Category: News Releases

DBEDT EV READY GRANT PROGRAM AWARDS $2.6 MILLION TO ACCELERATE ELECTRIC VEHICLE ADOPTION IN HAWAII

March 18, 2011

For Immediate Release: March 18, 2011

HONOLULU – The Hawaii State Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism’s State Energy Office announced the awarding of $2.6 million in federal stimulus funds to six organizations that will accelerate Hawaii’s adoption of electric vehicles (EV) and related charging equipment. The grants, provided through DBEDT’s EV Ready Grant Program, aim to contribute to the state’s energy goal of 70 percent clean energy by 2030 by reducing consumption of imported petroleum fuels for ground transportation.

The grants, backed by matching funds, were awarded during the First Hawaiian Bank International Auto Show at the Hawaii Convention Center as follows:

• Better Place, $854,000, for charging stations on all islands and the introduction of EVs to a rental car fleet.
• AeroVironment, $820,000, to also install charging stations on all islands, conduct grid integration analysis, and accelerate EV introduction to dealerships and vehicle fleets.
• GreenCar Hawaii, $200,000, to introduce EVs to car-sharing services within the hospitality industry.
• County of Kauai, $267,000 for charging stations on the Garden Island and EVs for County fleets.
• City & County of Honolulu, $400,000, for charging stations on Oahu, EVs and an online charger permitting system.
• Plug In America, $50,000, for an EV Ready Guidebook for Hawaii, along with education and outreach.

“With the price of oil escalating because of unstable conditions in the Middle East, it’s even more important for all of us to find ways to cut our use of imported fuel,” said Estrella Seese, Acting Program Energy Administrator, State Energy Office. “Charging an electric vehicle costs much less than filling a tank with gasoline. Drivers will be saving on fuel costs, less fuel will be used for the same amount of mileage, and in the near future, electric cars will run on electricity produced from renewable resources such as the sun and wind.”

Data collection as well as public outreach and education about EVs are part of the contracts. These six organizations were selected from 19 applicants to DBEDT’s EV Ready Grant Program, established to speed up market acceptance of EVs, an important strategy in reaching Hawaii’s 70% clean energy goal.

DBEDT’s EV Ready Grant Program complements the EV Ready Rebate Program, which provides up to $4,500 for the purchase of full-speed, commercially available electric vehicles and up to $500 for EV charging equipment, including installation. The Rebate Program started in August 2010 and has a total budget of $1.4 million.

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.

For more information, go to https://electricvehicle.hawaii.gov

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For more information, contact:

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

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

STATE PRESENTS HAWAII GREEN BUSINESS HOTEL AWARDS TO RECOGNIZE ENVIRONMENTAL ACHIEVEMENTS

March 17, 2011

For Immediate Release: March 17, 2011

HONOLULU – Governor Neil Abercrombie today presented the “Hawaii Green Business Awards” to seven hotels for their outstanding efforts in sustainable and environmentally conscience business practices.

“Protecting Hawai’s precious resources and moving toward a sustainable future is a part of everyone’s kuleana,” said Governor Abercrombie. “Hawaii businesses recognize that a healthy environment is critical to the well-being of our state and our economy. Through proactive and sustainable practices, such as conserving water and electricity, reducing waste and protecting Hawaii’s environment, these businesses are doing their part to ensure that our residents and visitors can continue to enjoy a healthy environment.”

The following hotels, with examples of environmental commitments, were presented with awards today:

Hyatt Regency Waikiki: As an ENERGY STAR labeled hotel, three years in a row and a two time Hawaii Green Business participant, the Hyatt Regency installed an Environmental Management System in 1,229 rooms, 6,000 LED bulbs and fixtures throughout the hotel, they have re-lamped every guest room to CFLs, and have realized a 1,428,325 kWh reduction in electricity use as well as a 4.5 million gallon reduction in water usage. Over the past 5 years, the Hyatt estimates a 20% reduction in their electricity, gas and water usage.

JW Marriott Ihilani at Ko Olina: With Marriott’s “Spirit to Serve” the community, the JW Marriott Ihilani has implemented green measures such as lighting retrofits and provision of recycling bins in common areas, meeting facilities, outdoors and landscaping, maintenance and operations, kitchen area, and has recycled and kept 62 tons out of the landfill.

