The expo, which is presented by the County's Office of Economic Development in partnership with Maui Economic Development Board, will include a two-day conference Thursday and Friday, Nov. 8 and 9, and optional pre-conference energy tours on Wednesday, Nov. 7.

"Our precarious dependence on imported fossil fuel underscores the urgency for us to actively pursue renewable energy options," Tavares said. "The Maui County Energy Expo 2007 is an educational forum that will bring together business, government and community members as stakeholders working toward a more secure and sustainable energy future for Maui County, and highlight ways local companies and residents are already reducing their carbon footprint."

Thursday's program will include a special panel focusing on student efforts from Hana High School, Seabury Hall, Maui Community College and the EAST program, and other speakers panels on "Understanding Climate Change" and "Renewable Energy Supply in Maui County."

Friday's agenda will feature panels on "Meeting Hawaii's Renewable Portfolio Standard," "The Public as a Partner in Sustainability" and "Maximizing the Potential for Renewable Energy in Maui County," with closing remarks by Tavares and William Parks, special liaison to Hawai'i from the U.S. Department of Energy.

Cost of the two-day Energy Expo is $75 for general admission, including breakfast and lunch on Thursday and Friday. Participants can also select one pre-conference renewable energy tour on Wednesday for an additional fee of $50, including a box lunch. Sites include Kaheawa Wind Farm, Maui Electric Company's high-efficiency combustion turbine, the HC&S biomass and micro-hydroelectric plant, Pacific Biodiesel and the Hawaii PV Coalition.