Category: News Releases

HAWAII CLEAN ENERGY INITIATIVE ON TRACK AT TWO-YEAR MARK

January 27, 2010

For Immediate Release: January 27, 2010

HONOLULU — The Lingle-Aiona administration today reaffirmed its vision and commitment to a clean energy-driven Hawaii economy at an event marking the second anniversary of the Hawaii Clean Energy Initiative (HCEI).

Two years ago, on January 28, 2008, Governor Linda Lingle announced the unprecedented HCEI partnership between the State of Hawaii and the U.S. Department of Energy with the bold vision to transform Hawaii from the most foreign oil-dependent state in the nation to a secure and thriving economy based on tapping our state’s abundant local energy resources.

At its two-year mark, HCEI is on target to meet its ambitious goal of 70 percent clean energy by 2030.

“The scope, breadth and depth of activity surrounding the Hawaii Clean Energy Initiative has truly been remarkable,” said Governor Lingle. “I am very optimistic and confident that we are on the right path toward a clean and secure energy future for our state and today I re-commit our State to achieving the HCEI objectives. The breadth of partnership and collaboration across so many participants has been and will be critical to making this a success.”

To achieve HCEI goals, the Lingle-Aiona administration recognizes that government’s role is to establish the policy and regulatory framework that allows the markets to function and to invest in and develop clean energy resources. From 2006 through the 2009 legislative session 19 landmark clean energy bills have been enacted into law, including a Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard (RPS) and an Energy Efficiency Portfolio Standard (EEPS), both the most progressive in the nation.

The Lingle-Aiona administration further recognized the importance of transforming the state’s regulatory environment to facilitate clean energy development. To date 34 dockets related to clean energy development are active before the Public Utilities Commission (PUC), including historic and “game-changing” dockets establishing feed-in tariffs and decoupling for the Hawaiian Electric Companies.

Fundamentally transforming Hawaii’s energy system also required collaboration with the state’s utility companies to increase renewable energy generation and integrating renewable energy into utility grids. The Lingle-Aiona administration and the Hawaiian Electric Company (HECO) entered into a historic Energy Agreement on October 20, 2008, pursuant to which HECO committed to integrating 1,122 megawatts (MW) of utility-scale renewables by 2030, along with approximately 660 MW of customer-sited photovoltaics and other distributed generation into its power grid.

Renewable energy development has surged since HCEI’s inception. Hawaii now leads the nation in solar water heating, which accounted for more than a third of all systems installed in 2008. With the ramping-up of photovoltaic installations on public and private facilities, Hawaii now ranks third in the nation in per-capita photovoltaic generation.

Hawaii residents are also becoming more energy efficient. In 2008, Hawaii residents used 8 percent less energy per-capita in 2008 than 2007, marking the sharpest decline in recent years. As per-capita energy use drops steadily, Hawaii is spending less on energy per dollar of gross state product (GSP), leaving more to be invested by its residents and businesses.

State agencies are leading by example. As a result of the Lingle-Aiona administration’s Lead by Example initiative, electricity consumption in the executive branch of state government decreased by nearly 6 percent from 2008 to 2009, saving an estimated $10 million a year in general funds. The State’s Department of Accounting & General Services (DAGS) has entered into energy savings performance contracts for 10 downtown state office buildings, including the State Capitol, with more buildings to follow.

In the liquid fuels sector, which is important as one-third of Hawaii’s energy consumption is in transportation, the state’s 2009 Bioenergy Master Plan created a roadmap for bioenergy development in Hawaii. In December the U.S. Department of Energy released $48 million in Recovery Act funding for biorefinery technology advancements and production facilities in Hawaii. Further in transportation, the state has established partnerships with several private sector entities to deploy and test electric vehicles. The state’s first public EV charging station opened on January 23, 2010, and new legislation encourages electric vehicles by requiring designated parking stalls and charging stations in parking lots with at least 100 public stalls.

Dozens of energy companies are pursuing clean energy projects statewide in wind, solar, geothermal, wave and ocean energy and biomass. Wind-generated electricity is one of the fastest-growing renewable energy industries in Hawaii. A landmark agreement between HECO, Castle & Cooke, and First Wind in March 2009 initiated wind energy projects on the islands of Lāna‘i and Molokai, where wind resources are the most abundant, each with potential to supply between 200 and 400 MW of power.

Ancillary to the development of the renewable generation facilities is the development of an undersea cable between Maui County and Oahu that would transport renewable energy from where it is more abundant to where it’s needed most. The state is progressing with a number of studies, including seafloor surveys that have confirmed the physical feasibility of the project and identified possible cable routes. The state has also issued a request for proposals for an environmental impact statement (EIS) and will look to the findings of that EIS to help it make decisions that work for everyone. The state hopes to commence construction of the cable within three years.

