Mar

13

Senate Spotlight: Featuring Senator Mike Gabbard

Energy & Environment

Senator Mike Gabbard (Senate District 20- Kapolei, Makakilo, Portions of Ewa, Kalaeloa and Waipahu) talks about his goals for the 2013 Legislative Session. Looking ahead to the State’s future, Senator Gabbard reflects on 2012 as he discusses some of the major changes for the State of Hawaii. Chair of the Senate Committee on Energy and Environment, Senator Gabbard touches on several of his priorities, including: continuing support of initiatives that promote clean renewable energies, improving the solar tax credit, and protecting the land and ocean.

To view video: http://youtu.be/hZm-sHRAS4I.

Posted by | 0 comments
Feb

14

Sen. Gabbard Honors Super Green Champions and Winner of the Capital 10 Energy Challenge

Energy & Environment / Press Releases

Honolulu –  Senator Mike Gabbard (West Oahu), Chair of the Senate Energy and Environment Committee, will honor the Super Green Champions and the State Capitol building, as the winner of the Capital 10 Energy Challenge, during a floor presentation in the State Senate Chambers on February 15th at 11:30am.

Senator Gabbard said, “Our Green Champions are one of the main reasons why we’re making great progress in reducing our energy load in state buildings. It definitely makes sense to say mahalo to them all for a job very well done.”

Green Champions are 30 state employees who volunteered to lead energy conservation efforts within their departments. They were trained and supported by specialists with the Energy Conservation Through Behavior Change® team from NORESCO, an energy services company contracted by the Department of Accounting and General Services (DAGS). The four Super Green Champions being recognized are: Paulette Abe of the House of Representatives Sgt. of Arms; Jon Chin of the Department of Business, Economic Development, & Tourism; Roxanne Moore of the Department of Taxation; and Will Tungol of the Department of Human Services.

The Capital 10 Energy Challenge was launched by Senator Gabbard in partnership with DAGS & NORESCO in January 2012 to further the conservation efforts already in place. The challenge was modeled after the EPA’s “Battle of the Buildings”, a nationwide event that challenged state offices to reduce energy consumption.

Each of the ten Capitol District Buildings was asked to identify and adopt methods to maximize energy savings. After a year of participation, the ten buildings were able to significantly reduce their energy consumption by a combined 7%. The State Capitol building won the competition with a 16% energy reduction.

Posted by | 0 comments
Jan

28

Hawaii’s Electrical Rates to be Discussed

Commerce & Consumer Protection / Energy & Environment / Press Releases

Honolulu –  The Senate Committees on Commerce and Consumer Protection and Energy and Environment will be holding a joint informational briefing on Tuesday, January 29 at 8:30 a.m. in the State Capitol’s Auditorium.  

The purpose of this informational briefing is to receive information on factors that impact electric rates, the rate- making process and to identify potential solutions to reduce the adverse impacts of increasingly high electric rates on consumers statewide.

As electrical rates continue to climb, it is important for us to look for ways that could reduce rates and help lessen the burden of high utility costs on our constituents,” said Senator Roz Baker, chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection.

The Committee is interested in information about efforts to create an integrated electrical grid using available renewable energy and firm power to benefit consumers with lower rates and reach our green energy goals efficiently and cost-effectively.

We want to hear the strategies the PUC and the utilities plan to use to incorporate more renewable energy onto the grid,” said Senator Mike Gabbard, chair of the Senate Committee on Energy and Environment.

The Committee is also interested in hearing what potential challenges may arise and the strategies that will be used address those challenges.

The following organizations are invited to participate:

· Public Utilities Commission (PUC), Hermina Morita, Chair

· Jeffrey Ono, Executive Director, Division of Consumer Advocacy, Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs,

· Robbie Alm, Executive Vice President, Hawaiian Electric Company, Inc.

· Sharon Suzuki, President, Maui Electric Company, Ltd.

· Jay Ignacio, President, Hawaii Electric Light Company, Inc.

· David Bissell, President and Chief Executive Officer, Kauai Island Utility Cooperative

 

The briefing will be broadcast live on Oahu on Olelo channel 53.  For neighbor island broadcast information, please call the following public access organizations:

  • Kauai:  Ho’ike Community Television (www.hoike.org), phone (808) 246-1556 (no web-streaming).
  • Maui:   Akaku:  Maui Community Television (www.akaku.org), phone (808) 871-5554 (web-streaming available).
  • Big Island: Na Leo O Hawaii (www.naleo.tv), phone (808) 935-8874 (Hilo) or (808) 329-9617 (Kailua-Kona) (web-streaming available).

 

###

Posted by | 0 comments
Jan

10

Senate Energy & Environment Committee to Hold Informational Briefing on Threat of Invasive Species

Energy & Environment / Press Releases

HONOLULU – The Senate Committee on Energy and Environment, with Senator Mike Gabbard as the Chair, will host an informational briefing on invasive species issues on Friday, January 11, 2013 at 1:00 p.m. in Conference Room 229 in the State Capitol.

