News Releases Archives - Page 5 of 18 - Hawai‘i State Energy Office

THIRD-PARTY CERTIFICATION NOW REQUIRED FOR RENEWABLE FUELS PRODUCERS SEEKING STATE TAX CREDIT

December 18, 2018

For Immediate Release: December 18, 2018

HONOLULU — For calendar year 2018 and beyond, taxpayers claiming Hawaii’s renewable fuels production tax credit (RFPTC) will be subject to several revised requirements. These revised requirements are the result of the enactment of Act 142 of 2017 and Act 143 of 2018. Following are some of the new requirements associated with each act.

Act 142: The revised procedure under Act 142 requires RFPTC-seeking taxpayers, at their sole expense, to have an independent, third party, provide a certified statement filed with the state Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism (DBEDT). Previously, the certification for the RFPTC was conducted by DBEDT at the state’s expense. The third-party statement is to certify, among other things, the type, quantity, and British thermal unit (Btu) value of each qualified renewable fuels, segregated by type of fuel that was produced and sold; the feedstock used to produce the renewable fuels, including the purpose for which the fuel was produced; and the proposed total amount of RFTPC being claimed by each taxpayer. For complete details on the requirements under Act 142 and all applicable forms required to claim the RFPTC click here.

Act 143: The revised RFPTC requirement under Act 143 has reduced the minimum renewable fuels production level from 15 billion Btu to 2.5 billion Btu and expanded the qualifying renewable feedstock that can be used to produce the renewable fuels. The RFPTC was established in 2016 and allows producers of renewable fuels from a variety of feedstocks to claim the credit through the 2021 tax year.

The RFPTC is equal to 20 cents per 76,000 Btu of renewable fuels produced (using the lower heating value and is capped annually at $3 million per taxpayer and $3 million annually in the aggregate for all taxpayers. The RFPTC is allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

Aside from filing the third-party certified statement, taxpayers planning to claim the RFPTC must first file written notification to DBEDT of their intent to begin production of renewable fuels. Additionally, taxpayers are required to file a notification with DBEDT within 30 days following the start of production. The form to complete both of these requirement is entitled The Notice of Intent/Notice to Start Production. Click here to download the form.

For a full listing of renewable fuels tax credit requirements, taxpayers should completely review Act 142 and Act 143. In addition, the Hawaii Department of Taxation has issued a Tax Information Release that defines certain terms related to the RFPTC that are not defined in statute: Tax Information Release (TIR) No. 2018-03.

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About the Hawaii State Energy Office

The Hawaii State Energy Office (HSEO) is a division of the state’s Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism. With the state’s goal to reach 100 percent renewable energy generation by 2045, HSEO is leading the state’s charge toward clean energy independence. HSEO is committed to developing and deploying high impact solutions that will maximize Hawaii’s renewable energy resources and improve efficiency and transportation standards. Through effective policies and innovative programs, HSEO has positioned Hawaii as a leader in clean energy innovation, which will generate quality jobs, attract investment opportunities and accelerate economic growth.

For more information, visit energy.hawaii.gov

MEDIA CONTACT:
Alan Yonan Jr.
Communications Officer
DBEDT State Energy Office
(808) 587-3860
[email protected]

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ELECTRONIC FILING NOW AVAILABLE FOR SOLAR WATER HEATER VARIANCE APPLICATIONS

September 4, 2018

For Immediate Release: September 4, 2018

HONOLULU – The State of Hawaii has made several changes to the application process for a solar water heater variance, including a new electronic filing option and the addition of a $25 processing fee.

State law requires all new single-family dwellings in Hawaii to be built with a solar water heating system unless a variance is granted under limited circumstances. Until now, variance requests were submitted through the mail, via e-mail or fax, or hand delivered.

Gov. David Ige recently approved a Hawaii Administrative Rule that allows applicants to complete solar water heater variance applications electronically. Electronic filing will expedite processing, allow for payment of the fee via credit card or e-check, and permit online tracking of variance requests. Applications may be submitted electronically at https://swhv.ehawaii.gov

Applicants also may continue to file variances through the previous means. More information about the mandatory solar water heater law and variances can be found at: Solar Water Heat Variance – Hawai‘i State Energy Office (hawaii.gov).

The new administrative rule also authorizes the addition of a $25 processing fee for each variance request. The Hawaii State Energy Office (HSEO), a division of the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism, solicited community input on the proposed changes to the administrative rule during a public hearing last fall.

