Category: News Releases

HAWAII’S STATE CAPITOL BUILDING CELEBRATES SAVINGS AT THE MIDPOINT OF EPA’S ENERGY STAR NATIONAL BUILDING COMPETITION

July 28, 2011

For Immediate Release: July 28, 2011

HONOLULU – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) ENERGY STAR program marked the midpoint of the 2011 National Building Competition: Battle of the Buildings by releasing a list of Top Contenders for each building category as well as the progress of all participants in the competition. The State Capitol building was named a finalist in the Office building category.

Teams from 245 buildings around the country are going head-to-head in this year’s ENERGY STAR National Building Competition to see who can reduce their energy use the most. In the first six months of the competition alone, the competitors together have saved more than $3.7 million on utility bills and reduced greenhouse gas emissions equal to the electricity used by 2,300 homes annually.

As part of DBEDT’s Lead by Example energy efficiency program, state departments reduced total electric consumption by 2.8 percent from 2009 and saved more than $20 million in energy costs statewide.

“We encourage the public to continue their energy efficiency practices as each of us can contribute to reduce our consumption of imported oil,” said Estrella Seese, Acting Energy Program Administrator, State Energy Office. “We’ve received strong support from EPA’s ENERGY STAR program and look forward to even greater success in the remaining months of the competition.”

As of the midpoint of the competition, the State Capitol building has reduced its energy use through a variety of strategies, including mechanical, lighting, and plumbing upgrades, efficient operations, and an occupant behavior change campaign.

In 2007, the Energy Star Portfolio Manager score for the State Capitol Building was 57 with an Energy Usage Intensity (EUI) of 237.4 kBtu/sq. ft., meaning that the building was average in comparison to similar buildings nationwide. At present, the State Capitol Building has an Energy Star Portfolio Manager score of 86, meaning it qualifies for the Energy Star Building designation and ranks in the top 15% of similar buildings nationwide. The current EUI is 183.3 kBtu/Sq. Ft.

“Competitors in the second year of the ENERGY STAR Battle of the Buildings are already achieving energy-savings that really pack a punch,” said EPA Assistant Administrator for Air and Radiation, Gina McCarthy. “The stories behind these energy-savings speak to the dedication of American businesses and organizations to protecting the environment and public health, and to economic common sense.”

The competition includes 26 different types of commercial buildings across 33 states and the District of Columbia. Competitors measure and track their building’s monthly energy consumption using EPA’s ENERGY STAR online energy tracking tool, Portfolio Manager. The building with the largest percentage reduction in energy use, adjusted for weather and the size of the building, will be recognized as the winner in November. The competitors exchange ideas and strategies through various social media applications, including a live Twitter feed and a Facebook forum. Information about all competitors, including photos and facts about each along with energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions data, is available on the competition website.

ENERGY STAR was started by EPA in 1992 as a market-based partnership to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through energy efficiency. Today, the ENERGY STAR label can be found on more than 60 different kinds of products as well as new homes and commercial and industrial buildings that meet strict energy-efficiency specifications set by EPA. Last year alone, Americans, with the help of ENERGY STAR, saved about $18 billion on their energy bills while preventing greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to the annual emissions of 33 million vehicles.

List of Top Contenders and complete midpoint results for all competitors: https://www.energystar.gov/BattleOfTheBuildings For additional information please go to https://www.facebook.com/pages/Hawaii-State-Capitol-Building/181937041856016 or https://www.noresco.com/hi/.

The State of Hawaii’s most important economic enterprise is to pursue energy independence by building a clean energy economy and reaching 70% 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:

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

FIRST PUBLIC ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGER AT THE STATE CAPITOL

July 27, 2011

For Immediate Release: July 27, 2011

HONOLULU – Governor Neil Abercrombie today unveiled the first electric vehicle charger at the State Capitol, located in the building’s underground parking garage. The charging station, which accepts major credit cards and requires no membership, is available to all electric vehicle owners and is the first of many charging stations to be installed across the state as part of the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism’s (DBEDT) EV Ready Program.

At the State Capitol, it will cost EV drivers $2 an hour to charge, with a maximum of four hours. Charging times vary depending on the range of the car, but generally an hour of charging provides about 15 miles of range.