Approximately $133.9M of federal ARRA funds have been obtained for Hawaii energy projects in areas including biomass, geothermal, water, smart grid, state electricity regulators assistance, energy efficiency and conservation, and workforce development.

“The importance of HCEI’s goals to Hawaii’s future cannot be overstated,” said DBEDT Director and State Energy Resources Coordinator Theodore Liu. “In addition to being a catalyst for energy independence and greater energy security across the state, HCEI is paving the way for economic recovery and growth, providing incentives for investment in clean energy development, generating exciting new business opportunities and higher-paying, green-collar jobs that come with a new, clean energy economy.”

Moving Forward – Clean Energy Legislative Initiatives
To continue building on the foundation of the Hawaii Clean Energy Initiative, Governor Lingle unveiled in her State of the State Address on Monday a comprehensive package of legislative initiatives that will serve as effective incentives for investments in clean energy. The measures include:

• A ban on the construction of new power plants that burn fossil fuels.
• A general excise tax exemption on renewable energy projects of at least 2 megawatts that are placed in service between January 1, 2011 and January 1, 2015.
• A general excise tax rebate on electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles as well as charging stations.
• The Hawaii Clean Energy Investment (HCEI) Bonds Program to assist residential and commercial property owners with upfront costs of installing clean energy systems or efficiency upgrades by allowing them to borrow money from the State and then repay the loans over a period of years via an annual assessment on their real property tax bill.

HAWAII CLEAN ENERGY INITIATIVE MILESTONES
Several important milestones in a number of key areas have been achieved that form the foundation on which HCEI’s ambitious goals will be
achieved, including:

• The Lingle-Aiona Administration, together with the State Legislature, have put into place the policy and regulatory framework to facilitate the development and growth of Hawaii’s clean energy economy.
• As the result of this framework, the private sector has responded with proposing over 100 renewable energy projects involving billions of dollars of private investment.
• Significant opportunities have been put into place and will continue to be developed for Hawaii’s residents and businesses to conserve energy and to reduce their energy bills.
• State government is “leading by example” with energy conservation retrofits and deploying their assets, including state lands, to support clean energy generation.
•  Cutting-edge clean energy technologies and processes are being developed or tested and deployed in Hawaii funded in large part by off-shore private or federal sources of investment.
• Analysis, planning and pilot projects are underway to upgrade and modernize how Hawaii transmits and distributes electricity and to lay the foundation of development and adoption of “smart grids.”
• Significant progress has been made on planning and developing liquid fuel alternatives to transition transportation away from foreign oil while supporting local food production and security.
• Substantive and lasting partnerships have been launched, including with our local utilities and refineries, the visitor industry and the U.S. Department of Defense military installations, to capture the benefits of a clean energy economy.
• Over $125 million in federal investment have been obtained to fund the initial work on Hawaii’s energy system transformation.
• Significant attention has been drawn to Hawaii as a model that other states in the United States and countries in the region can follow.

Additional information on the Lingle-Aiona Administration’s legislative initiatives is available on the Governor’s website (www.hawaii.gov/gov).

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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

INTERISLAND CABLE SURVEY REPORT COMPLETED

December 8, 2009

For Immediate Release: December 8, 2009

HONOLULU – The State of Hawaii today announced the completion of the Interisland Cable Project Ocean Floor Survey. Conducted by the University of Hawaii – Mānoa School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology (SOEST), the survey indicates that placement of undersea electrical transmission cables is physically possible between the islands of Oahu, Maui, Molokai, and Lanai.

The cable is an integral part of a proposed Interisland Wind project that would transmit up to 400 megawatts of renewable electricity generated from wind farms on Molokai and Lanai to Oahu and potentially to Maui.

The Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT) contracted with SOEST to conduct this intensive survey of the ocean floor to identify possible cable routes. The survey indicates several viable route options; however, a preferred route will not be selected until after completion of an environmental impact statement (EIS). Data collected from this survey will also be integrated into the EIS for the interisland cable.

“By providing a way to move renewable energy from where it is abundantly available to where it is needed, the interisland cable will help meet Hawaii‟s goals of reducing dependence on imported oil,” said Ted Peck, state energy administrator with DBEDT. “The cable, as part of the Interisland Wind project, will help improve our energy security by reducing Hawaii‟s dependence on the volatile global petroleum market.”

The cable will also bring investment and jobs in construction, high technology and other related industries. Reducing dependence on imported oil will keep in Hawaii part of the $6 billion to $7 billion sent out of state yearly for energy. The cable will also provide a backbone for the future development of Hawaii‟s electrical infrastructure and the addition of more renewable energy in Hawaii.