Under Section 196-6.5 of the Hawaii Revised Statutes, solar water heater variances can be accepted only if submitted by a licensed architect or mechanical engineer that can attest the application meets one of the four following conditions:

Installation is impracticable due to poor solar resource.
Installation is cost-prohibitive based upon a life cycle cost-benefit analysis that incorporates the average residential utility bill and the cost of the new solar water heater system with a life cycle that does not exceed 15 years.
A renewable energy technology system, as defined in HRS Section 235-12.5, is substituted for use as the primary energy source for heating water.
A demand water heater device approved by Underwriters Laboratories Inc. is installed, provided that a least one other gas appliance is installed in the dwelling. For the purposes of this paragraph, “demand water heater” means a gas-tankless instantaneous water heater that provides hot water only as it is needed.

HSEO created the new solar water heater variance permitting system in partnership with Hawaii Information Consortium LLC, the official internet portal manager of eHawaii.gov.

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About the Hawaii State Energy Office

For more information, visit energy.hawaii.gov

MEDIA CONTACT:
Alan Yonan Jr.
Communications Officer
DBEDT State Energy Office
(808) 587-3860
[email protected]

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HAWAII STATE ENERGY OFFICE SCHEDULES COMMUNITY MEETINGS ON UTILITY MODEL STUDY

June 12, 2018

For Immediate Release: June 12, 2018

HONOLULU – The Hawaii State Energy Office (HSEO) will host a series of community meetings across the state starting tomorrow to gather community input for the second phase of a study being done on future models for utility ownership and regulation in Hawaii.

The latest round of community meetings will focus on the future of electric utility regulatory models, including performance-based regulation and the role the Public Utilities Commission plays in achieving state energy goals. The first series of community meetings held last October addressed the issue of utility ownership.

HSEO, a division of the State Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT), is undertaking the study at the request of the Hawaii State Legislature to evaluate the costs and benefits of various electric utility ownership models, as well as the viability of various utility regulatory approaches to help Hawaii in achieving its energy goals. The study will examine scenarios for each of Hawaii’s counties.

HSEO has contracted with Boston-based London Economics International (LEI) to carry out the study, which is expected to be completed by January 2019. LEI and subcontractor Meister Consultants Group will lead the community meetings for June 13-22. The meeting schedule is as follows:

Honolulu County:

Kailua, June 13, 5:30 – 7 p.m., Enchanted Lake Elementary School Cafeteria, 770 Keolu Dr. Kailua Event Flier and Registration
Honolulu, June 14, 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. Foreign Trade Zone #9, Homer Maxey Conference Center, 521 Ala Moana, Suite 201. Honolulu Event Flier and Registration

Kauai County:

Lihue, June 15, 5:30 – 7 p.m. Kauai High School Cafeteria, 3577 Lala Rd. Kauai Event Flier and Registration

Maui County:

Wailuku, June 18, 6:00-7:30 p.m. Waikapu Community Center, 22 E Waiko Rd. Maui Event Flier and Registration
Kaunakakai, June 19, 6:00-7:30 p.m. Mitchell Pauole Center Main Hall, 90 Ainoa St. Molokai Event Flier and Registration
Lanai City, June 20, 6:00-7;30 p.m. Lanai Community Center, Eighth St. and Lanai Ave. Lanai Event Flier and Registration

Hawaii County:

Hilo, June 21, 5:30 – 7 p.m. Waiakea High School, 155 W Kawili St. Hilo Event Flier and Registration
Kailua-Kona, June 22, 5:30 – 7 p.m. NELHA Research Campus, Hale Iako Building, 73-970 Makako Bay Drive. Kailua-Kona Event Flier and Registration

Community members planning on attending the meetings are encouraged to RSVP at the link above. Light refreshments will be served. Those unable to attend a meeting in person can view a copy of the material presented, which will be posted on HSEO’s website energy.hawaii.gov/utility-model after the meetings, and may participate by submitting feedback via email to: [email protected]. Questions about the meetings or the study can be emailed to the same address.