Kahala Hotel & Resort: As their second time participating in the Hawaii Green Business Program, the resort’s air conditioning systems are on an energy management system, and ceiling fans were installed in all guestrooms that can be used as an alternative for A/C. The property also uses deep water wells to cool their chiller system saving the property 380,000 kWh of electricity and 4.5 million gallons of water annually. The CFL retrofit in guestrooms resulted in an estimated reduction of 180,000 kWh per year. With the installation of high efficiency water aerators and fixtures, the Kahala Hotel has estimated a 40-50% reduction in water usage.

Kilauea Lakeside Estate: Nearly all of this private retreat’s energy (25 kW) is provided by 120 PV panels providing energy for the facility. Most of the lighting is LED, and all of the water heating is provided with solar hot water systems. Also, low-flow toilets and shower heads have also been installed as water conservation methods and 100% of the resulting water usage is addressed with their on-site water catchment system. Steve and Janine Hunt have dedicated 30 years developing this sustainable retreat on Kauai.

Ritz-Carlton Kapalua: Runs a Jacques Cousteau Ambassadors of the Environment program which teaches guests about natural tide pools, the rainforest, humpback whales and local ecosystems through interactive activities with trained naturalists. The Ritz-Carlton Kapalua has estimated an 8.6% reduction in electricity and 10.4% reduction in gas, and an 8.9% reduction in water consumption.

Turtle Bay Resort: Located on the North Shore of Oahu, the Turtle Bay’s green initiatives include: use of locally grown and organic produce, lighting retrofits with nearly 70% of the resort’s lighting converted to CFLs resulting in a 12% reduction in electricity usage, and recycling – with an average increase of 1.8 tons of recycled over the last two years. The property has also converted hundreds of gallons of cooking oil into bio-diesel by partnering with Brigham Young University.

Wyndham at Waikiki Beach Walk: This recently renovated property replaced and retrofitted all fixtures with incandescent bulbs to compact fluorescents and implemented energy saving occupancy sensors in office and public restrooms. From 2008-2010, the resort has reduced kWh consumption by 5.4%, and reduced gas usage by 6.5%. All guestrooms feature low-flow showerheads, low-flow toilets, and sink aerators to decrease water usage. All reusable hotel items such as furniture, dishes, small appliances, carpeting are donated to local charities and schools.

The hotels were recognized based on criteria including: completing a self-audit checklist evaluating their environmental practices ranging from pollution prevention to water and energy conservation; recycling; environmental purchasing; sharing their information with other participants; attending forums and workshops on greening practices; and participating in quarterly meetings. The hotels demonstrated their “green” practices through exemplary energy and water conserving practices, pollution prevention, and solid waste reduction and recycling efforts.

The Hawaii Green Business Program is focused on working with hotels and resorts, due to the visitor industry’s cumulative impact on the environment. The industry’s efforts help to support the state’s clean energy goal of achieving a 70 percent clean energy economy through energy efficiency and conservation as well as renewable energy.

The Green Business Awards Program is a partnership between the State Departments of Health and Business, Economic Development and Tourism and the Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii. The program works in collaboration with county agencies and the Hawaii Hotel and Lodging Association to help businesses comply with environmental regulations, as well as to conserve energy, water and other valuable resources.

Participation is open to all hotels, resorts, offices, retail establishments and government entities. For more information visit the program website at: https://www.hawaii.gov/greenbusiness or contact Gail Suzuki-Jones, Energy Analyst at 808-587-3802.

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For more information, contact:

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

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

PUBLIC SCOPING MEETINGS REGARDING THE HAWAII INTERISLAND RENEWABLE ENERGY PROGRAM

January 14, 2011

For Immediate Release: January 14, 2011

HONOLULU – The Department of Energy (DOE) and the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT) will host public meetings on Maui, Molokai, Lanai, and Oahu to receive comments on the scope of the Hawaii Interisland Renewable Energy Program (HIREP): Wind Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). The EIS reviews possible environmental impacts that may arise from wind energy program development under the HIREP and the range of reasonable options.

“This is an excellent forum for concerned citizens to express their opinions, speak with experts and talk about moving Hawaii towards a brighter energy future,” says Estrella A. Seese, Acting Energy Administrator, State Energy Office.