“Our vision for the future is that it becomes more common and accessible for people to drive electric vehicles,” Governor Abercrombie said. “The first public charging station for electric vehicles is a step toward a clean energy future, and every single step is important.”

Through this program, the state is supporting the transformation of Hawaii’s transportation sector to be less dependent on petroleum and becoming electric vehicle friendly by installing approximately five charging stations at State owned buildings downtown and adding a small fleet of electric vehicles to the State motor pool. In June, the State received its first electric vehicles, two Nissan all-electric Leafs. The Hawaii State Energy Office and state motor pool currently have the vehicles.

Honolulu-based Volta Industries installed the Eaton Corporation charger equipped with a credit card- swipe system, at the State Capitol. The charger is a Level 2, 240-volt station, using the industry-standard J1772 connector, which is compatible with all new electric cars currently in production. The cost of the charger unit and installation was approximately $8,000.

In 2009, $4 million of the State Energy Program’s American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) stimulus funding was allocated to the Transportation Energy Diversification EV Ready Program. DBEDT provided $475,500 of federal ARRA stimulus funds to the Department of Accounting and General Services (DAGS) Automotive Management Division to assist Hawaii State governments comply with statutory requirements for electric vehicle parking and to lead by example through the purchase of advanced technology vehicles such as electric or plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, and electric vehicle supply equipment (EV charging stations).

“Hawaii is charging ahead and making charging stations more accessible to people choosing to drive electric vehicles. We are committed to a smaller carbon footprint, 70 percent clean energy by 2030 and opportunities help protect our environment,” said Bruce Coppa, Director, State Department of Accounting and General Services.

The Capitol station, located in the State Capitol underground parking garage, is accessible via Miller Street off of Punchbowl Street, is open to the public during operating hours; 4:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., Monday thru Friday; 6:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Saturdays; closed on Sundays.

“Hawaii drivers now have a convenient charging facility downtown. Thanks to our success in securing federal funding, this is the first of an entire network of charging stations we plan to install throughout the state, as we build an infrastructure that will maintain Hawaii’s leadership in electric vehicles and entice more manufacturers to Hawaii,” said Richard Lim, Director, State Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism.

DBEDT’s EV Ready Grant Program has awarded $2.6 million in federal stimulus funds to six organizations to accelerate Hawaii’s adoption of electric vehicles and related charging equipment. Another $1.4 million in federal stimulus money was allocated to the EV Ready Rebate Program, which allows rebates of up to $4,500 toward the purchase of new electric vehicles. Rebates of up to $500 are also available for the purchase and installation of new electric vehicle chargers in homes or business sites. Rebate forms are available on DBEDT’s Energy office electric vehicle website, https://electricvehicle.hawaii.gov.

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) and up to $1,000 for individual buyers and up to $30,000 for businesses installing EV charger stations.

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.hawaii.gov/dbedt/energy and https://electricvehicle.hawaii.gov.

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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

DEADLINE EXTENDED THROUGH JANUARY 2012 FOR ELECTRIC VEHICLE REBATES

July 25, 2011

For Immediate Release: July 25, 2011

HONOLULU –The state extended the deadline to January 31, 2012 for residents to apply for rebates on new electric or hybrid electric/gasoline cars and chargers.

From early January to mid-July, 128 rebates have been approved for 68 electric vehicles and 60 chargers, with $1,068,988 remaining in funding.

“We want to empower more Hawaii residents with the opportunity to contribute to Hawaii’s goal of becoming more energy efficient and increase our energy security,” said Estrella Seese, acting energy program administrator for the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism’s Energy Office. “Our top economic priority as a state is energy independence. The extension of the rebates for electric vehicles and chargers is good news for consumers who wish to purchase them.”

Electric vehicles are twice as energy efficient as the average gasoline-powered car. The rebates are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Rebate forms are available on DBEDT’s Energy office website at https://electricvehicle.hawaii.gov.

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) and up to $1,000 for individual buyers and $30,000 for businesses installing EV charger stations. This allows for the potential of up to $13,500 in rebates and tax credits for an individual.