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ABOUT HAWAII STATE ENERGY OFFICE
The Hawaii State Energy Office (HSEO) is a division of the state’s Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism. With the state’s goal to reach 100 percent renewable energy generation by 2045, HSEO is leading the state’s charge toward clean energy independence. HSEO is committed to developing and deploying high impact solutions that will maximize Hawaii’s renewable energy resources and improve efficiency and transportation standards. Through effective policies and innovative programs, HSEO has positioned Hawaii port as a leader in clean energy innovation, which will generate quality jobs, attract investment opportunities and accelerate economic growth.

For more information, visit energy.hawaii.gov.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Alan Yonan Jr.
Communications Officer
DBEDT State Energy Office
(808) 587-3860
[email protected]

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HAWAII BUSINESS AND EVENTS RECOGNIZED FOR GREEN PRACTICES

May 3, 2018

For Immediate Release: May 3, 2018

HONOLULU — This year’s awards for the Hawaii Green Business Program include innovative solutions to going green. A hotel that grows its own herbs on a rooftop garden and a community college that cut its electricity bill by 25 percent by installing energy management equipment are among the award recipients. A total of 26 businesses, organizations and events were recognized today for undertaking energy efficiency and sustainable business practices that will help their bottom line while advancing Hawaii’s clean energy goals.

“The recipients of the Hawaii Green Business Program awards have demonstrated that becoming greener and more sustainable not only benefits our environment, it makes good business sense,” Gov. David Ige said. “And by working to reduce Hawaii’s reliance on imported fossil fuels they are also helping us reach our clean energy goals,” he said.

The businesses and events were recognized during the Hawaii Green Business Program (HGBP) awards ceremony. HGBP provides technical assistance to businesses committed to operating in an environmentally and socially responsible manner. The awards were presented by Gov. Ige and hosted by the Hawaii State Energy Office (HSEO), a division within the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT), and the Department of Health (DOH).

“We applaud this diverse group of businesses, non-profits and events for taking bold and creative steps to save energy and reduce waste,” said DBEDT Director Luis P. Salaveria. “Through their efforts they can earn a return on their investment while strengthening Hawaii’s economic, environmental and energy security.”

From 2009 through 2018 HGBP has assisted and recognized more than 100 businesses and government entities, from the hospitality, commercial office, retail, restaurant and food service sectors, resulting in the following savings:

• 22.7 million kilowatt hours of electricity (enough to power 3,531 homes for one year)
• 203.2 million gallons of water
• $6.4 million in electricity costs

The honorees of this year’s Hawaii Green Business Awards are:
• Hale Koa Hotel
• Hokulani Waikiki by Hilton Grand Vacations
• Hyatt Centric Waikiki Beach
• Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort and Spa
• The Kahala Hotel and Resort
• Marriott Maui Ocean Club
• The Ritz-Carlton Kapalua
• The Westin Nanea Ocean Villas
• Hawaii Convention Center
• Waialae Country Club
• Ferraro Choi
• Hawaii Pacific University, Aloha Tower Marketplace
• Honeywell Smart Energy
• Lanikai Juice
• Valley Isle Excursions
• Windward Community College
• Whole Foods Market Kahala

The Hawaii Green Business Awards also honored nine green events:
• Sony Open
• Global Tourism Summit
• VERGE Hawaii 2017
• Hawaii Library Association/Hawaii Association of School Librarians 2017
• Honolulu Board of Water Supply – Project Wet PDE3 Workshop
• Renew Rebuild Hawaii Forum
• Build and Buy Green 2017
• Sustainability in Higher Education Summit by UH
• Kona Brewers Festival

For a description of the awardees and their energy efficiency efforts, please see the separate awardee accomplishments document. For more information on the Hawaii Green Business Program, visit greenbusiness.hawaii.gov.

2017-2018 Hawaii Green Business Awards Awardee Accomplishments

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For more information, visit energy.hawaii.gov.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Alan Yonan Jr.
Communications Officer
DBEDT State Energy Office
(808) 587-3860
[email protected]

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ADDITIONAL HAWAII ROADWAYS DESIGNATED AS ALTERNATIVE FUEL CORRIDORS

March 27, 2018

For Immediate Release: March 27, 2018

KAILUA-KONA – The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has designated two more Hawaii highways as alternative fuel corridors, clearing the way for the installation of signage that will alert drivers to locations with electric vehicle chargers or hydrogen fuel stations.

The nomination of two Hawaii Island corridors was coordinated by the Hawaii State Energy Office (HSEO), a division of the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism, in cooperation with the Hawaii Department of Transportation (HDOT) and a host of other local partners. The two new corridors are in addition to seven other alternate fuel corridors on Maui and Oahu approved by the FHWA in 2016.