The briefing will feature live animals from the Hawai‘i Department of Agriculture’s Plant Quarantine Branch as examples of invasive species interceptions.  A ball python, a tarantula, coqui frogs, Madagascar hissing cockroaches, a bearded dragon, a Cuban knight anaole, and a Madagascar Giant Day Gecko will be on display.

Legislators and the public are invited to view the animals and hear presentations about the impacts of invasive species in their communities.  The Departments of Land and Natural Resources and Agriculture will discuss their priorities for preventing and managing invasive species. Additionally, the Invasive Species Committees and the Watershed Partnerships will present priority projects, successes, and challenges in each county.

In 2003, the Hawai‘i State Legislature declared invasive species the single greatest threat to Hawaii’s environment, agriculture, economy, health and way of life. In 2005, the State Legislature created the Hawai‘i Invasive Species Council (HISC) to provide state-level coordination, direction, and planning across departments. HISC Co-Chairs, William Aila (DLNR) and Russell Kokubun (DOA) will speak on the legislative goals for their departments.

Here is a link to the hearing notice: http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2013/hearingnotices/HEARING_ENE_01-11-13_INFO_.HTM.

Posted by | 0 comments
Dec

03

Senate Energy & Environment Committee to Hold Hearing on Energy Storage System Safety

Energy & Environment / Press Releases

HONOLULU –  Following the fire that destroyed the battery storage at First Wind’s Kahuku wind project on August 1, 2012, the Senate Energy and Environment Committee will be holding an informational briefing on the safety of energy storage systems at the State Capitol in Room 229 on Tuesday, December 4, 2012, starting at 10 a.m.

The presenters will be:

  • Tom Siegel, Vice President of Transmission for First Wind
  • Alan Gotcher, President and Chief Executive Officer of Xtreme Power, which built the battery storage
  • Gary Gill, Deputy Director of the Hawai‘i Department of Health
  • Scott Furgerson, Director of Engineering and Construction for Sempra U.S. Gas & Power, developer of the Auwahi Wind project
    • Christopher Ward, Senior project Manager of Engineering and construction
    • Kevin Gillespie, Director of Operations and Maintenance
    • Kanoa Taylor, Wind facilities Manager for Auwahi Wind
  • Jim Spaeth, Pacific Region Senior Advisor for the U.S. Department of Energy and Ross Guttromson, Manager of Energy Storage and Transmission Analysis for Sandia National Laboratories
Posted by | 0 comments
Feb

09

Senator Gabbard Participates in Press Conference on Plastic Bag Bill

Articles / Energy & Environment

On February 9, 2012, the Senate Committee on Energy and Environment Chair Mike Gabbard participated in a press conference on Senate Bill 2511, relating to environmental protection. The purpose of the measure is to reduce the adverse impact of single-use checkout bag waste on Hawaii’s precious and unique natural environment by requiring businesses in the State to collect a fee for single-use checkout bags provided to customers. The bags require crude oil, a polluting fossil fuel, for their manufacture; pose serious health risks to protected sea turtles and marine mammals; contribute to unsightly litter; burden overcrowded landfills; are recycled minimally; contribute to deforestation and greenhouse gas emissions; and are manufactured using large quantities of water and non-renewable energy. Money collected from the single-use bag fee will go towards funding programs to mitigate against damaging effects of single-use checkout bags.

To view video click here.

Posted by | 0 comments
Dec

15

Kauai High Student’s Solar Power Idea Becomes a Reality

Articles / Energy & Environment / Press Releases
(L-R) Mrs. Marissa Purcell, Cy Corona, Dillon Ancheta, and Bryson Cayaban visiting with legislators during the 2010 Secondary Student Conference.

KAUAI — Kauai High School sophomore Dillon Ancheta was excited to learn that on Tuesday, December 13, 2011, Governor Neil Abercrombie and Schools Superintendent Kathryn Matayoshi announced that the State Department of Education (DOE) awarded a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) contract to install photovoltaic (PV) systems at 15 Kaua’i schools. Under the agreement, the installation of the PVs at the schools will be completed at no cost to the state.

During the 2010 Hawaii Secondary Student Conference (SSC), Dillon introduced a resolution that PV systems be installed in public schools to reduce electricity costs. Dillon’s resolution was adopted by the SSC and as a result parts of the resolution were included in House Bill 10 in the 2011 legislative session. Although the bill did not move through the legislative session, it is evident that the SSC and the State were both looking at the same statewide goals of having a more sustainable future.

“I was thrilled to hear the governor’s announcement,” said Dillon. “As a student I felt empowered that the resolution I proposed during the SSC and some of my ideas were included in House Bill 10 during the 2011 legislative session.”

Sen. Ronald D. Kouchi (D-Kauai and Niihau) and Rep. James K. Tokioka (D-Wailua Homesteads, Hanamaulu, Lihue, Puhi, Portion of Old Koloa Town, Omao) met with Dillon and fellow Kauai students last year and encouraged them to share their forward-thinking idea with Legislators.