The state anticipates an increase in consumer demand for new electric vehicles for the last quarter of this year and extended its original deadline for tax rebates from September 2011 for another four months.

Hawaii is among the states designated for early release of the first EVs produced by manufacturers such as the Nissan Leaf, Wheego Life, GM Volt, and Mitsubishi i (MiEV). Many 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 strong tourism industry are ideal for EV utilization.
• DBEDT’s Hawaii Electric Vehicle EV Ready Program has 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 EV Ready Program is funded by $1.4 million in Federal stimulus funds administered by DBEDT.

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.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

STATE OF HAWAII CAPITAL DISTRICT CLEAN ENERGY PROJECTS TO SAVE 30 PERCENT IN ENERGY COSTS

July 13, 2011

For Immediate Release: July 13, 2011

HONOLULU – The State of Hawaii’s Department of Accounting and General Services (DAGS) has completed the installation of 1,005 solar photovoltaic (PV) panels on the Kalanimoku Building in the downtown Honolulu Capital District as part of the State’s ongoing efforts to lead by example in reducing Hawaii’s dependence on imported oil. The system is already saving 12 percent of the building’s use, resulting in $300 of daily savings in electricity costs.

Energy-saving projects in nine other buildings in the Capitol District are scheduled for completion in September. The Capitol District projects are expected to save the State 30 percent in utility costs.

Kalanimoku’s PV panels, each rated at 236.2 watts of direct current (DC) power generating capacity, has been producing electricity at or above its expected monthly output. Annually, the system will generate a minimum of 296,849 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of clean energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by about 500,000 pounds (carbon dioxide equivalents). Depending on weather conditions, the PV system could produce as much as 374,810 kWh each year for a reduction of 564,000 pounds of green house gas emissions.

A public information kiosk on the ground floor lobby displays the output of the PV system and will eventually have energy efficiency information for the 10 Capital District state buildings.

“The Kalanimoku Building is a great example of how best to use clean energy to reduce our use of imported oil, keep the money we would have spent on oil in our economy, and save taxpayer dollars. The Capital District includes other examples of being green and I am confident that we’re moving closer towards our goal of 70 percent clean energy for Hawaii,” said Richard Lim director of the State Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism (DBEDT). The Kalanimoku Building PV project is made possible by $2.97 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant provided by the U.S. Department of Energy through DBEDT’s Energy Office.

“It is imperative that we aggressively implement actions to make our facilities more energy efficient, and environmentally sustainable,” said Bruce Coppa, director of the State Accounting and General Services. “To ensure our commitment, we are developing another energy savings performance contracting project involving 30 more of our DAGS buildings statewide. Efficiency and sustainability are where we need to be in our State facilities.”

The Kalanimoku PV project is part of the $33.9 million Energy Savings Performance Contracting (ESPC) project awarded by DAGS in 2009 to improve the energy efficiency for 10 office buildings, located in the downtown State Capital District, with high annual utility bills. The ESPC project will reduce total energy consumption in the 10 buildings by about 30 percent, about 6.3 million kWh of energy per year, enough to power more than 10,000 homes. The 10 buildings are the State Capitol, Kalanimoku, Keelikolani, Kekauluohi (State Archives), Kekaunaoa, Keoni Ana, Kinau Hale, Queen Liliuokalani, No. 1 Capitol District, and Leiopapa a Kamehameha.

Energy conservation measures being implemented under the ESPC project include a new energy management system for all 10 buildings, improvements to air conditioning equipment, lighting systems, water conservation, weather-based control for landscape irrigation systems, building envelope modifications, desktop computer power management, and an energy conservation educational program for building occupants. Implementation is about 80 percent complete and Noresco performance guarantees are expected to start by September 2011.

The State of Hawaii’s most important economic enterprise is to pursue energy independence by building a clean energy economy and reaching 70% 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:

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

STATE EMPLOYEES RALLY TO CONSERVE ENERGY

June 29, 2011

For Immediate Release: June 29, 2011

HONOLULU – State employees from 16 departments are converging at the State Capitol at noon today (Wednesday, June 29), to launch the iConserve energy-saving campaign for all state employees to become more energy efficient.