“We are very proud that two of our corridors on Hawaii Island have been selected as alternative fuel corridors,” said HDOT Director Jade Butay. “Moving away from fossil fuel use in transportation plays a critical part in meeting Governor Ige’s clean energy goals and we are grateful to the Hawaii State Energy Office for their guidance in sustainable transportation initiatives.”

DBEDT Director Luis P. Salaveria said ongoing efforts to decarbonize Hawaii’s transportation sector are an essential part of the state’s clean energy transformation. “Ground transportation constitutes one of the largest uses of petroleum in Hawaii,” Salaveria said. “Increasing the number of EVs and other alternative fuel vehicles will go a long way toward reducing greenhouse gas emissions and strengthening our energy security.”

Highway 19 from Kailua-Kona to Hilo (Queen Kaahumanu Highway/ Kawaiahae Road/ Hawaii Belt Road) and Highway 190 from Kailua-Kona to Waimea (Mamalahoa Highway) received the alternative fuel corridor designation because they meet the FHWA’s criteria for placement of EV charging and hydrogen fueling stations along major highways.

Hawaii Island’s alternative fuel corridors have EV charging stations that are no further than 50 miles from each other and no more than 1 mile from the highway. There are also plans for a hydrogen fueling station that will be located at the National Energy Laboratory of Hawaii Authority campus at Keahole Point just off Highway 19.

These designated highways are in addition to Hawaii’s existing alternative fuel corridors, which include I-H1/Hwy 72, I-H2/Hwy 99, and I-H3 on Oahu and Highway 30, Highway 311, Highway 31, Highway 32, Highway 36, and a portion of Highway 37 on Maui.

Other partners in the Hawaii Island corridor solicitation with the FHWA include the Hawaii Center for Advanced Transportation Technologies, Hawaii Natural Energy Institute, County of Hawaii, the Hawaiian Electric Companies, and EV charging network provider, Greenlots.

Corridors from across the country were nominated as part of FHWA’s Alternative Fuel Corridor (AFC) program. For more information on the program and to view a map of designated and pending corridors, visit the AFC website and the GIS map.

For locations and other information on EV charging stations in Hawaii, download the HSEO “EV Stations Hawaii” app on your mobile device or visit https://energy.hawaii.gov/what-we-do/transportation/#ev-charging

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ABOUT HAWAII STATE ENERGY OFFICE
The Hawaii State Energy Office (HSEO) is a division of the state’s Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism. With the state’s goal to reach 100 percent renewable energy generation by 2045, HSEO is leading the state’s charge toward clean energy independence. HSEO is committed to developing and deploying high impact solutions that will maximize Hawaii’s renewable energy resources and improve efficiency and transportation standards. Through effective policies and innovative programs, HSEO has positioned Hawaii port as a leader in clean energy innovation, which will generate quality jobs, attract investment opportunities and accelerate economic growth.
For more information, visit energy.hawaii.gov

MEDIA CONTACT:
Alan Yonan Jr.
Communications Officer
DBEDT State Energy Office
(808) 587-3860
[email protected]

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FORMS AVAILABLE FOR RENEWABLE FUELS PRODUCTION TAX CREDIT

February 20, 2018

For Immediate Release: February 20, 2018

HONOLULU — Qualifying renewable fuels producers planning to claim Hawaii’s new renewable fuels production tax credit (RFPTC) for the 2017 tax year must submit a “RFPTC – Credit Certificate” form now available online.

Forms and instructions can be downloaded at: https://energy.hawaii.gov/developer-investor

Once completed, taxpayers can remit the forms and required documentation to the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism (DBEDT). DBEDT will verify and/or certify the information contained in the forms and provide taxpayers a “Credit Certificate” they can file with their state tax return.

Similar to 2017, taxpayers planning to claim the RFPTC for the 2018 tax year must first file written notification to DBEDT of their intent to begin production of renewable fuels. Additionally, taxpayers are required to file a notification with DBEDT within 30 days following the start of production. The Notice of Intent/Notice to Start Production forms are is also available at the above link.