The Interisland Wind project is part of a comprehensive energy agreement signed in 2008, between the State of Hawaii and Hawaiian Electric companies designed to move the state away from dependence on fossil fuels for electricity and ground transportation. Partners in the agreement include DBEDT, the Hawaiian Electric companies, the State Consumer Advocate, and the U.S. Department of Energy.

The State-Hawaiian Electric energy agreement is a critical component of the Hawaii Clean Energy Initiative (HCEI), an unprecedented partnership formed in January 2008 between the State of Hawaii and the U.S. Department of Energy to work toward having 70 percent of Hawaii‟s energy come from clean energy sources by 2030.

“The results of the SOEST survey are encouraging,” said Governor Lingle. “The interisland cable is critical to achieving the goal of the Hawaii Clean Energy Initiative of 70 percent clean energy by 2030, and we are eager to move forward with this project.”

The report is available online at https://hawaii.gov/dbedt/info/energy/publications/.

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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

GOVERNOR LINGLE RELEASES $3 MILLION FOR ENERGY EFFICIENCY IMPROVEMENTS TO HEALTH CENTERS AND FACILITIES

November 19, 2009

For Immediate Release: November 19, 2009

HONOLULU – Governor Linda Lingle has released $3,060,430 for energy efficiency and air conditioning improvements at state health centers and other Department of Health facilities statewide.

The six projects that will be funded include:

Diamond Head Health Center – $1,098,000 will be used to continue air conditioning improvements at Diamond Head Health Center. The project involves the design and construction for replacement of some air handlers and fan coil units and other related improvements at the center.

Wailuku Health Center – $268,000 is allotted for the design and construction of air conditioning improvements at the Wailuku Health Center. The center’s original design, which was completed in 1967, utilized natural ventilation with louvered windows. The new air conditioning system will ensure compliance with the Federal Health Insurance Portability Accountability Act, which requires that doors be kept shut and ground-level windows covered with curtains or blinds for the privacy of clients.

Lanakila Health Center – $584,000 will be used for air conditioning improvements at the Lanakila Health Center on Oahu. Because the center houses a tuberculosis clinic and TB is an airborne disease, it is essential that the air conditioning and ventilation systems in the clinic perform at optimum levels for the health of staff and clients.

Department of Health Facilities – $425,000 in design and construction funds will be used to finance energy efficiency improvements at Department of Health buildings and facilities statewide. The improvements include retrofitting light fixtures with energy efficient lamps and ballasts that will enable the DOH to realize higher energy savings on its electric bills.

Kamauleule Building (DOH Laboratory) – $333,000 will be used to finance electrical system upgrades and energy efficiency improvements at the Department of Health Laboratory in Pearl City. The project includes retrofitting light fixtures with energy efficient lamps and ballasts, rewiring for the emergency generator and other related improvements.

Wahiawa Civic Center, Public Health Nursing Office – $352,430 will be used for energy efficiency and air conditioning improvements at the Public Health Nursing Office in the Wahiawa Civic Center. The improvements include electrical system upgrades, retrofitting light fixtures, and installing new air conditioning units.

The energy efficiency improvements are part of the Lingle-Aiona Administration’s continuing efforts to make state office buildings and facilities more energy efficient in order to reduce electricity costs and decrease Hawaii’s dependence on imported fossil fuels. The effort supports the Governor’s Hawaii Clean Energy Initiative, which aims to have 70 percent of Hawaii’s energy come from clean sources by the year 2030, including 40 percent from renewable energy and 30 percent through energy conservation measures.

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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

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

GOVERNOR LINGLE RELEASES $1 MILLION FOR ENERGY EFFICIENCY IMPROVEMENTS AT STATE PARKS

November 17, 2009

For Immediate Release: November 17, 2009

HONOLULU – Governor Linda Lingle has released $1 million that will enable the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) to implement energy and water efficiency and conservation improvements at state parks.

As part of DLNR’s ongoing efforts to upgrade and modernize state parks and other outdoor recreational facilities statewide, the department will use the funds to design renewable energy sources to power park facilities such as water system pumps, sewer system pumps, booster pumps, trail lighting and rental cabins and kitchens.

The funding will allow DLNR to continue to replace and retrofit existing lighting fixtures and lamps, replace aging and inefficient appliances and water heaters, install water efficient fixtures, and implement energy and water conservation measures.

The funds will also be used to design renewable energy sources for facilities at various state parks and Mauna Kea State Recreation Area on Hawaii. Construction of a pilot project may include one or more of these parks as funding will allow.

In fiscal year 2009, state parks expended over $300,000 for electricity costs and close to $460,000 for water and sewer costs.