The State Capitol was selected as a semifinalist in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s 2011 Energy Star National Building Competition aimed at reducing energy use.

“As state employees, we can be a catalyst for change and we must lead by example through our continued energy-savings practices,” said Governor Abercrombie, who is leading the iConserve effort to encourage energy efficiency practices by employees in all state government offices. “Last year, the state saved $20 million in electricity costs through conserving energy. We want to top that figure so we can use that money to bring more services to our people.”

Green Champions from all State offices, designated to encourage employee participation in iConserve, are joining Governor Abercrombie and Lt. Governor Brian Schatz, government officials, legislators, and public employees at the rally, which is open to the public.

Energy-saving giveaways are available while supplies last from exhibitors such as Blue Planet Foundation, DBEDT’s State Energy Office, DLIR’s Workforce Development, Hawaii Energy, Hawaii Solar Energy Association, HECO, Kanu Hawaii, Kokua Hawaii Foundation, KUPU/RISE, Noresco, and US Green Building Council. Jive Nene, a musical group comprised of local “green” advocates Jeff Mikulina, Mark Glick, Isaac Moriwake and Simone Cole, are performing.

“Energy efficiency is the fastest, cheapest, and smartest way for state employees and the public to contribute to reduce our consumption of imported oil,” said Richard Lim, Director, State Department of Business Economic Development and Tourism. “In the last five years, state agencies’ energy use fell by 5.1 percent. We can and are doing more.”

“With in-house energy efficiency upgrades to lighting and air conditioning, as well as waterconserving fixtures and changes to building operations put in place by the Department of Accounting and General Services (DAGS) two years ago, energy use at the State Capitol dropped 11 percent. This September, we’ll be completing more energy-saving improvements at the Capitol and nine other State offices, with projected savings of $64 million over the 20 year life of the equipment,” said Bruce Coppa, Director, State Department of Accounting and General Services.

DAGS has contracted an energy company, NORESCO, to implement efficiency improvements in public buildings. DAGS and NORESCO have offered a number of training sessions designed to inform and encourage state employees to save energy through simple steps (see below).

During fiscal year 2010, state departments reduced total electric consumption by 2.8 percent from 2009 and saved more than $20 million in energy costs statewide, according to the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism’s (DBEDT) annual Lead By Example (LBE) report. Other Lead By Example projects are detailed in the full report that can be accessed online at: https://hawaii.gov/dbedt/info/energy/efficiency/state/lbe/stateemployees.

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.

iConserve’s Easy Steps to Save Energy at the Office
Here are just four easy tips to save energy in the office.
• Turn off the lights. Lighting accounts for 25-40% of an office building’s energy use.
• If all employees within the 10 Energy Savings Performance Contracted buildings hibernated or shut down their work stations while absent (lunch hour), it would save the state approximately $35,283 annually.
• Turn off power strips, unplug chargers and remove personal appliances. Example: If 100 people removed their mini-fridges, it can save the state approximately $6,489 annually.
• Shut the doors. Open doors allow precious air conditioning to escape. Closing doors saves the state up to $5,500 annually per door.

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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

STATE AGENCIES LEAD BY EXAMPLE IN ENERGY CONSERVATION EFFORTS

May 25, 2011

For Immediate Release: May 25, 2011

HONOLULU – During fiscal year 2010, state departments reduced their total electric consumption by 2.8 percent from 2009 and saved more than $20 million in energy costs statewide, according to the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism‟s (DBEDT) annual Lead By Example (LBE) report to the State Legislature.

The 2010 decline in the state‟s energy consumption is the third consecutive year agencies have managed to cut energy use; 2010 also marked the first time state agencies were able to decrease costs from the previous year. This promising turnaround reflects the State‟s ongoing commitment to implement energy efficiency and renewable energy development to protect against escalating energy costs, expedite energy security, and mitigate negative impacts on our economy due to volatile world oil markets.

“By aggressively pursuing energy-efficiency improvements in public buildings, we‟re saving the State millions of dollars in electricity costs,” said Richard Lim, Director, Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism. “The State is leading by example. New efficiency projects now underway will save millions more. For example, energy improvements scheduled for 10 downtown public buildings are expected to save $64 million over the 20 year life of the equipment to be installed.”

