Supporting research to push economic development and alternate energy
May 16, 2008
Congressman Abercrombie has been the leading House proponent for the establishment of a university-based research center to study ways that would build up Hawaii’s agriculture as one of the foundations for the development of alternate energy.
Recent passage of the Farm Bill in the House and Senate does just that by establishing the Western Insular Pacific Subcenter at the University of Hawaii. “Our agricultural lands can grow crops to produce biodiesel fuel and ethanol or provide ideal locations to tap the sun, wind, and ocean for energy production. The subcenter will receive federal research funds to find ways to harness the energy of the sun by enabling entrepreneurs and others across the state – from a tree farmer on Kauai to algae growers on Hawaii Island – to compete for grants.”
Above: Congressman Abercrombie was invited to Lawai, Kauai to visit Bill Cowern of Hawaiian Mahogany Company. Cowern is operating a tree farm that produces lumber and fuel for energy. Cowern’s tree farm grows different varieties of trees and he wants his work to help reduce global warming, our dependence on foreign oil, and our Hawaii’s reliance on imported lumber. His company is the type of business that could compete for funds through a Western Insular Pacific Subcenter at the University of Hawaii, which would be established through the 2008 Farm Bill.