“The shift to renewable energy sources and energy efficient lighting and appliances, coupled with water conservation and efficiency measures will result in costs savings that are needed to fund park operations and ongoing maintenance,” said DLNR Director Laura H. Thielen.

The energy efficiency improvements are part of the Lingle-Aiona Administration’s continuing efforts to make State office buildings and facilities more energy efficient in order to reduce electricity costs and decrease Hawaii’s dependence on imported fossil fuels. This effort to lead by example supports the Hawaii Clean Energy Initiative, which aims to have 70 percent of Hawaii’s energy come from clean sources by the year 2030, including 40 percent from renewable energy and 30 percent through energy conservation measures.

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For more information, contact:

Laura H. Thielen
Director, DLNR
Phone: (808) 587-0401

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

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

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL FOR UNDERSEA CABLE EIS RELEASED

October 29, 2009

For Immediate Release: October 29, 2009

HONOLULU – The State of Hawaii today issued a request for proposal (RFP) from companies and other interested organizations to conduct an environmental impact statement (EIS) for an undersea power cable connecting the islands of Lanai, Molokai, Oahu, and Maui.

The undersea cable, which would connect the islands into one electrical grid to allow the integration of renewable wind power generated in MauiCounty for transmission to Oahu is part of a comprehensive energy agreement signed one year ago between the State of Hawaii and Hawaiian Electric companies to move the state away from its dependence on fossil fuels for electricity and ground transportation. Partners in the agreement include the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT), the Hawaiian Electric companies, the State Consumer Advocate and the U.S. Department of Energy.

The State-Hawaiian Electric energy agreement is a critical component of the Hawaii Clean Energy Initiative (HCEI), an unprecedented partnership formed in January 2008 between the State of Hawaii and the U.S. Department of Energy to work toward having 70 percent of Hawaii’s energy come from clean energy sources by 2030.

HCEI is focused on transforming the regulatory environment to facilitate clean energy development, collaborating with island utility companies to increase renewable energy generation and integrating renewable energy into utility grids.

“It has been a remarkable year and we need to continue to build upon HCEI’s success,” said Governor Lingle. “As the most oil-dependent state in the nation, a clean energy future is no longer simply a desire, it is an absolute necessity. The State-Hawaiian Electric energy agreement represents a bold step towards achieving energy security, and the progress made over the past year demonstrates that Hawaii can serve as a clean energy role model for the rest of the nation.”

“This one-year mark is a time for us to recommit to these critical clean energy goals. This achievement – and achievements yet to come – depend on an unprecedented unity of purpose and willingness to cooperate among individuals, businesses, institutions and government in Hawaii,” said Hawaiian Electric Executive Vice President Robbie Alm. “Whether oil prices go up or down, we must stay focused on making the long-term investments to get to a clean energy future.”

Steady Progress Toward Clean Energy Future
Over the past year, the partnership between the State and Hawaiian Electric has enabled Hawaii to take critical first steps in reforming the regulatory framework governing the existing electricity system.

Several key reforms agreed to in the energy agreement have become active Public Utilities Commission (PUC) dockets, including feed-in tariffs and decoupling.

In September, the PUC issued its decision and order on the feed-in tariff principles, which provides a price guarantee for electricity produced by sun, wind and hydroelectric sources that Hawaiian Electric companies will pay for renewable energy fed into the electricity grid. The set rate under the feed-in tariff provides an incentive for renewable energy developers to invest in Hawaii by creating certainty and transparency.

In addition, Clean Energy Scenario Planning and Advanced Meter Infrastructure or “Smart-Grid” (planning ahead to enable more distribution of renewable energy on the grid) are among the other PUC proceedings underway.

Progress has been made on more wind-generated renewable energy such as First Wind’s Kaheawa wind farm on Maui that generates 30 megawatts of power on conservation land. It became the first operating wind farm in the United States to have a habitat conservation plan.

Interisland Power Cable
As part of the HCEI, Governor Lingle also announced that DBEDT is moving forward with the request for proposals process for an EIS for the interisland power cable project.

The EIS will consider the impacts from the installation, operation, maintenance, possible repair, and potential long term development envisioned for the interisland power cable, mitigation strategies, and alternatives. It is a structured public process enabling the communities and other stakeholders to understand the impact of the undersea cable. Contract award is expected by the end of the calendar year.

“The interisland cable project is an important piece of infrastructure needed to achieve the goal of the Hawaii Clean Energy Initiative of 70 percent clean energy by 2030,” said Governor Lingle. “We are committed to making sure all environmental, economic, cultural and community issues are fully addressed.”

