Category: News Releases

HAWAI‘I COMPANY RECEIVES FEDERAL GRANT TO HELP MODERNIZE SCHOOL BUS FLEET

March 10, 2022

HONOLULU — Hawai‘i is among the states with recipients of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) 2021 Diesel Emissions Reduction Action (DERA) School Bus Rebates.

Roberts Hawaii has been awarded $200,000 in the latest round of funding for the long-standing DERA School Bus Rebates program that helps fund the replacement of older-model diesel school buses with cleaner models that meet or exceed current emission standards.

The funding announcement of ongoing school bus rebate opportunities was coupled with the announcement of a new Clean School Bus rebate program through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law that will be available later this year. The new program will provide an additional $5 billion over five years to replace existing school buses nationwide with low- or zero-emission school buses — a significant boost compared to the existing programs.

“I am proud that the Biden administration is helping our keiki travel to and from school in buses that will be safer and healthier for them while moving Hawai‘i closer to our goal of ending reliance on fossil-fuels by 2045,” said Governor David Y. Ige.

The DERA grant will go towards the purchase of ten new, more efficient buses serving Hawai‘i Department of Education routes on Maui and Hawai‘i Island.

“We take pride in our responsibility to transport children to their schools, and the DERA School Bus Rebate plays an important role in ensuring that we can continuously provide high quality service and modern school buses to the community,” said Randy Baldemor, executive vice president, Roberts Hawaii.

The DERA award for Roberts Hawaii is part of $17 million in federal funding for schools and bus fleet owners across the United States to replace older diesel school buses. Since 2021, EPA has awarded — or is in the process of awarding — over $73 million to replace more than 3,000 diesel school buses nationwide.

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STATEMENT FROM CHIEF ENERGY OFFICER SCOTT GLENN

March 3, 2022

HONOLULU — Hawai‘i Chief Energy Officer Scott Glenn today issued the following statement:

“We strongly support Par Pacific Holdings, Inc.’s decision to suspend purchasing any more Russian crude oil for Hawai‘i. The Hawai‘i State Energy Office has been in close contact with Par and other state and industry partners ever since tensions between Russia and Ukraine arose to assure energy supply for Hawai‘i would not be disrupted.

“While we do not anticipate any supply concerns, HSEO reminds residents that energy prices are likely to remain high and perhaps go even higher due to uncertainty in the global energy markets.

This market exposure underscores why Hawai‘i is focused on transitioning as quickly as it can to locally produced renewable energy.”

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HAWAI‘I TO RECEIVE MORE THAN $17 MILLION IN FEDERAL FUNDS TO SUPPORT ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING INFRASTRUCTURE

February 11, 2022

The U.S. Departments of Transportation and Energy have announced the new National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program that will provide more than $17 million in Hawai‘i over the next five years to fund electric vehicle charging stations statewide.   

“Hawaii has some of the most aggressive clean energy and carbon reduction goals in the nation,” said Hawai‘i Chief Energy Officer Scott Glenn. “We appreciate the federal government’s recognition that we need to move swiftly to build the infrastructure needed to support the adoption of clean transportation in Hawaii which will help us achieve our carbon net-negative goal as soon as practicable and no later than 2045.”   

Nationally, the program enacted through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act makes available nearly $5 billion over five years help states create a network of electric vehicle charging stations along designated Alternative Fuel Corridors in Hawai‘i and nationwide. 

 “The Hawai‘i Department of Transportation and Hawai‘i State Energy Office have worked collaboratively for many years to achieve federally designated Alternative Fuel Corridors on all islands,” said Ed Sniffen, Hawai‘i Department of Transportation Deputy Director for Highways. “Just as our national partners are working together to make these funds available, HDOT and HSEO will be working together with our state and county partners to submit an EV Infrastructure Deployment Plan which is required to access these funds.” 

The total amount available to states in the first year beginning with fiscal year 2022 is $615 million, of which Hawai‘i is slated to receive approximately $2.62 million per the government’s funding formula. A second, competitive grant program designed to further increase EV charging access in locations throughout the country, including in rural and underserved communities, will be announced later this year. For more information on the federal program and the newly formed U.S. Joint Office of Energy Transportation, please visit driveelectric.gov.  

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ANNUAL HAWAI‘I GREEN BUSINESS AWARDS PROGRAM HONORS HAWAII BUSINESSES AND EVENTS FOR GREEN PRACTICES

January 14, 2022

HONOLULU — A total of 14 venues and events were recognized today for undertaking energy efficiency and sustainable business practices that will help their bottom line while advancing Hawai‘i’s clean energy and sustainability goals.

