Installing a network of battery-charging stations cracks open the chicken-and-egg conundrum that has hindered a movement toward electric cars that promises to lessen the use of oil fuels for power production in the islands.

A California company, recognizing that Hawaii's geographic advantages - and limitations - make it a practical fit for one of its initial systems, has announced plans to put in as many as 100,000 stations where drivers can replenish power for electric vehicles.

However, reducing consumption of oil and decreasing greenhouse gases cannot be achieved unless electricity in the islands is generated by renewable sources, which might be years and billions of dollars away.

Still, the investment by Better Place gives Hawaii a better footing in its goal of boosting renewable energy to meet 70 percent of the state's needs by 2030. The company also has signed an agreement with Hawaiian Electric Co. to collaborate on the project and pursue more renewable energy sources.

Technology is already available for making electric vehicles that run on carbon-neutral energy. The hang-up has been increasing a vehicle's range on a single charge and in establishing a system of recharging stations. Automakers hesitate to produce vehicles without charging networks in place; investors aren't willing to build networks without more cars available.

Because of Hawaii's wealth of potential renewable energy resources, high electricity costs and because most drivers here travel short distances, the company sees the state as a suitable location for its fledgling enterprise.

Better Place has begun similar ventures in Israel, Australia and Denmark and recently announced a plan to develop a network in the San Francisco area. The company also has arrangements with Renault-Nissan to provide automobiles capable of running 100 miles on a single charge.

Drivers will be able to replenish their batteries or swap out exhausted ones at stations that can be placed at malls, parking lots, along streets and at office buildings.

The company expects that cars will cost about the same as gasoline-powered vehicles and that drivers will pay less for electricity than petroleum fuels.

That might be too optimistic. Renewable energy won't be cheap, at least for the foreseeable future, because resources, infrastructure, research and storage capabilities remain largely undeveloped. And the recharging network itself is expensive, with the company estimating it will cost $1 billion to set up.

Despite the many challenges, the venture goes hand in hand with Hawaii's objective to become more self-sustaining, producing home-grown energy that will feed the islands' economy rather than send dollars offshore.