For more information on the RFP go to: https://www4.hawaii.gov/bidapps

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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

 

GOVERNOR LINGLE ANNOUNCES AGREEMENT ON $6 MILLION IN ENERGY PROJECTS

October 29, 2009

For Immediate Release: October 29, 2009

HONOLULU—Governor Lingle announced today that the Department of Business Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT), Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL) and Department of Accounting and General Services (DAGS) will conduct energy efficiency and renewable projects funded by more than $6 million in Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) funds from the U.S. Department of Energy. This is part of the economic stimulus American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) passed by Congress earlier this year.

The DHHL will utilize $3 million through its Hoomaluo Energy Policy program, which outlines five key objectives to achieving healthy, self-sufficient and thriving communities. DHHL plans to upgrade the energy efficiency of about 400 homestead homes with solar water heaters and compact fluorescent lamps.

“This will help reduce household electricity bills for our homesteaders by about 30 percent per year, or five barrels of oil per year per household,” said Kaulana Park, DHHL chairman. “In August, DHHL signed a formal energy partnership charter with Hawaiian Electric companies that will benefit native Hawaiian homesteaders and support Hawaii’s clean energy goals through the development of affordable, energy self-sufficient and sustainable communities.”

In addition, $3 million will go to DAGS to install photovoltaics on state buildings as part of its statewide energy savings performance contract.

“We estimate that each 100 kW photovoltaic system will generate about 167,446 kWh of electricity, and a cumulative reduction of greenhouse gas emissions of at least 320,120 pounds in carbon dioxide equivalents per year,” said Comptroller Russ Saito. “This will enhance our already aggressive solar energy commitment and our ongoing work to make state buildings more energy efficient.”

Earlier this month, DAGS awarded a contract for the State Capital District, Energy Savings Performance Contracting project to Noresco, LLC an energy services company. The project includes energy efficiency improvements to 10 State office buildings within the State Capital District, including the State Capitol, that comprise over 1.3 million square feet of building space. The State Capital District 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.

The planned energy projects are part of the State’s continuing efforts to make State office buildings and facilities more energy efficient in order to reduce electricity costs and decrease Hawaii’s dependence on imported fossil fuels.

“The effort is an important component of the Hawaii Clean Energy Initiative, which aims to have 70 percent of Hawaii’s energy come from clean sources by the year 2030, including 40 percent from renewable energy and 30 percent through energy efficient measures,” said DBEDT Director Theodore E. Liu. “We are engaged in both energy conservation and energy conversion efforts to make our state truly ‘Hawaii Powered’.”

“The Departments of Hawaiian Home Lands, Accounting and General Services and Business, Economic Development and Tourism are continuing to lead by example in the State’s pursuit of increasing energy security and independence for Hawaii,” said Governor Lingle. “These clean energy projects further support our five-point plan to stimulate Hawaii’s economy and create jobs by attracting investments in renewable energy and maximizing federal funding and partnerships for clean energy initiatives.”

Using DBEDT’s latest job multiplier, the total energy and conservation block grant for Hawaii will generate about 124 direct and indirect local construction jobs, and add $5.7 million in direct and indirect income to Hawaii’s economy.

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For more information, contact:

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

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

Kaulana Park
Director, DHHL
Phone: (808) 620-9509

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

 

GOVERNOR LINGLE TO PROMOTE TOURISM, CLEAN ENERGY PARTNERSHIPS, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES IN CHINA

October 28, 2009

For Immediate Release: October 28, 2009

HONOLULU – Governor Linda Lingle announced today she will travel to China to build on the State’s strategic efforts to strengthen Hawaii’s economic base by tapping China’s growing outbound tourism market as well as developing opportunities and partnerships in clean energy and international trade.

During the trip (October 30 – November 13), the Governor will visit six cities where Hawaii has developed important economic interests: Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Haikou and Sanya in Hainan Province and Guangzhou, Guangdong Province. Beijing is the capitol and political and administrative center of China; Shanghai is the country’s economic and business center; Hong Kong continues to be a leading global financial center and trading base; both Hainan and Guangdong Province are sister-states to Hawaii.

“This trip’s focus on promoting tourism and seeking partnerships in clean energy and other sectors are part of my Administration’s five-point economic plan to stimulate Hawaii’s economy, create jobs and position our state and residents for the future,” said Governor Lingle. “With a 9 percent increase in its gross domestic product in the third quarter, China’s continuing economic recovery is critical to the recovery worldwide, as well as to Hawaii’s economy. In today’s global economy, it is important that Hawaii continue to strengthen our partnerships with China so that our local businesses have the opportunity to capitalize on this large, emerging market.”

