Energy Resources Coordinator

The Director of DBEDT is the Energy Resources Coordinator for the State of Hawaii.

The Energy Resources Coordinator is to coordinate the efforts of all involved parties, establish and coordinate programs to effectuate energy conservation, and formulate plans for the development and use of alternative energy sources, so that there will be maximum conservation and utilization of energy resources in the State.

Hawaii's Energy Objectives

Hawaii's energy objectives are described in the Hawaii Revised Statutes, Chapter 226-18, "Objectives and policies for facility systems - energy," as amended:

"Planning for the State's facility systems with regard to energy shall be directed toward the achievement of the following objectives, giving due consideration to all:

1. Dependable, efficient, and economical statewide energy systems capable of supporting the needs of the people;
2. Increased energy self-sufficiency where the ratio of indigenous to imported energy use is increased;
3. Greater energy security in the face of threats to Hawaii's energy supplies and systems; and
4. Reduction, avoidance, or sequestration of greenhouse gas emissions from energy supply and use. "

Renewable Energy

The objectives in the area of Alternate and Renewable Energy are to promote commercialization of Hawaii's sustainable energy resources and technologies to reduce the state's high dependence on imported oil, increase local economic development, and reduce the potential negative economic impacts of oil price fluctuations.

Hawaii's Renewable Portfolio Standards are described in the Hawaii Revised Statutes, Chapters 269-91 through 269-95, "Renewable portfolio standards." The electric utilities are to provide 10% of their electricity from renewable sources and energy efficiency by 2010, 15% by 2015, and 20% by 2020. Those percentages may be revised by the Public Utilities Commission if so indicated by the results of independent studies conducted by the Hawaii Natural Energy Institute and reviewed by national and local experts.

Renewable energy sources and technologies available in Hawaii include:

• biomass
• geothermal
• hydropower
• ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC)
• solar energy (including photovoltaics and solar thermal)
• waves and ocean currents
• wind

Activities include providing resource data; technical and economic analyses; support for research, demonstration, development, and application of renewable energy technologies; partnerships and technology transfer; and public outreach.

Energy Efficiency and Conservation

The objectives in the area of Energy Conservation and Efficiency are to reduce the amount of energy and resources lost through inefficiency. Programs include:

• Energy Codes for building efficiency
• Building design and technologies for increased comfort, productivity, and reduced energy costs
• Performance contracting
• Rebuild Hawaii
• Clean Hawaii Center

Energy Data, Forecasting and Modeling

Data on Hawaii's energy supplies and systems is the foundation upon which effective energy programs, policies, and improvements can be constructed. To this end, energy data, information, and recommendations are constantly gathered, analyzed, and communicated to the public, decision-makers, and Hawaii's energy community.

Further development and refinement of the State's energy policies and programs

Hawai's energy situation provides both challenges and opportunities. Awareness and understanding of technologies, opportunities, and short-and long-term trends is essential to positioning Hawaii to avoid potential problems, and take advantage of opportunities, in a timely manner.

Energy Emergency Preparedness

Many conservation, energy diversification, and energy policy activities contribute to Hawaii's ability to avoid, or reduce the negative impacts of, potential energy emergencies.

If an energy emergency should arise, however, preparation is key to an effective response. The Hawaii State Energy Council is a government and industry partnership working together to be prepared to effectively contend with energy emergencies and threats to Hawaii's energy security.

Greenhouse Gas Emission Reduction

Act 234, Session Laws of Hawaii 2007, established the State’s policy framework and requirements to address Hawaii’s greenhouse gas emissions, recognizing the potential adverse effects of the recent climate change and global warming to Hawaii’s economy, public health, natural resources, and environment.

The general purpose of Act 234 is to establish and cost-effectively achieve State policy of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reductions and limits at or below the best estimates and updates of the inventory of Hawaii’s greenhouse gas emissions estimates of 1990 emissions levels by January 1, 2020.