For a full listing of renewable fuels tax credit requirements for the 2017 tax year, Taxpayers should review Act 202 of 2016. The Legislature amended the act in 2017 with revisions that go into effect starting with the 2018 calendar year. Taxpayers filing for the 2018 tax year and later should refer to Act 142 of 2017. In addition, the Hawaii Department of Taxation has issued a Tax Information Release that defines certain terms related to the RFPTC that are not defined in statute: https://tax.hawaii.gov/legal/tir/

Gov. David Ige signed into law Act 202 in July 2016 establishing a renewable fuels production tax credit that allows producers of renewable fuels from a variety of feedstocks to claim the credit through the 2021 tax year.

To qualify for the credit taxpayers must produce at least 15 billion British thermal units (Btu) of renewable fuels per year. The credit is equal to 20 cents per 76,000 Btu of renewable fuels. The credit is capped annually at $3 million per taxpayer, and $3 million in the aggregate. Tax credits will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

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MEDIA CONTACT:
Alan Yonan Jr.
Communications Officer
DBEDT State Energy Office
(808) 587-3860
[email protected]

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PUBLIC INPUT SOUGHT IN DEVELOPMENT OF VEHICLE EMISSIONS PLAN

February 20, 2018

For Immediate Release: February 20, 2018

HONOLULU — The Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT) is seeking public input as it develops a non-binding plan to spend up to $8.125 million from a settlement with German automaker Volkswagen to promote the reduction of vehicle emissions in Hawaii.

The funds represent Hawaii’s share of a $2.925 billion Environmental Mitigation Trust established as part of two Partial Consent Decrees between the federal government and Volkswagen (VW) to settle allegations that the automaker cheated emissions tests and deceived customers. DBEDT is the lead agency for purposes of the state’s participation in the Trust.

The Hawaii State Energy Office (HSEO), a division of DBEDT, has developed a questionnaire to solicit and consider public input as it develops the state’s mitigation plan. The eligible actions as outlined in Appendix D-2 of the settlement focus on activities that support nitrogen oxide emission reductions. Public input, which eligible action items should be pursued will be considered and incorporated into the plan as practicable. The public comment period runs through March 20. The questionnaire, along with information about the VW settlement may be found at: Volkswagen Settlement – Hawai‘i State Energy Office (hawaii.gov).

The Environmental Mitigation Trust fund is being distributed among states, territories and federally recognized Indian Tribes based on the proportion of affected VW diesel vehicles in each jurisdiction. The settlement requires Trust funds to be used for projects that replace or retrofit medium- and heavy-duty vehicles or equipment with cleaner options. Additionally, up to 15 percent of the funds allocated to Hawaii can be used to install electric vehicle charging stations throughout the state.

The Environmental Mitigation Trust is part of a larger Volkswagen settlement intended to mitigate the environmental damage caused by emissions from the non-compliant Volkswagen vehicles. In addition to the Trust, Volkswagen will pay billions of dollars in civil penalties and customer buyback and modification programs. Volkswagen also must invest $2 billion over the next 10 years in zero emission vehicle infrastructure and education projects across the United State through its Electrify America subsidiary, possibly including Hawaii.

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MEDIA CONTACT:
Alan Yonan Jr.
Communications Officer
DBEDT State Energy Office
(808) 587-3860
[email protected]

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STATE UPGRADES ONLINE RENEWABLE ENERGY MAPPING TOOL

January 11, 2018

For Immediate Release: January 11, 2018

HONOLULU — The State of Hawaii has unveiled an updated version of its Renewable EnerGIS online mapping tool that will make it easier for land owners, developers, residents and policy makers to assess the renewable energy potential of sites statewide as Hawaii moves ahead with its clean energy transformation.

The new Renewable EnerGIS tool may be found at: energy.hawaii.gov/resources/renewable-energis-map

The new tool was developed by the Hawaii State Energy Office (HSEO) and the Hawaii Statewide Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Program in the Hawaii Office of Planning. It includes a number of improvements over the original platform launched in 2012 by HSEO, a division of the State Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism (DBEDT). EnerGIS helps users make “first cut” site decisions to determine whether a particular site may be suitable for a renewable energy project. Based on available data in the Hawaii Statewide GIS Program files, also known as “layers,” the new Renewable EnerGIS tool allows users at a glance to compare sites based on criteria such as energy resources, rainfall, slope, soil characteristics, land use classification, zoning and critical habitats.