China’s Emerging Outbound Visitor Market – Opportunities for Hawaii

A major part of the Governor’s trip will be to ensure Hawaii is prepared to maximize economic opportunities from China’s emerging outbound tourism market. Over the past several years, the Lingle-Aiona Administration has focused on strengthening partnerships with the growing Chinese tourism industry as part of a strategic effort to diversify the geographic mix of visitors to Hawaii. This is particularly important now, as Hawaii is expected to benefit from an increase in Chinese travelers due to recent developments.

In June 2008, a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the U.S. and China began allowing for increased group leisure travel from China to the U.S. and permitted tour operators to market and advertise group tours to Hawaii. The MOU was expanded earlier this month to allow Chinese citizens from a total of 21 provinces to visit the U.S. in tour groups.

In addition, the first nonstop scheduled airline service from China to Hawaii is expected to begin early next year. Hainan Airlines, which has had ongoing discussions with Governor Lingle and members of her cabinet and the Hawaii Tourism Authority regarding direct China-Hawaii service, received approval last month from the U.S. Department of Transportation to begin operations. The carrier will start one flight a week initially and plans to increase the frequency of the Beijing-Honolulu service as demand builds. The Governor will meet with the chairman of the board and other senior executives of Hainan Airlines in its home base of Hainan Province to discuss the upcoming flight service.

To encourage Chinese tour groups to visit Hawaii and to take advantage of the upcoming nonstop flight between Beijing and Honolulu, the Governor will address Chinese tourism officials, tour wholesalers, travel agents, airline executives and travel writers at two events in Beijing and Shanghai. In conjunction with these events, she will participate in media roundtables with Chinese media, including the nation’s major news outlets as well as travel and leisure publications to promote Hawaii as a travel destination.

The Governor will also meet with Shao Qiwei, chairman of the China National Tourism Administration (CNTA), the country’s tourism ministry, to continue to build on the progress made since the Governor’s first business mission to China in 2005, which set the groundwork for a cooperative agreement between the State of Hawaii and CNTA to increase two-way travel between Hawaii and China. Most recently, Chairman Shao met with Governor Lingle last Saturday during his stopover in Hawai‘i and they discussed the importance of increasing travel between the U.S. and China and the many opportunities Hawaii has in increasing visitors from China.

Another major tourism-related issue that will be addressed during the trip is expediting the visa application and approval process for Chinese visitors to the United States. The Governor will meet with newly appointed U.S. Ambassador John Huntsman to continue discussions they had in Honolulu in August to ensure that obtaining a U.S. travel visa will not be an obstacle to traveling to Hawaii or the rest of the U.S. Among the proposals Governor Lingle will raise with Ambassador Huntsman are establishing set interview times for Chinese travelers applying for a visa, designating a point-of-contact at each U.S. consulate in China to focus on the visa issue and determining a process to facilitate last-minute travel applications.

In Hong Kong, Governor Lingle will meet with Rita Lau, the Hong Kong Government’s cabinet Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, who also holds the tourism portfolio, to discuss Hong Kong’s potential role as a gateway to Hawaii for Chinese tourists from southern China.

The Governor will be joined at the tourism-related events and meetings in Beijing and Shanghai by Kelvin Bloom, chair of the Hawaii Tourism Authority and Hawaii Tourism China which is organizing the tourism events in Beijing and Shanghai.

Hawaii-China Clean Energy Partnerships

During her meeting with Ambassador Huntsman, the Governor will also expand on earlier conversations she had with him on the role Hawaii can play in fostering partnerships and investments, as the U.S. and China work toward reducing dependence on fossil fuels and developing clean, renewable energy alternatives.

Through the Hawaii Clean Energy Initiative, a partnership between the State of Hawaii and the U.S. Department of Energy which aims to have 70 percent of Hawaii’s energy come from clean sources by 2030, Hawaii can be a global role model of renewable energy development. The Governor will focus on identifying opportunities for Hawaii businesses to share their expertise in clean energy, as well as securing Chinese partners that can invest in Hawaii to help the state achieve its clean energy goals, while stimulating the local economy.

Toward that end, in Beijing the Governor will meet with officials from the China Academy of Engineering and the National Reform and Development Commission (NDRC), two central government agencies responsible for China’s ambitious clean energy and emissions reduction plans. Included in these meetings are three internationally recognized Chinese clean energy experts who spoke at the Asia-Pacific Clean Energy Summit and Expo that was held in Hawaii in September. The China Academy of Engineering plans to participate in the 2010 Asia-Pacific Clean Energy Expo what will be held in Hawaii.

In Hong Kong, she will meet with Edward Yao, Hong Kong’s Secretary for the Environment to focus on opportunities for Hawaii in the area of clean energy development and environmental protection both for Hong Kong and for southern China.