TIMES, DATES AND LOCATIONS:
• February 1, 2011 – McKinley High School Cafeteria, 1039 South King Street, from 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
• February 2, 2011 – Pomaikai Elementary School Cafeteria, 4650 South Kamehameha Avenue in Kahului, from 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
• February 3, 2011 – Mitchell Pauole Community Center, 90 Ainoa Street, Kaunakakai, Molokai, from 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
• February 5, 2011 – Lāna‘i High & Elementary School Cafeteria, 555 Fraser Avenue, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Both oral and written comments will be considered by DOE and DBEDT. Requests to speak at any of the public scoping meetings should be submitted to Mr. Allen G. Kam, Esq., AICP, HIREP-Wind EIS Manager, on or before January 28, 2011, by any of the following means:

• By e-mail to [email protected]
• By submitting electronic comments on the EIS web page at www.hirepwind.com
• By facsimile (fax) to 808-586-2536, Attention Allen G. Kam.
• By mail to:
Allen G. Kam, Esq., AICP
HIREP EIS Manager
State Energy Office, Renewable Energy Branch
Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism
P.O. Box 2359
Honolulu, Hawaii 96804

Requests to speak may also be made at the meetings; however, requests received by January 28, 2011, will be given priority in the speaking order. Additional project information can be found at the project website: www.hirep-wind.com.

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For more information, contact:

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

Anthony J. Como
DOE NEPA Document Manager
Phone: (202) 586-5935
[email protected]

Allen G. Kam, Esq., AICP
HIREP-Wind EIS Manager
Phone: (808) 587-9023
[email protected]

ESTRELLA SEESE APPOINTED ACTING HEAD OF STATE ENERGY OFFICE

January 12, 2011

For Immediate Release: January 12, 2011

HONOLULU—Estrella A. Seese has been appointed acting Energy Administrator of the Hawaii State Energy Office of the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism. Seese, who has served as the Energy Office’s manager of Energy Planning & Policy for the past three years, assumes the duties of former Energy Administrator Theodore Peck, who has resigned and moved to the private sector.

“Estrella has the depth and breadth of knowledge about the energy issues and challenges facing Hawaii. I am confident that under her leadership she will be able to work with the outstanding staff at the Energy Office to help the state reach the Hawaii Clean Energy Initiative goal of 70 percent clean energy by 2030,” said DBEDT Interim Director Richard Lim. “We need to move our state towards a clean energy future that will significantly reduce our use of imported oil, keep the money we spend on buying fuel in the state, and create new, green jobs for Hawaii’s residents.”

Seese has over 30 years of experience in the energy arena. She has represented the State in energy-policy related proceedings to ensure that regulatory framework and policies that are developed will promote the achievement of the State’s energy goals.

Prior to joining DBEDT, she was director of Pricing at Hawaiian Electric Company, Inc. (HECO), responsible for the development, administration, and implementation of the electric rates and tariffs on Oahu, Maui, and the Big Island. She holds a Master of Arts degree in Economics from University of Hawaii, Manoa, and a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from University of Santo Tomas in Manila, Philippines, where she graduated Magna Cum Laude. She was an East-West Center Degree Scholar and a Ford Foundation Fellow.

This is a civil service position so the standard state recruitment process will be followed to fill the position permanently.

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For more information, contact:

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

Estrella Seese
Acting State Energy Administrator
Phone: (808) 587-3812

STATE ENERGY OFFICE OFFERS ENERGY STAR HELP FOR HOTELS AND HOSPITALITY FACILITIES

December 10, 2010

For Immediate Release: December 10, 2010

HONOLULU–Hotels and other hospitality industry facilities can now become official ENERGY STAR-labeled buildings with the help of a new program offered by the Energy Office of the State Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism (DBEDT). Buildings achieving an ENERGY STAR label are in the top 25 percent nationwide in energy efficiency performance. DBEDT has contracted with The Chong Group, LLC, to provide building owners and facility managers with technical assistance in applying for the ENERGY STAR Building label that has become a selling point for visitors interested in staying in “green”-certified facilities.

“ENERGY STAR building owners have found that by implementing water- and energy-saving improvements, utility costs can be reduced by 10 to 30 percent without sacrificing service, quality, style, or comfort,” said Ted Peck, administrator for the State Energy Office. “We want to help Hawaii’s visitor industry become ENERGY STAR certified. Aside from saving energy and money, this will give us a competitive edge especially with the growing number of eco-conscious travelers.” Hotels in Hawaii have received inquiries from travel advisors who are responding to clients interested in staying at ENERGY STAR-labeled properties.

Property owners and managers interested in applying for the ENERGY STAR Building label can contact The Chong Group by email [email protected], or telephone (808) 791-9855 by the initial deadline of December 31, 2010.

The Chong Group will provide third-party verification required for each application, and submit the verification to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which administers the ENERGY STAR program. For facilities that qualify for the verification phase of the program, a $500 fee is required, with State funding covering the bulk of the cost for benchmarking, verification, and application to EPA.