The LBE report outlines the progress made by state agencies in the areas of energy efficiency, renewable energy, transportation, green buildings, and environmentally preferable purchasing during fiscal year 2010. Some highlights follow:

• The Energy Services Coalition, a national nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting performance contracting, recognized the State of Hawaii as the second in the nation in Energy Savings Performance Contracts (ESPC) for State Building Efficiency.
• The Department of Accounting and General Services (DAGS) initiated the process to solicit proposals for a Phase II ESPC, which will cover 33 buildings. DAGS assisted the Department of Public Safety (PSD) with initiating an ESPC for two prisons, Oahu Community Correctional Facilities, and one jail. The Department of Transportation (DOT) drafted an ESPC for 15 airports, five (5) harbors, and highways facilities. The University of Hawaii Community Colleges (UH-CC) are engaged in executing performance contracts that will implement major energy conservation measures in their portfolio of buildings.
• Thirteen (13) state buildings have received ENERGY STAR® awards, acknowledging that they rank in the top 25% of similar buildings nationwide. Seven (7) state buildings are Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certified. An additional 52 LEED projects are in the process toward the goal of certification.
• DOT issued a request for proposals (RFP) for PV or other renewable energy generation systems at over 20 facilities statewide (15 airports, 5 harbors facilities, Foreign Trade Zone, and UH Coconut Island Marine Research Facility).
• DAGS installed a 200 kilowatt (kW) PV system for the Kalanimoku Building located in the Capitol District.

Other Lead By Example projects are detailed in the full report that can be accessed online at: https://hawaii.gov/dbedt/info/energy/efficiency/state/lbe/stateemployees.

The Lead By Example initiative began in 2006 in response to legislative and executive mandates to improve energy efficiency in the state executive branch agencies.

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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

HAWAII BUILD AND BUY GREEN + BROWNFIELDS REDEVELOPMENT + GREEN WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT CONFERENCE AND EXPO

May 23, 2011

For Immediate Release: May 23, 2011

HONOLULU–Builders, developers, designers, and those interested in green building, redevelopment grants, renewable energy and green jobs can now register for the 2011 Hawaii Build and Buy Green + Brownfields Redevelopment + Green Workforce Development Conference and Expo to be held Tuesday, May 24, 2011, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Hawaii Convention Center.

Governor Neil Abercrombie will welcome participants at 8:00 a.m., followed by a keynote presentation, Living Buildings and the Future of Re-building Green, by Jason McLennan, CEO, International Living Building Challenge Institute, a Pacific Northwest-based agency focused on sustainable built environments. McLennan is a leader in the international green design movement, author of three green architecture books, and founder of Ecotone Publishing, the only dedicated green building publisher in the country.

More than 25 presentations will discuss resources such as federal grants for green development; financing and rebates for green improvements; successful local LEED projects and net-zero energy communities; renewable energy developments in Hawaii; and green jobs and training programs. A “Meet-the-Experts” round table session with seven separate in-depth discussions led by 16 subject matter professionals will be held in the afternoon. In addition, more than 50 exhibits will showcase green products throughout the day.

The conference, now in its 11th year, is organized by the State Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT); Department of Health (DOH); Department of Labor and Industrial Relations (DLIR); and the Hawaii Chapter of the U.S. Green Buildings Council, with support from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA); U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development; and U.S. Department of Energy.

“We have seen a tremendous growth in the energy industry since 2009 with over $1.2 billion dollars projected to be spent on renewable and energy efficiency projects this year,” said Richard Lim, Director, Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism. “This conference is important as it encourages more economic development opportunities for companies and generates additional green jobs.”

New this year are sessions on the clean up and redevelopment of “brownfields” or contaminated properties, with resources offered by the EPA Brownfield Redevelopment Program.

“In Hawaii our land is a limited, precious resource. We cannot allow the `aina to be contaminated and left abandoned and unusable. This conference brings the resources of three state departments together to clean the land, create green jobs, and promote a sustainable economic future,” said Gary Gill, Deputy Director for Environmental Health. “This combined conference will give developers, property owners, consultants, job seekers, and employers a toolbox of practical options to grow their businesses in new, sustainable directions.”

