Rhetoric goes a long way in politics, and Hawai'i is no exception. Many politicians praise the goal of energy independence and sustainability in their speeches, whether it is the state of the union, state or city. One fundamental question arises, however, that tests the true resolve of our elected officials and their commitment to the future.

Every responsible citizen of the state, nation and world has a moral responsibility to consider the ramifications of his or her actions upon the larger community. As a concerned populace, the people of the state of Hawai'i must realize the necessity of promoting and achieving energy sustainability and independence.

Virtually every resident of Hawai'i at some point during the day contributes to the growing energy crisis that faces the nation and the world. A variety of factors have combined to create a "perfect storm" that threatens the interests of not only the state, but also the whole nation.

Volatility in the Middle East continues to threaten the oil supply that runs Western industry. Hugo Chavez, the anti-American president of Venezuela, continues to spout both irrational and dangerous threats that endanger energy production from South America. The gradual reconsolidation of centralized power and controversial comments by President Vladimir Putin have led to increased tension with another major petroleum supplier, Russia.

Domestically, hurricanes threaten to disrupt the Gulf of Mexico's oil production, and the business practices of major oil corporations have come under close moral scrutiny. As if this all were not enough, Hawai'i's geographic isolation and the continued threat of a major terrorist attack on the United States bring warnings of impending crisis to a deafening crescendo.

That is not to say that the citizens of this state are actively promoting the destruction of the environment. To the contrary, Hawai'i's people are responsive and open to solving this state's problem. But given the limited "green" or "renewable" options available, it is little wonder that sustainability remains a distant goal. Although it is not impossible, achieving energy independence will require a paradigm shift, major sacrifices and the full support of the Legislature.

The people of Hawai'i are notorious for their attachment to their cars; given the lack of a functioning or efficient alternative that avoids highways, it is not very surprising. An important first step has already been taken by the mayor and the City Council by commissioning the planning and construction of a light-rail transit system. While the case for building such a transportation system is not without significant flaws, the willingness of the government to support this effort and the potential of the rail system to alleviate the traffic and environmental problems of Hawai'i succeed in outweighing the negative aspects of the proposition.

The assignment of fuel-efficient buses to the more heavily used routes of the bus system represents another step forward; yet the majority of the bus fleet has not been upgraded. Purchasing hybrid or fuel-efficient vehicles for government use would both bring us closer to energy sustainability and provide a valuable example for the general public.

Encouraging the public to conserve energy during normal days as opposed to solely during energy crises would also aid in making energy sustainability a statewide priority. Hawai'i provides impressive state tax credits to citizens who install solar panels or water heaters. This is a good start, but more can be done. Increasing the percentage of ethanol in the state's gasoline would also greatly aid a move toward energy sustainability.

The Legislature should also push for federal funding earmarked to develop new concepts and explore existing options. For example, an adaptation of hydroelectric power could be potentially suitable for use in the waters off of Hawai'i. According to Rep. Cynthia Thielen, all of the Neighbor Islands' power needs and 80 percent of Oahu's requirements could be met with Wave Energy Converters. This prospect remains unrealistic until appropriate funding is allocated toward an honest assessment of costs and benefits.

Even with all of these promising options on the table, one final consideration must be taken into account: the human element. We must make an honest and responsible commitment toward achieving energy sustainability by doing our utmost in any way possible. Talk to your legislator; write a letter to the editor, and tell our leaders that— for the sake of our future — we must focus our time and effort on solving our energy problems.

Christopher Ballesteros is a junior at Damien Memorial High School and a member of The Advertiser's Teen Editorial Board. To learn more about the Teen Editorial Board go to www.honoluluadvertiser.com/opinion.