Applicants most likely to qualify for eligibility for ENERGY STAR include the following characteristics:
1. Facility recently earned the ENERGY STAR award/certification.
2. Air conditioning system has been upgraded in the past seven years.
3. Lighting system has been upgraded in the past seven years.
4. Water heating system has been upgraded in the past five years.
5. Guestrooms have been renovated in the past five years.
6. Lobby has been renovated in the past five years.
7. All energy sources (electricity, gas, diesel, etc.) to the facility are metered.

The ENERGY STAR Building program supports the State’s Hawaii Clean Energy Initiative, which sets a 70 percent clean energy goal by the year 2030: 30 percent from energy efficiency and 40 percent from renewable energy. Energy efficiency is one of the most cost-effective approaches for a hotel to reduce its energy costs as well as its carbon footprint. Buildings eligible for ENERGY STAR label include hotels, bank branches, supermarkets, residence halls, dormitories, retail buildings, data centers, hospitals, houses of worship, K-12 schools, medical office buildings, office buildings, and warehouse buildings.

For more information on the ENERGY STAR Building program, visit the website at www.energystar.gov.

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For more information, contact:

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

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

STATE STARTS STUDY OF OVERALL IMPACTS FOR INTERISLAND CABLE

December 8, 2010

For Immediate Release: December 8, 2010

HONOLULU–The State Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT) Energy Office has filed state and federal notices of intent to prepare a programmatic environmental impact statement (PEIS) for the Hawaii Interisland Renewable Energy Program (HIREP). The PEIS will examine the program-level impacts of the development of up to 400 megawatts (MW) of wind energy on Maui County, the transmission of the energy to Oahu via an undersea cable, and the integration of that energy into Oahu’s electrical grid.

The PEIS will incorporate a thorough analysis of overall impacts and benefits, but will not grant any development rights or privileges to a specific wind farm project. Instead, it will provide a framework, uniform policies, and a process for comprehensively deciding how project components should be integrated within the framework. A PEIS is often employed on the federal level. It will specify best management practices for the three major HIREP components:

• Transmission of renewable energy via undersea cable to Oahu: The undersea interisland cable will allow the sharing of renewable energy generated in Maui County, particularly Lanai and Molokai where resources such as wind are substantial, with Oahu, where resources are limited and demand for energy is high.
• Generation of up to 400 MW of wind power on Lanai and Molokai: This PEIS will focus on wind, but the HIREP program could be expanded in the future to include other types of renewable technologies.
• Utility infrastructure upgrades on Oahu needed to integrate large amounts of wind energy into the electrical grids.

“We are examining large infrastructure investments with considerable impacts on our communities. The PEIS and the subsequent project-specific EIS will increase the opportunities for public input,” said Ted Peck, administrator of the State Energy Office. “We have to seriously study the best way we can use the renewable resources we have so that we can significantly reduce our use of imported oil.

“Our Neighbor Islands have the richest renewable energy resources. With an interisland cable, we can share these homegrown resources to reach the State’s goal of 70 percent clean energy by 2030.”

In 2008, the State Legislature passed a law to create the Hawaii Clean Energy Initiative (HCEI) with the goal of 70 percent clean energy by 2030. This can be achieved with a 30 percent increase in energy efficiency and 40 percent new renewable energy development. Wind energy to be studied in this PEIS has the potential of contributing 14 percent to the HCEI goals.

The public has a three-month opportunity to provide input through the beginning of March. For more information on how to comment, log on to www.hirep-wind.com.

The PEIS is funded by the federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) and has a scheduled completion date of April 2012. It will be conducted by AECOM Technical Services, Inc. (AECOM). AECOM is a global provider of professional technical and management support services to a broad range of markets, including transportation, facilities, environmental, energy, water and government with approximately 52,000 employees around the world and approximately 200 professionals living and working in Hawaii.

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For more information, contact:

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

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

STATE OF HAWAII BRINGS CLEAN ENERGY TO THE CAPITAL DISTRICT

December 2, 2010

For Immediate Release: December 2, 2010

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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For more information, contact:

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

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

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

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

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

June 17, 2010

For Immediate Release: June 17, 2010

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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For more information, contact:

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

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

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

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

STATE OF HAWAII TO PROVIDE ENERGY STAR TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE TO HOTELS

February 11, 2010

For Immediate Release: February 11, 2010

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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For more information, contact:

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

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

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

February 4, 2010

For Immediate Release: February 4, 2010

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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For more information, contact:

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

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

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

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