The conference and expo will also highlight the status of green jobs in Hawaii, with baseline data and long-term projections from the DLIR. An afternoon session will be held on State policies and research and training needed to develop and sustain our State’s green economy. Attendees will network with peers and professionals from related fields and learn the latest advanced information about their specialties.

DLIR Director Dwight Takamine remarks, “The DLIR is committed to leading a sustainable green economy through informed decision-making and a skilled workforce. We intend to engage our local community through active dialogue – not just in our involvement with this green conference, but every day.”

Registration, which includes a continental breakfast, lunch and refreshments, is $75 for the general public and $60 for students. See the agenda and register at https://uhhconferencecenter.com/green/.

For conference details and registration questions, please contact:

Hawaii Build and Buy Green
Gail Suzuki-Jones, Energy Analyst
State of Hawai‘i, Department of Business Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT)
[email protected] | 808-587-3802

Brownfields Redevelopment
Lynn Bailey, Brownfields Voluntary Cleanup Program (VCP) Specialist
State of Hawai‘i, Department of Health, Hazard Evaluation and Emergency Response Office
(HDOH-HEER)
[email protected] | 808-586-4653

Hawaii Green Jobs Initiative
Jeffrey Matsu, Lead Researcher
State of Hawai‘i, Department of Labor & Industrial Relations (DLIR)
[email protected] | (808)586-9029

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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
Phone: (808) 587-9006

SOLAR WATER HEATING REBATES AVAILABLE

April 29, 2011

For Immediate Release: April 29, 2011

HONOLULU – The State Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism’s State Energy Office (DBEDT) will direct additional American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funds to support the highly successful Hawaii Energy Solar Water Heating Rebate Program.

In less than one month, after using ARRA funds to increase the solar water heating system rebate to stimulate sluggish system sales, Hawaii Energy reports that over 600 households have purchased solar water heating systems, exhausting the federal stimulus money that had been allocated for this enhanced rebate. Due to the ARRA-funded program, Hawaii Energy experienced an unprecedented demand for solar water heating systems and currently 220 customers are waitlisted for the rebate program.

Because of the demand for rebates, DBEDT has authorized Hawaii Energy to redirect remaining ARRA funds to fulfill the waitlisted customer applications for the $1,500 rebate and to provide further applications with a $1,000 rebate for solar water heating systems, as long as ARRA funds are available and on a first-come-first-serve basis. DBEDT anticipates that several hundred additional customers will take advantage of the ARRA-funded $1,000 rebate before the budgeted Hawaii Energy rebate of $750 returns on July 1, 2011. When Hawaii Energy first announced the program on March 21, 2011, they anticipated the rebate program would run through May 31, 2011, or until the federal funding ran out.

“We are very happy that these additional ARRA funds will help Hawaii homeowners and give them the opportunity to get a rebate for a solar water heating system which helps to reduce electricity costs and encourage energy efficiency in their homes” said Estrella Seese, Acting Energy Program Administrator, DBEDT’s State Energy Office.

In addition to these rebates, solar water heating systems are eligible for tax credits of 35 percent from the state and 30 percent from the federal government.

Hawaii residents can still take advantage of the DBEDT ARRA-funded “Hot Water, Cool Rates” (solar interest buy-down) program offered by Hawaii Energy through Participating Lenders, which will continue with the bonus rebate funded through ARRA. Residents who finance their system through this program will receive a bonus instant rebate of $750 in addition to a $1,000 incentive to Participating Lenders to buy-down the interest rate to zero percent or a low rate. A list of Participating Lenders can be found at Hawaii Energy’s website at https://hawaiienergy.com/94/hot-water-cool-rates.

Typical single family households installing solar water heating systems will save between $587 to $849 per year in electricity costs, and the equivalent to 150 gallons of fossil fuel per year. With electric costs going up, the savings with solar water heating systems will continue to rise with the price of oil.