Gov. David Ige and first lady Dawn Amano-Ige praised the awardees for their commitment to conserving energy and water, reducing waste, and protecting Hawai‘i’s environment. “It is an honor to present these awards that recognize the commitment and hard work done by businesses and organizations to make Hawaii more sustainable,” said Ige. “Not only do their achievements keep utility costs down and create a more sustainable environment for them individually as businesses, they also are collectively contributing to Hawaii’s clean energy goals.”

“It is important that we all work together to build a clean and sustainable Hawai‘i, not only for us on this forum, but for future generations. The Hawai‘i Green Business Program is one aspect of this important effort in achieving our goals,” added Amano-Ige.

The awardees were recognized during the annual HGBP awards ceremony, which was held virtually for the second time due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The ceremony was hosted by the Hawai‘i State Energy Office, the Hawaii State Department of Health, and the Honolulu Board of Water Supply. The HGBP, which was created by the Hawai‘i State Energy Office and the Department of Health in 2002, provides technical assistance to businesses, government agencies and nonprofits seeking to operate in a more environmentally and socially responsible manner.

“As we enter into the third year of the COVID-19 pandemic, we remain acutely aware of how vulnerable Hawai‘i is to things like volatile fuel and electricity prices, energy supply disruptions, rising sea levels and threats to our fragile ecosystem,” said Hawai‘i Chief Energy Officer Scott Glenn. “The Hawai‘i Green Business Program helps address these issues by creating a profitable public-private partnership between business, government and a concerned public.”

The honorees of this year’s Hawai‘i Green Business Program Awards are:

• Kings’ Land by Hilton Grand Vacations
• Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort
• Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort
• OHANA Waikiki East by Outrigger
• Waikiki Malia by Outrigger
• Waikiki Beachcomber by Outrigger
• The Westin Nanea Ocean Villas
• The Volcano House
• Prince Waikiki
• The Hawai‘i Convention Center
• University of Hawai‘i, Maui College
• Honeywell
• 2021 Sony Open
• 2021 Sentry Tournament of Champions

The businesses and events honored at this year’s HGBP awards ceremony undertook a wide array of green initiatives that included planting native and endemic plants to reduce the need for excessive irrigation, using low-flow faucets and shower heads to reduce water consumption, installing LED lights and solar panels, recycling paper and food scraps, and implementing incentives to encourage employees to commute by bike.

For more information on the Hawaii Green Business Program, visit greenbusiness.hawaii.gov/ 

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HSEO EXPANDS FOCUS ON CLEAN TRANSPORTATION WITH ADDITION OF VEHICLE MILES TRAVELED/ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION SPECIALIST

December 7, 2021

HONOLULU — The Hawai‘i State Energy Office announced today that Kiana Otsuka has joined HSEO as the Vehicle Miles Traveled/Active Transportation Specialist. Otsuka will focus on the development and implementation of strategies to reduce vehicle miles traveled (VMT) through mode-shift, active transportation, and other associated means.

“A key way to change to clean energy and reduce emissions is to avoid using energy in the first place, like we do with buildings and turning off the lights. The same goes for clean transportation,” said Scott Glenn, chief energy officer. “Kiana will be working with communities to help save energy by doing more walking, biking, and using public transportation as well as helping the state shift to more EVs.”

The position is funded through a two-year grant from the U.S. Climate Alliance and was created in collaboration with the State Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission. The VMT specialist is also responsible for helping to initiate and guide the work in the multi-modal mobility hub proposal that is funded in part through a grant from the O‘ahuMPO Overall Work Program to assess State parking facilities for additional clean mobility options that maximize public benefit.

“Kiana’s diverse experience in community engagement, analysis, and transportation planning here in Hawai‘i adds further depth and knowledge to our team to tackle clean transportation comprehensively,” added Chris Yunker, managing director, resiliency, clean transportation, and analytics.

Otsuka joins HSEO from the O‘ahu Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) where she worked as a Transportation Planner and served as the MPO’s representative for the Department of Health’s Transportation Equity Steering Committee, State Climate Change Social Vulnerability Framework Hui, State Climate Change Commission’s VMT Project, Mayor’s Advisory Committee on Bicycling, Transportation Equity Hui, and other active transportation and VMT reduction activities. She also worked as a public policy and research analyst in London, England.

Otsuka holds a master’s degree in Regional and Urban Planning Studies from the London School of Economics and Political Science in the U.K. and an undergraduate degree in Political Science from Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, CA. An O‘ahu native, she is active in several community organizations including Malama Maunalua and the Surfrider Foundation.