“Reaching our ambitious renewable energy goals will require a considerable amount of additional generating capacity from solar, wind and other renewable energy sources,” said DBEDT Director Luis P. Salaveria. “Finding suitable sites for these projects is critical, and the new Renewable EnerGIS tool will help immensely in that process.”

Leo Asuncion, Director of the Office of Planning, added: “This tool can be used by developers and the general public alike for energy planning purposes. Users can have confidence in the results because the Renewable EnerGIS tool utilizes the State’s authoritative data layers.”

Renewable EnerGIS is designed to be user-friendly without the need for special skills, software or experience. A key feature of the upgrade is a new “attribute query” search function that allows users to enter up to 10 criteria to fine tune their search. Users also can research specific sites by entering a tax map key or site address or by selecting sites from a map.

“The Renewable EnerGIS tool is part of our suite of self-help applications the Hawaii State Energy Office offers renewable energy developers and other energy stakeholders that can be found at energy.hawaii.gov,” said Carilyn O. Shon, HSEO administrator. “Renewable EnerGIS allows for more appropriate renewable energy project siting and informed project planning and permitting, thereby decreasing project development timelines, costs and impacts.”

The new Renewable EnerGIS tool was developed by The Onyx Group under a contract with DBEDT. The Onyx Group has developed several custom GIS website tools for the State, including Flood Hazard Assessment Tool and the Public Land Trust Information System.

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About the Hawaii State Energy Office
The Hawaii State Energy Office (HSEO) is a division of the state’s Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism. With the state’s goal to reach 100 percent renewable energy generation by 2045, HSEO is leading the state’s charge toward clean energy independence. HSEO is committed to developing and deploying high impact solutions that will maximize Hawaii’s renewable energy resources and improve efficiency and transportation standards. Through effective policies and innovative programs, HSEO has positioned Hawaii port as a leader in clean energy innovation, which will generate quality jobs, attract investment opportunities and accelerate economic growth. For more information, visit energy.hawaii.gov.

About the Hawaii Statewide GIS Program
Authorized under Chapter 225M-2(b)(4)(B), Hawaii Revised Statutes (HRS), as amended, the Hawaii Statewide GIS Program within the Office of Planning leads a multi-agency effort to establish, promote and coordinate the use of GIS data and technology among Hawaii state agencies. The program is critical to more than 150 state GIS data and system users across more than a dozen state departments that develop and maintain a wide variety of data, maps and applications — many of which are available to the public and/or relied upon by state personnel.

For more information, visit the Hawaii Statewide GIS Program main webpage at: https://planning.hawaii.gov/gis or visit the State’s Geospatial Data Portal at: https://geoportal.hawaii.gov.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Alan Yonan Jr.
Communications Officer
DBEDT State Energy Office
(808) 587-3860
[email protected]

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HAWAII CLEAN ENERGY INITIATIVE MARKS 10-YEAR ANNIVERSARY

January 9, 2018

For Immediate Release: January 9, 2018

HONOLULU — Hawaii celebrated a milestone today by marking the 10th anniversary of the Hawaii Clean Energy Initiative (HCEI).

Since its launch a decade ago, HCEI has proven to be an invaluable resource in advancing Hawaii’s ongoing effort to achieve energy self-sufficiency.

Today’s event, held at Washington Place, brought together a wide range of energy stakeholders, including representatives from government, energy companies, non-profits, and special interests groups. Participants recognized the contributions of HCEI, which is widely recognized for establishing the most aggressive clean energy goals in the nation.

“For the past 10 years the Hawaii Clean Energy Initiative has been instrumental in Hawaii’s bold pursuit of a clean energy future that benefits all of the state’s residents,” said Gov. David Ige. “Built of the foundation of our invaluable relationship with the U.S. Department of Energy (USDOE) and other key stakeholders, HCEI will continue to serve as a guiding force as we face the challenges of transitioning to a 100 percent clean energy future,” Ige said.

HCEI traces its roots to a 2008 memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the State of Hawaii and the USDOE. The overarching goal of this unprecedented collaboration was to transform the energy foundation of Hawaii’s entire economy to clean energy, using Hawaii’s indigenous renewable energy resources. The State of Hawaii and the USDOE reaffirmed their commitment to Hawaii’s clean energy future in an updated MOU signed in 2014. A critical component of the MOU is the technical assistance provided to Hawaii by the USDOE through its network of national labs.