“Solar water heating is a significant contributor to the State’s clean energy efforts,” said Ray Starling, Hawaii Energy Program Manager. “We want to see solar water heaters on every residence in Hawaii and DBEDT’s support with these ARRA funds is bringing us closer to this milestone on our march toward energy independence.”

For more information, visit the program website at www.hawaiienergy.com.

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For more information, contact:

Estrella Seese
Acting Energy Program Administrator
Phone: (808) 586-2352

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

SIX BUSINESSES, STATE SENATE AND EAST-WEST CENTER EARN HAWAII GREEN BUSINESS AWARD

April 20, 2011

For Immediate Release: April 20, 2011

HONOLULU – Six companies, the State Senate, and the East-West Center received this year’s Hawaii Green Business and Green Government Awards on Wednesday, April 20. The awards recognize organizations for their outstanding efforts in greening their business practices. The awards ceremony was part of a “Hawaii Clean Energy Day at the Capitol” public event and coordinated by the State Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism’s Energy Office.

“It just makes sense to save energy, water, and waste,” said Governor Neil Abercrombie, who presented the awards. “Businesses and government offices are among the largest consumers of energy. When the Senate cuts 80 percent of its paper use, office buildings like the Central Pacific Plaza and the East-West Center cut 20 to 40 percent in electricity, and a store like Whole Foods Maui diverts 34 tons of trash from landfills in a month, we’re freeing up money and resources that can be used to improve services and preserve jobs.”

“The State has set a goal to achieve 70 percent clean energy by 2030. We commend the efforts of our awardees who are helping us reach this goal by going beyond compliance to implementing environmental practices and encouraging their employees to reduce, reuse, and recycle,” said Estrella Seese, Acting Energy Program Administrator, State Energy Office.

Businesses and government agencies sign up to participate in the Hawaii Green Business Program by agreeing to monitor and post rates of water and energy use and waste generation; provide  employee incentives or training; inform customers about their green business standards and efforts; and assist at least one other business in learning about the program.

This year’s DBEDT’s Hawaii Green Business and Green Government awardees are:

Central Pacific Plaza. The downtown office building has earned the Energy Star building designation for the last seven years, the longest of any building in Hawaii. Last year, the building saved 1,397,600 kWh, or approximately 25 percent less than their 2003 baseline, and 397,000 gallons of water, over 50 percent off their 2003 baseline. It also uses green cleaning products.

East-West Center. Electricity use dropped 37.5 percent (27,160 kWh) at Lincoln Hall and 22.5 percent (474,600 kWh) at Burns Hall via new CFL lighting, LED exit signs, motion detectors, timers, and less air conditioning use. The Center’s Sustainable EWC Initiative attracts more than 100 student volunteers, representing over 30 countries, who have contributed a combined 2,400 hours to lessening EWC environmental impact. Student-led sustainability activities include hands-on organic farming experience at Ma’o Farms; a monthly discussion group; a weekly film series, and a Sustainable EWC newsletter.

Hawaii State Senate. The Senate’s Paperless Initiative reduced paper use by 80%. A Green Office Working Group implements energy conservation and recycling measures and participates in ongoing conservation initiatives at the State Capitol.

Honeywell Utility Solutions. The company, which assists in the fulfillment of energy efficient rebates offered by Hawaii Energy, uses only recycled paper products and printer toners; implements a workplace recycling program; permits only washable (no plastic) utensils; and subsidizes bus passes to cut employee transportation energy use.

PBR Hawaii and Associates. The landscape architecture company conserves with lower refrigerator temperatures, low-flow faucet aerators, recycling or donation of electronic equipment, and using only recycled paper products made up of 30 to 100% post-consumer waste.

Sustainable Island Products. This Hilo-based supplier of eco-friendly paper goods, office supplies, and cleaning materials buys carbon offset credits for company vehicles; offers free packaging reclamation; and uses 100 percent recycled office paper. It also funded the planting of a Koa tree on the Hamakua Coast to offset its carbon footprint.

WATG Architects. The firm reduced paper use by one third through double-sided printing, uses shredded paper for packing, and saved 80% on plastic and paper products costs through conservation measures. It also uses natural or low emission building materials, carpets, and furniture.

