and the New York City Department of Transportation in Los Angeles, Boston, San Francisco and New York City.

The State of Hawaii’s most important economic enterprise is to build a clean energy economy and reach 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 policies that lead to green jobs and investments in Hawaii’s economy. While we are saving energy and dollars through energy efficiency measures, we are also contributing to protecting our environment and moving towards a clean energy future. For more information, visit www.energy.hawaii.gov.

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For more information, contact:

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

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

HAWAII TO HOST 3RD ANNUAL ASIA PACIFIC CLEAN ENERGY SUMMIT AND EXPO SEPTEMBER 12-15

August 9, 2011

For Immediate Release: August 9, 2011

HONOLULU–Leaders and experts at the forefront of the global clean energy movement will be convening at the Hawaii Convention Center for the 3rd Annual Asia Pacific Clean Energy Summit and Expo, to be hosted by the State of Hawaii on September 12-15 in Honolulu. An estimated 1,200 industry and government participants from more than 20 countries will attend the conference, which aims to enable exchanges of ideas and partnership opportunities with global corporations, start-ups, investors, policy makers, and utilities involved in clean energy transformation.

“Hawa‘i is hosting this international symposium because, as an island state that must import most of our fuel, energy independence is among our most important economic enterprises,” said Estrella Seese, acting energy program administrator of the DBEDT’s Energy Office, organizer of the Summit and Expo. “Hawaii‘s goal to achieve 70% clean energy by 2030 is ambitious, and we are making strides toward that goal by expanding economic activity, entrepreneurship, and public/private participation. We look forward to sharing experiences, discovering solutions and collaborating with experts and policy makers from around the world.”

“Hawaii is an ideal location to test and demonstrate clean energy and efficiency initiatives. As one of the world’s leading incubators of clean technology development, it is the perfect place for the Asia Pacific Clean Energy Summit,” said Patricia Glaza, executive director of Clean Technology and Sustainable Industries Organization (CTSI), a national organization established to advance the commercialization and adoption of clean technologies and sustainable industry practices. CTSI is co-sponsoring the Summit.

To showcase global best practices and new business opportunities, the Summit program will open with a plenary address from Governor Neil Abercrombie and venture capitalist and energy and security expert R. James Woolsey. Woolsey, former director of the Central Intelligence Agency, is now chair of a Washington D.C. based private equity fund specializing in energy and security issues. He serves on the National Commission on Energy Policy.

Panel discussions will focus on accelerating the use of various renewable energy resources such as biomass, wind, solar, hydroelectric, ocean thermal, geothermal, and waste-to-energy; financing and incentivizing energy efficiency; and developing public policies, resources, and workforce training programs to build a clean energy industry.

This year’s program is offering a full conference track on the U.S. Department of Defense’s clean energy programs. Representatives from the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines will be presenting key military initiatives, technology priorities, and practical guidance on developing partnerships and contracts. CTSI is also coordinating a new technology identification program focused on bringing innovative military-targeted clean energy solutions.

The Summit’s Expo will offer exhibits, services and the latest energy technologies. Summit co-sponsors include the University of Hawaii, Hawaiian Electric Company, Lockheed Martin, AECOM, Phycal, Sempra Generation, Aerovironment, General Atomics, SAIC, ALSTOM, FirstWind, GM, The Gas Company, Pacific Biodiesel, etc.

Special rates are available for Hawaii-based attendees, government, and academic representatives. For registration and program information, go to www.asiapacificcleanenergy.com.

The State of Hawaii’s most important economic enterprise is to build a clean energy economy and reach 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 policies that lead to green jobs and investments in Hawaii’s economy. While we are saving energy and dollars through energy efficiency measures, we are also contributing to protecting our environment and moving towards a clean energy future. For more information, visit www.hawaii.gov/dbedt/energy.

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For more information, contact:

Estrella Seese
Acting Energy Program Administrator
DBEDT’s State Energy Office
Phone: (808) 586-2352

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