“Hawaii is a leader in the global energy transformation, and NREL is proud to contribute to the Hawaii Clean Energy Initiative’s success,” said Martin Keller, Director of the National Renewable Energy Laboratory.

HCEI has provided the impetus for a host of statues and regulations aimed at reducing Hawaii’s dependency on fossil fuels, including historic Act 97, which made Hawaii the first state to set a target of generating 100 percent of its electricity sales from renewable resources. At the heart of HCEI is the diverse group of stakeholders who have joined together to deliver Hawaii’s clean energy future. Thanks to this broad based support from this stakeholder alliance HCEI has grown stronger during the course of three gubernatorial administrations and five biennial legislative sessions.

“On the 10-year anniversary of the Hawaii Clean Energy Initiative, it’s important to reflect on how this pioneering effort has established Hawaii as a leader in energy policy and deployment of energy efficiency measures and renewable generation,” said Luis P. Salaveria, director of the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism. “As the state’s blueprint for energy transformation and independence, HCEI is helping stimulate economic growth in an innovation economy by elevating Hawaii’s job growth prospects and business opportunities.”

Hawaii has made significant progress in its clean energy transformation since the launch of HCEI. Renewable energy now accounts for about 27 percent of utility electricity sales, and carbon emissions from power plants are down by more than 750,000 metric tons. In addition, the state is ahead of its interim target for reducing energy demand through efficiency and conservation measures. Clean energy also has become an important source of job growth in Hawaii, with 5,100 people employed in energy efficiency and 4,900 in the solar industry, according to a recent report from the USDOE.

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For more information, visit energy.hawaii.gov.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Alan Yonan Jr.
Communications Officer
DBEDT State Energy Office
(808) 587-3860
[email protected]

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ENERGY OFFICE SCHEDULES COMMUNITY MEETINGS ON UTILITY MODEL STUDY

October 5, 2017

For Immediate Release: October 5, 2017

HONOLULU — The Hawaii State Energy Office (HSEO) will host a series of community meetings across the state next week to solicit community input for a study being done on future models for utility ownership and regulation in Hawaii.

Maui County:

Wailuku, Oct. 9, 5:30 – 7 p.m.. Wailuku Community Center, 395 Waena St. Event Flyer | RSVP Link

Kaunakakai, Oct. 10, 5:30-7 p.m. Mitchell Pauole Center Main Hall, 90 Ainoa St. Event Flyer | RSVP Link

Lanai City, Oct. 11, 5:30-7 p.m. Lanai Community Center, Eighth St. and Lanai Ave. Event Flyer | RSVP Link

Hawaii County:

Kailua-Kona, Oct. 9, 5:30 – 7 p.m. NELHA Research Campus, Hale Iako Building, 73-970 Makako Bay Drive. Event Flyer | RSVP Link
Hilo, Oct. 10, 5:30 – 7 p.m. Waiakea High School, 155 W Kawili St. Event Flyer | RSVP Link

Kauai County:

Lihue, Oct. 12, 5:30 – 7 p.m. Chiefess Kamakahelei Middle School, 4431 Nuhou St. Event Flyer | RSVP Link

Honolulu County:

Waialua, Oct. 11, 5:30 – 7 p.m. Waialua High & Intermediate School, 67-160 Farrington Highway. Event Flyer | RSVP Link
Honolulu, Oct. 13, approx. 6 – 7:30 p.m. Hawaii Foreign Trade Zone #9, Homer Maxey Conference Center, 521 Ala Moana Blvd. Suite 201, Pier 2. Event Flyer | RSVP Link

Next week’s meetings will focus on the topic of utility ownership and the role the utility plays in achieving community and state goals, including achieving 100 percent renewable energy in the electricity sector and minimizing costs. There are two additional rounds of statewide meetings scheduled. The second round of meetings slated for next spring will focus on utility regulatory models, while the third round of meetings next fall will be used to gather community input on draft findings of the report.

Community members planning on attending the meetings are encouraged to RSVP at the link above. Light refreshments will be served. Those unable to attend a meeting in person can view a copy of the material presented, which will be posted on HSEO’s website after the meetings, and may participate by submitting feedback via email to: [email protected]. Questions about the meetings or the study can be emailed to the same address.

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MEDIA CONTACT:
Alan Yonan Jr.
Communications Officer
DBEDT State Energy Office
(808) 587-3860
[email protected]