Whole Foods Maui. Part of the first major retail chain to offset 100 percent of its energy use with wind energy credits, the grocery store diverts 58 percent of the 20,000 pounds of trash generated on average per month through efforts like donating spoiled produce and biodegradable waste to Freebird Farm, where it is turned to compost; and donating all HI 5 containers to the Community Work Day Program. Last month, the Maui store diverted 34 tons of trash.

The Hawaii Green Business Awards Program is a partnership between the State Departments of Health, Business, Economic Development, and Tourism, the City and County’s Department of Environmental Services Recycling Office and Board of Water Supply, as well as the Hawaii Chamber of Commerce. The program encourages businesses and organizations to share information and support one another in operating in an environmentally sustainable manner. Participants benefit from onsite compliance assistance, green business promotions as well as public recognition for their efforts in building a green business.

Participation is open to all offices, retail establishments and government entities.

For more information visit the program website at: https://www.hawaii.gov/greenbusiness or contact Gail Suzuki-Jones or Jonathan Chin, program coordinators, DBEDT at [email protected] (808) 587-3802 or jonathan.r.chin at (808) 587-2676.

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For more information, contact:

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

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

FIRST IPAD EDUCATION APP FOR CLEAN ENERGY AVAILABLE FREE ONLY THIS EARTH DAY, APRIL 22

April 18, 2011

For Immediate Release: April 18, 2011

HONOLULU– iPad’s first clean educational app, initiated by the Maui Economic Development Board (MEDB) and Maui-based app developer NSC Partners, will be demonstrated at the Hawaii Clean Energy Day event at the State Capitol on Wednesday, April 20, 9 a.m.to 2 p.m. and will be available to download free from iTunes on Earth Day, Friday, April 22.

“Our Clean Energy Hawaii STEM app is the only one of its kind listed in the Education and Games section of Apple iTunes,” said Leslie Wilkins, program director of MEDB’s Women in Technology division. “One of our goals is to engage students in science, technology, and math and what better way than through the most exciting media available, the iPad. We used the islands as a base to provide energy information and activities because the State has set a goal of 70% clean energy by 2030.”

“These initiatives will help get our young people ready for the clean energy jobs we want to see in Hawaii now and in the future,” said Estrella Seese, State energy administrator. “We’re showcasing the Clean Energy app at our Clean Energy Day exhibit at the Capitol on April 20 and thanking partners like MEDB that are bringing us closer to our 70% clean energy goal.”

Recently designated “New and Noteworthy” by Apple in both the Education and Educational Games categories, the Clean Energy Hawaii STEM app opens with a fully touchable view of all the islands across Hawaii. This allows students to see what types of clean energy — biomass, geothermal, hydroelectric, solar, wind — are available on each island. Students can virtually build a clean energy project such as a wind turbine, with or without battery storage, and experiment on what it takes to put renewable energy to practical use.

A detailed description for each energy type is available via an interactive menu. Students can explore and learn about the energy mix and the traditional legends of each island. Touchable icons show all the types of clean energy, their general locations, and detailed information on the energy site.

The Clean Energy Hawaii STEM app complements MEDB’s Island Energy Inquiry (IEI) program, an energy science curriculum aligned with Department of Education STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) standards for grades 5 through 12. More than 100 teachers statewide have attended workshops on the curriculum.

The Island Energy Inquiry program and Clean Energy Hawaii STEM app are sponsored by MEDB’s Women in Technology and funded in part by the U.S. Department of Education.

NSC Partners LLC is a privately held company located in Maui, Hawaii that innovates by developing mobile, web, and database software applications for education, healthcare, business, and sports. Its partners have deep expertise in business, strategy, management, technology, software, litigation, finance, accounting, tax, healthcare, and medicine.

For more details, go to www.womenintech.com. Or contact WIT Program Director Leslie Wilkins, [email protected], 808.875.2337.

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For more information, contact:

Leslie Wilkins, Program Director
Women in Technology
Maui Economic Development Board
T: 808.280.0376
E: [email protected]

Lois Hamaguchi
Energy Analyst
DBEDT Energy Office
T: (808) 587-9006
E: [email protected]