Issue Position: Clean Energy

Issue Position

There are no short-term fixes but I believe Hawaii's Clean Energy Initiative is a strong step in the right direction. Its goal of 70% clean energy by 2030 is well underway with collaborative support from government, private/public organizations and the community statewide. Along with reducing our islands' dependency on fossil fuels and optimizing efficiency in our electrical grid, the sweeping clean energy measures will help reduce our daily transportation costs and lower household expenses. The Initiative will also help diversify the economy by growing new and existing businesses in green technology and sustainability, creating more jobs and income for Hawaii families in the immediate and long-term future.

Although Hawaii has been making great strides in going green, not enough renewable energy and SmartGrid improvements are in place yet to reduce ratepayers' bills. Here's what I think we need to do, going forward.

▪ Utilize cheaper, cleaner liquefied natural gas (LNG) as transition fuel for power generation

▪ Aggressively pursue utility scale wind and solar projects so everyone benefits, not just those who can afford rooftop solar

▪ Modernize individual island electric grids; smart grids allow greater use of solar and wind power

▪ Fully implement Act 37 (which I authored in 2013) to require utility efficiencies and savings be passed on to ratepayers

▪ Democratize use of PV by aggressively implementing the GEMS (Green Energy Market Securitization) programs for community solar enabling renters and nonprofits to take advantage of rooftop solar

As Commerce and Consumer Protection Chair, I'm proud we gave the PUC more tools to implement our green energy initiatives. The PUC must now streamline their processes to better direct utility transformation from power generator to power distributor and reduce rates. Their recent orders indicate they are up to the task.

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