Hawaii’s Energy Evolution

With a new decade upon us and signs of some very positive movements in our economic  stability, everyone is looking to simplify, renew and start fresh. Hawaii is pushing forward to lead the nation towards independence from foreign oil cost with its energy evolution goal to use cleaner and more renewable sources of energy by utilizing its wind, sun and oceans for a greener tomorrow.

The Hawaii Clean Energy Initiative (HCEI) is a comprehensive road map that moves Hawaii towards a future where 70 percent of its electricity and ground transportation needs will come from clean sources by the year 2030.

There are also “3 Wave Turbines Planned for Maui Waters,” as reviewed by Honolulu Star-Bulletin, February 5, 2008.

State income tax credits for solar water heating systems 35 percent of the installed cost (up to stated limits and subject to reductions) are available. See the Hawaii State Tax Credit Fact Sheet.

Federal tax credits are also available

• Information on the Federal business investment credit (Form 3468 and instructions) may be found at: http://www.irs.ustreas.gov/formspubs/index.html.
• The residential credit may be taken for systems installed beginning 1/1/06. Information is available from the IRS: http://www.irs.gov/.

Incentives of up to $1000 per system are being offered by Hawaii’s electric utilities to their customers who currently have electric water heaters; contact your local electric company for more information.

• Oahu, Maui, Molokai, Lanai, and the Big Island: see http://www.hawaiienergyefficiency.com/.
• Residents of Kauai: see the Kauai Island Utility Cooperative (KIUC) pages at www.kiuc.coop or call KIUC at 246-8284, Monday through Friday 8AM – 4 PM.

Presentation on “Solar Water Heaters on the Big Island – Analysis of Sizing, Costs, and Customer Satisfaction” (2002).

Lets all start fresh this year and this next decade for our keiki and our islands by investing in our local economy’s and renewable energy resources here in Hawaii.

Aloha, Ben

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