Energy independence is no longer a luxury
THE growing reality is simple: Energy independence for Hawaii is no longer a luxury but a necessity. If we are to provide for healthy economic growth as well as to protect our precious environment in the 21st century, we must create a society that has at its foundation reducing our dependence on imported oil.
That will be my primary focus as the incoming chairman of the Senate's Energy and Environment Committee. Fortunately, the state already has begun to move in that direction. In May 2002, the Hawaii Energy Policy Project at the University of Hawaii brought together community leaders and the state's other major energy players to develop an energy strategy for Hawaii. The gathering resulted in the formation of the Hawaii Energy Policy Forum and the development of a long-term energy strategy, through a comprehensive 10-point energy plan.
Utilizing the energy plan as a framework, the Legislature will be focusing on measures to accelerate Hawaii's movement toward energy independence through conservation, regulatory and research and development initiatives and incentives. The Legislature also will be reviewing legislation to stimulate the local development, production and use of bio-fuels such as ethanol.
Moreover, I will be introducing legislation to reinstate the 11-cents-per-gallon excise tax exemption for gasoline blended with ethanol. If this exemption is not continued, consumers could face even higher gas prices.
With these initiatives, the vision and possibilities are there: The resurrection of Hawaii's agricultural industry, given new life by fields of sugar cane, mountains green with trees, feedstock farms and other bio-fuel crops that not only will provide Hawaii with renewable sources of energy, but will allow the state to develop them in ways that will create green belts around our cities and protect our environment. In addition, we also have the potential for the exportation of both knowledge and product from this new energy industry.
However, as much potential as bio-fuels hold, we will not attain energy independence through their use alone. We will need to continue to tap solar energy, as well as develop our wind and ocean resources. There are many who have been exploring these energy sources for years, and now is the time for a more concerted effort in all of these areas.
We also will need to employ greater conservation strategies, develop new synergies among industries and continue to strive for technological breakthroughs in the products that consume energy.
All of this means becoming more energy conscious in all that we do -- as individuals and as a community.
Sen. Ron Menor, a Democrat, represents Mililani and Waipio. He is chairman of the Senate Energy and Environment Committee.