Promoting Hawaii Exports

In Beijing, the Governor will meet with the China Ministry of Commerce (MOC), the nation’s top trade and economic development agency. In an attempt to narrow China’s trade surplus with the U.S., the MOC is launching a program to promote American products to the Chinese consumer, especially the growing Chinese middle class. Governor Lingle will discuss the MOC’s interest in launching a Hawaii products showroom and trade center, fully funded and operated by the MOC, that will promote and distribute Hawaii products in China.

In Shanghai, Governor Lingle will meet with the organizers of the Shanghai Expo, a six-month international exhibition to be held May to September of 2010. The organizers expect 70 million people to visit the Shanghai Expo, of which 67 million will be Chinese domestic visitors. Governor Lingle will explore utilizing the expo as a platform for promoting the export of Hawaii products and services.

In the meeting with Hong Kong Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development Lau, the Governor will discuss opportunities for Hawaii businesses to utilize Hong Kong as an export window into China.

The Chinese Chamber of Commerce in Hawaii will join Governor Lingle in Hainan Province and Guangdong Province to develop and further relationships with its Chinese counterparts. Specific areas of interest for the Chinese Chamber is exports of Hawaii products, professional services and education and cultural exchange.

Strengthening International Partnerships in the Global Economy

The Hainan Province and Guangdong Province portions of the trip will focus on strengthening existing relationships with Hawaii’s historic sister-states in China. Sister-states are the internationally accepted formal basis upon which closer economic, business and cultural exchange between two foreign states are promoted.

At the invitation of Guangdong Province Governor Huang Huahua, Governor Lingle will travel to Guangzhou to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Guangdong Province’s sister relations program. Governor Lingle has been invited to address foreign officials from Guangdong’s sister provinces/states, including governors and other dignitaries from Australia, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Indonesia, Japan, Mexico, Netherlands, Poland, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Turkey and the United States. The Guangzhou itinerary will also include a forum on the innovation economy.

In 1985, Hawaii established a sister-state relationship with Guangdong, ancestral home to many of Hawaii’s Chinese immigrants. Guangdong has since developed into China’s foreign trade powerhouse, accounting for up to 40 percent of China’s trade. In 2005, Governor Lingle led a Hawaii delegation to Guangzhou to mark the 20th anniversary and to sign a reaffirmation agreement.

In 1992, Hawaii established a sister-state relationship with Hainan Province when it was separated from Guangdong Province. Hawaii and Hainan share many similarities as island states, with similar issues and aspirations in tourism – Hainan is known as “China’s Hawaii” – and sustainable energy and agriculture development. Hainan is the home base of Hainan Airlines. Governor Lingle will be the first Hawaii governor to visit Hainan Province since the sister-state relationship was established.

Traveling Party and Expenses

Governor Lingle’s air travel expenses will be paid for with State funds.

Accompanying the Governor will be Ted Liu, director, Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism. His air fare will be funded by DBEDT.

Kelvin Bloom’s air travel expenses will be covered by Hawaii Tourism Authority. Bloom will travel to Beijing and Shanghai only.

Abbey Mayer, executive director of the Office of Planning, who will be in China attending a non-state-funded conference, will join the Governor and Liu in Hainan and Guangzhou.

The Governor’s party will be hosted by the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, Hainan Provincial Government and Guangdong Provincial Government, which will pay for hotel accommodations and ground transportation in Beijing, Shanghai, Hainan and Guangzhou. Expenses in Hong Kong will be paid for with personal funds.

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For more information, contact:

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

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

NEW WEBSITE LAUNCHED TO SUPPORT THE HAWAII CLEAN ENERGY INITIATIVE (HCEI)

July 30, 2009

For Immediate Release: July 30, 2009

HONOLULU—The Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT) in collaboration with the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) has launched a new website – www.hawaiicleanenergyinitiative.org – to provide Hawaii residents and businesses with information on how they can help achieve energy independence for the state.

“This web site will allow all the people of Hawaii to do their part to support the state’s strategic goal of having 70 percent of our energy needs come from clean energy sources by 2030,” said Governor Linda Lingle.

The site contains information about the many working groups that are collaborating on policy initiatives and strategies for integrating clean energy technologies and improving energy reliability and economic viability.

The site also offers practical tips for consumers on saving energy at home, at work, on the road, and at school.

There is also a special section on island projects which details the many different efforts to use energy more efficiently and to use renewable sources throughout the state.

Visitors to the site can sign up to subscribe to the Hawaii Powered News, a free, quarterly e-news letter that will keep the public informed on the latest news and events related to HCEI.