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About the Hawaii State Energy Office

The Hawaii State Energy Office (HSEO) is an attached agency of the state’s Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism. The HSEO’s mission is to promote energy efficiency, renewable energy, and clean transportation to help achieve a resilient, clean energy, decarbonized economy. Toward this end, the HSEO is developing policies and programs to achieve our energy and climate change goals while identifying strategies that create jobs, lower costs, and improve quality of life in Hawaii. For more information, visit energy.hawaii.gov

MEDIA CONTACT:
Claudia Rapkoch
Public Affairs Officer
Hawaiʻi State Energy Office
(808) 460-5998
[email protected]

THE DIESEL REPLACEMENT REBATE PROGRAM OPENS

November 1, 2021

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 29, 2021

HONOLULU — Public and private organizations looking to replace medium- and heavy-duty diesel vehicles with clean, zero-emission battery electric vehicles are invited to apply for a rebate that could fund up to 45 percent of the cost through the Diesel Replacement Rebate Program (DRR).

Presented by the Hawaii State Energy Office in partnership with the Hawaii Department of Health, the DRR is funded by the Volkswagen Environmental Mitigation Trust and the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act. The program has approximately $2.1 million in diesel replacement rebates available, and applications will be accepted beginning October 29, 2021, at Diesel Replacement Rebate Program – Hawai‘i State Energy Office (hawaii.gov).

To be eligible for the rebate, applicants must own and operate a fully operational medium or heavy-duty school, transit, shuttle, or tour bus; or medium-, or heavy-duty truck located in the state of Hawaii that still has at least three years of remaining expected life at the time of replacement. The replacement vehicle must be fully electric with a new battery-electric, zero-emission engine; resemble the existing unit in form and function; should be the most recent model and year available; and it must operate in the state of Hawaii for a minimum of 5 years immediately following deployment.

The DRR will fund up to 45 percent of the selected vehicle cost, including the charger if applicable. Applicants must cover the remaining cost of the vehicle, and this cannot include funding from federal sources including grants. The final rebate amount will be determined upon submission of all documentation. Vehicles purchased prior to project selection are not eligible for the rebate. Any single organization cannot reserve more than $1.2 million in available funds, regardless of the number of applications submitted. Other eligibility requirements may apply, and funds are available on a first come-first served basis.

Hawaii has a goal of a net-negative carbon economy as soon as practicable but no later than 2045. This goal is supported by Hawaiʻi’s objective to increase energy security and self-sufficiency by planning for the reduction and ultimate elimination of Hawaii’s dependence on imported fuels for electrical generation and ground transportation. The Diesel Replacement Rebate is one way that Hawaii is supporting its communities and encouraging the transition to zero-emission vehicles.

Learn more about the Diesel Replacement Rebate Program at Diesel Replacement Rebate Program – Hawai‘i State Energy Office (hawaii.gov) and click on the DRR Program Guide link on the site for more information regarding the requirements of applicants, the vehicle being replaced, the replacing vehicles, the charging station, and scrappage requirements.

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ABOUT HAWAII STATE ENERGY OFFICE

The Hawaii State Energy Office (HSEO) is an attached agency of the state’s Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism. The HSEO’s mission is to promote energy efficiency, renewable energy, and clean transportation to help achieve a resilient, clean energy, decarbonized economy. Toward this end, the HSEO is developing policies and programs to achieve our energy and climate change goals while identifying strategies that create jobs, lower costs, and improve quality of life in Hawaii. For more information, visit energy.hawaii.gov

MEDIA CONTACT:

Claudia Rapkoch
Public Affairs Officer
Hawaii State Energy Office
(808) 460-5998
[email protected]

DIESEL REPLACEMENT REBATES AVAILABLE TO ELECTRIFY MEDIUM AND HEAVY DUTY VEHICLES

September 30, 2021

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 30, 2021

HONOLULU – Approximately $2.1 million in diesel replacement rebates are available from the Hawaii State Energy Office in partnership with the Hawaii Department of Health. The new Diesel Replacement Rebate program offers a 45% rebate to public and private organizations within Hawaii that replace old, medium- and heavy-duty vehicles with an electric equivalent and an associated charger.

This program will fund transit, shuttle, and school buses, as well as medium- and heavy-duty trucks. Funds are available on a first come, first served basis. Applications will be available and accepted beginning October 29th at 9 am at Diesel Replacement Rebate Program – Hawai‘i State Energy Office (hawaii.gov).

There will be an informational webinar on October 21st at 9am for potential applicants. Interested parties can sign up for the VW mailing list to receive more information.

“Providing rebates to replace old diesel vehicles with clean electric vehicles will significantly move the needle toward achieving Hawaii’s bold net-negative emissions goal. The State of Hawaii is leading the way by aligning funding from multiple federal and non-governmental
sources to leverage meaningful action,” said Governor Ige.