“I am ecstatic for Dillon with this recent announcement by the Governor and Superintendent Matayoshi,” said Sen. Ronald D. Kouchi. “The fact that the focus of Dillon’s resolution related to the renewable operation of state institutions will inspire other students to propose ideas to their lawmakers. This shows that we should be listening to our vibrant youth and validates their belief that their voices can make a difference in shaping the future of Hawaii into what they want it to be.”

“The future is bright,” said Rep. James K. Tokioka, “and it is encouraging to see a project that mirrors a young student’s proposal like Dillon’s become reality, because our youth truly can author change.”

The PV installation at the schools will begin in January and is expected to be completed by summer 2014. The DOE will save an estimated $30 million over the life of the project, taking into account a projected 3 percent yearly increase in commercial electricity rates.

Posted by | 0 comments
Oct

17

Hawai‘i: The State of Clean Energy

Articles / Energy & Environment / In the Community / Press Releases

HONOLULU — The Hawai‘i Energy Policy Forum and local TV station Hawaii News Now are partnering to produce and broadcast “Hawai‘i: The State of Clean Energy.” The six-show series aims to inform and engage the public on energy issues, challenges and actions to advance Hawaii’s clean energy future.

Hawaii: The State of Clean Energy focuses on key energy issues including: 1) Hawaii’s Clean Energy Future, 2) Clean Transportation, 3) Clean Jobs, 4) Energy Efficiency, 5) Advances in Hawai’i's Energy Technology, and 6) Food and Fuel. The first show aired in February.

“The series explore the development of Hawaii’s clean energy and its future, said Senator Mike Gabbard, who appeared on an earlier episode. He is the chair of the Senate Committee on Energy and Environment.

“I recommend everyone to watch it and hopefully get excited about renewable energy,” he added.

“There are many opportunities in the agriculture industry to help move Hawaii toward clean energy that people don’t know about. This show explores some of those ways,” said Senator Clarence Nishihara, chair of the Senate Committee on Agriculture.

The upcoming episode on Hawai’i: The State of Clean Energy is titled, “Made in Hawai’i” Part 1: Food and Fuel for Hawai’i. Here’s a description: What are bioenergy alternatives and biofuels? See the benefits, challenges, and opportunities that agriculture and energy can provide us in Hawai’i.

The show airs on:

• October 19 (KGMB), 6:30pm – 7:00pm

• October 20 (KHNL), 6:30pm – 7:00pm

• October 23 (KHNL), 6:30pm – 7:00pm (rebroadcast)

• October 30 (KGMB), 4:30pm – 5:00 pm (rebroadcast)

• November 13 (KHNL), 8:30 pm – 9:00pm (rebroadcast)

The University of Hawai‘i at Manoa Hawaii Energy Forum is a unique experiment in collaborative energy planning and policy making. It includes representatives from business, government, and the community. The intent is to incorporate many different perspectives and the broadest possible experience into the design of a flexible, forward-looking energy strategy.

 

Posted by | 0 comments
Oct

17

Geothermal Summit Held in Waimanalo

Articles / Energy & Environment / Press Releases


HONOLULU –About 120 people attended a Geothermal Summit held on October 15, 2011 at the Hawaii National Guard Training Center Auditorium and Dining Center, located in Bellows Air Force Station.

Three geothermal companies participated in the Summit: Innovations Development Group, Ku‘oko‘a and Puna Geothermal Venture.

The event was coordinated and hosted by Sen. Pohai Ryan, who represents District 25, encompassing Hawaii Kai, Waimanalo, Keolu Hills, Lanikai and Kailua.

“The decision to organize the summit was prompted by my constituents who wanted to learn more about geothermal energy and its role in Hawaii’s future,” said Senator Ryan. “It’s time we start looking into sources of renewable energy, such as geothermal.”

Along with the geothermal companies presenting, Scott Seu, Vice President of Hawaiian Electric Company (HECO), talked about HECO’s energy initiatives; Richard Ha, a Big Island farmer/businessman and Ku‘oko‘a board chairman did the opening remarks and Sen. Mike Gabbard, Senate Committee on Energy and Environment Chair provided the closing remarks.

Informational exhibits by the presenting geothermal companies were available for the public to view.

Posted by | 0 comments
Oct

13

Senator Pohai Ryan Speaks on Geothermal

Articles / Energy & Environment

Senator Pohai Ryan (District 25) spoke with Sunrise’s Howard Dicus this morning about the Geothermal Summit that is being held this Saturday, October 15, 2011, from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The public is invited to attend the summit, which will take place at the Hawaii National Guard Training Center Auditorium and Dining Center, located at Bellows Air Force Station.

Three geothermal companies will be participating in the Summit, which is being coordinated and hosted by Sen. Pohai Ryan. Summit presenters include: Mililani Trask from Innovations Development Group, Ted Peck from Ku‘oko‘a, and Mike Kaleikini from Puna Geothermal Venture. Senator Mike Gabbard, Chair of the Senate Committee on Energy and Environment, will do the closing remarks.

.

Posted by | 0 comments
© Copyright Hawai'i Senate Majority Caucus - Theme by Pexeto