“It’s up to all of us to support the Hawaii Clean Energy Initiative in order to reduce our dependence on foreign oil. We encourage residents to ‘bookmark’ this site and take the initiative to use energy more efficiently and stay personally involved in achieving energy independence for Hawaii,” said DBEDT Director Theodore E. Liu.

“We want to thank the National Renewable Energy Laboratory for their assistance in funding the development of this site,” said Ted Peck, the Energy Administrator at DBEDT. “They and the Department of Energy are our partners in our mission to make Hawaii a model for energy independence for the nation and the world.”

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For more information, contact:

Dave Young, DBEDT Communications
Phone: (808) 587-1212
Email: [email protected]

DBEDT CONTRACTS WITH UH TO SURVEY OCEAN FLOOR FOR INTERISLAND ELECTRICAL TRANSMISSION CABLE

June 4, 2009

For Immediate Release: June 4, 2009

HONOLULU—The Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism (DBEDT) has contracted with the University of Hawaii School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology (SOEST) to conduct an intensive survey of the ocean floor between the islands to determine the best possible routes for an interisland electrical transmission cable.

“This cable is one of the major components of the Hawaii Clean Energy Initiative,” said Ted Peck, the State’s energy program administrator. “It entails the installation of a high voltage interisland cable system to integrate the electrical systems of the islands of Oahu, Maui, Molokai and Lanai. This is the first step in the development process that will help make this project ‘shovel ready’ so that it will qualify for Federal stimulus funds.”

The interisland cable will be at least 30 miles in length with a rating of at least 400 megawatts that would be capable of integrating the proposed 200 megawatt wind farm on Lanai and the 200 megawatt wind farm on Molokai with the electric transmission systems on Oahu, Maui, Molokai and Lanai.

The immediate objective of the contracted surveys is to characterize the seafloor in order to recommend preferred routes to lay the cables.

Data collected from this survey will become part of the environmental impact statement for the interisland cable.

The State received approval from the U.S. Department of Energy to use Federal Petroleum Violation Escrow funds to cover the cost of the $1.5 million survey. The Department of Energy partnered with the State of Hawaii in January 2008 to develop the Hawaii Clean Energy Initiative, which has a goal of having 70 percent of Hawaii’s energy come from clean sources by 2030.

“We wanted to get these funds to Hawaii and circulating in the local economy as quickly as possible,” Peck said. “DBEDT selected the UH School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology as the
organization with the most local ocean floor data and the necessary equipment on hand to execute the project quickly and effectively.”

The contract was executed using an intergovernmental professional services contract.

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For more information, contact:

Dave Young, DBEDT Communications
Phone: (808) 587-1212
Email: [email protected]

GOVERNOR’S LANAI COMMUNITY ADVISORY COUNCIL CONTINUES DISCUSSION ON HAWAII CLEAN ENERGY INITIATIVE

March 20, 2009

For Immediate Release: March 20, 2009

HONOLULU – The Governor’s Lanai Community Advisory Council will meet on Tuesday, March 24, 2009, 5:00 p.m. at the Lanai Senior Center, 309 Seventh Street, Lanai City. The public is invited to attend.

This month’s meeting will be a follow-up to the Council’s Feb. 24 meeting, which focused on the Lingle-Aiona Administration’s work to achieve energy independence through the Hawaii Clean Energy Initiative (HCEI). Ted Peck, energy administrator, Strategic Industries Division, and Joshua Strickler, facilitator of renewable energy projects, from the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism, both of whom spoke to the Council and the community last month about the HCEI, will discuss the recent agreement between Castle & Cooke, First Wind Hawaii, and Hawaiian Electric that could lead to large wind farms on Lanai and Molokai providing clean energy to Oahu. The agreement is part of the HCEI, a partnership between the State of Hawaii and the U.S. Department of Energy that seeks to move Hawaii toward having 70 percent of its energy come from clean energy sources by 2030.

Governor Linda Lingle created community advisory councils to give the neighbor islands a stronger voice in state government. The Lanai Community Advisory Council holds monthly public meetings on the fourth Tuesday of each month to seek community input and advise the Governor of important issues on Lanai. The advisory council also recommends potential nominees from Lanai to serve on state boards and commissions.

The members of the Governor’s Lanai Community Advisory Council are Christine Costales, Darlene Endrina, Michael Lopez, Matthew Mano and Douglas Rolefson.

Anyone requiring special assistance or accommodations to participate at this meeting may call (808) 586-0034. For additional information on Neighbor Island Community Advisory Councils, including meeting minutes and agendas, visit the Governor’s Web site at www.hawaii.gov/gov.

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For more information, contact:

Charen L. Ching
Governor’s Liaison Office
Phone: (808) 586-0001

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

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