Hawaii’s Chief Energy Officer Scott Glenn emphasized, “Ground transportation represents about one quarter of Hawaii’s oil consumption and energy sector greenhouse gas emissions. That’s why it’s important to invest in electric trucks and buses and the charging infrastructure they require. In addition, this program will support job creation and reduce exposure to pollution for people who rely on mass transit.”

The partnership between the Hawaii State Energy Office and the Hawaii Department of Health leveraged Volkswagen Settlement funds to receive a bonus incentive of roughly $500,000 from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Diesel Emissions Reduction Act program, increasing the otherwise available funds by more than 30 percent.

“Reducing harmful emissions from diesel engines is important to protect human health and our island environment.” said Kathleen Ho, HDOH Deputy Director for Environmental Health. “We are excited to partner with the Hawaii State Energy Office to reduce air pollution and improve air quality for the people of Hawaii.”

This announcement coincides with National Drive Electric Week.

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About the Hawaii State Energy Office

The Hawaii State Energy Office (HSEO) is an attached agency of the state’s Department of
Business, Economic Development and Tourism. The HSEO’s mission is to promote energy efficiency, renewable energy, and clean transportation to help achieve a resilient, clean energy, decarbonized economy. Toward this end, the HSEO is developing policies and programs to achieve our energy and climate change goals while identifying strategies that create jobs, lower costs, and improve quality of life in Hawaii. For more information, visit energy.hawaii.gov.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Kirsten Baumgart Turner
Deputy Energy Officer
Hawaii State Energy Office
(808) 587-3807
[email protected]

HAWAII STATE ENERGY OFFICE POSITIONS AVAILABLE SUPPORTING EQUITY, RESILIENCY, AND GREEN JOBS GROWTH

September 23, 2021

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 23, 2021 

HONOLULU – The Hawaii State Energy Office is seeking candidates to fill three full-time AmeriCorps VISTA positions to continue building its capacity to serve vulnerable and underserved communities. “We are seeking candidates who want to tackle the climate crisis at its roots – energy, and equity to create a better quality of life for all of us here in Hawaii,” said Hawaii’s Chief Energy Officer Scott Glenn. 

The Energy Office, in partnership with the Hawaii Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission, is hiring for the second year of its mission-oriented Climate Ready Hawaii VISTA Corps to create job opportunities while building capacity to achieve an equitable 100% clean energy Hawaii. “The second generation of the Climate Ready Hawaii Cohort will carry forward the important work we’ve started to develop more equitable and resilient ways to help underserved communities,” said Glenn.  

“Our VISTA program members gain valuable experience working with experts in the energy field while supporting the Energy Office’s mission to help build a resilient, clean energy, decarbonized economy in Hawaii,” said Deputy Energy Officer Kirsten Baumgart Turner. The three Energy Office positions, along with their counterparts in the Hawaii Green Infrastructure Authority, the Hawaii Department of Health, the Hawaii Department of Transportation, and neighbor island County agencies will also work together on statewide decarbonization projects that promote equity under the direction of the State Climate Change Commission’s staff. 

The three Energy Office VISTA openings are for: 

• An Energy Climate Communication Associate to help the Hawaii State Energy Office develop targeted outreach initiatives to better inform, educate and engage vulnerable communities in energy project decision making, access to energy conservation and clean energy resources to lower costs, increase living wage employment, and improve health and welfare outcomes.  
• An Energy Affordability and Climate Associate to help the Hawaii State Energy Office lift vulnerable and underserved communities out of poverty by lowering their energy costs, decreasing the potential negative impacts and improving the benefits of clean energy projects, and providing higher wage, long-term employment opportunities. Play a key role in helping us build equity into our policies and programs to ensure “no one is left behind.” 
• A Transportation Energy and Climate Associate to help the Hawaii State Energy Office lift vulnerable communities out of poverty by lowering their transportation costs, decreasing the potential negative impacts and improving the benefits of transportation energy projects, and providing higher wage, long-term employment opportunities. 

The VISTA members will join the Energy Office for at least one year. Applications will be accepted through October 04, 2021. For more information or to apply go to www.climate.hawaii.gov /hi-vista/2022-climate-ready-corps/. 

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About the Hawaii State Energy Office 

The Hawaii State Energy Office (HSEO) is an attached agency of the state’s Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism. The HSEO’s mission is to promote energy efficiency, renewable energy, and clean transportation to help achieve a resilient, clean energy, decarbonized economy. Toward this end, the HSEO is developing policies and programs to achieve our energy and climate change goals while identifying strategies that create jobs, lower costs, and improve quality of life in Hawaii. For more information, visit www.energy.hawaii.gov 

 

MEDIA CONTACT: 

Kirsten Baumgart Turner 

Deputy Energy Officer 

Hawaii State Energy Office 

[email protected]