Hawai'i a leader in energy policies

By Jan TenBruggencate
Advertiser Science Writer

President Bush unveiled his long-awaited national energy policy this week, but some officials in Hawai'i say the federal government could benefit from a look at Hawai'i initiatives.

"We have the largest solar water heating program in the nation, and we're in the top 10 states for energy efficiency," said Lynne Unemori, Hawaiian Electric Co. director of corporate communications.

Hawai'i provides a 35 percent tax credit for installing a solar water heater, photovoltaic systems or heat pumps. The federal government let similar tax support lapse in 1985.

Saying the United States must expand and diversify its energy supplies and boost conservation if it is to meet long-term demand for oil, natural gas and electricity, Bush seeks reduced regulations to encourage more oil, gas and nuclear production; tax incentives to boost coal output; and other tax incentives aimed at conservation and renewable fuels.

Hawai'i officials hope the Bush energy plan will help boost Hawai'i's active alternative energy and conservation programs, but few see breakthrough ideas.

"I saw a lot of things in there that Hawai'i has tried over time. I think we don't see a lot of surprises in the policy," said John Tantlinger, energy planner with the state Department of Business Economic Development and Tourism.

Tax credits for ethanol production and expanded support for wind and biomass energy production are positive features of the Bush plan, and there may be more, he said.