Issue Position: Energy and Environment

Issue Position

Each year, Hawai"i sends more than $6 billion out of state in order to pay for the energy we consume. These hard-earned dollars should be kept in state, supporting industries and jobs on our islands that could provide for a secure, sustainable and independent energy economy.

Developing renewable domestic sources of energy and moving away from foreign oil strengthens our national security, improves the sustainability of the islands, and reduces the pollution to our environment. We must utilize our natural resources to build a foundation of clean, renewable energy and provide a sustainable, healthy future for our keiki.

To accomplish this goal, I support initiatives that expand renewable energy tax credits and the use of public-private partnerships to implement affordable energy and water conservation measures. Hawai"i is fortunate to have an abundance of natural energy resources: sun, wind, ocean, geothermal, and the ability to grow a variety of bio-based fuel.

The Department of Defense has been very proactive in developing alternative domestic fuel sources, to stabilize cost, increase our mobility, and lessen our dependence on foreign oil. Their efforts can be beneficial outside of the military by creating a model that be replicated in Hawai"i and in other states.

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