At this time of year, when the spectacular power of the ocean surf draws spectators to the Islands from around the world, another use for that power bears consideration.

Wave power is a less-familiar, emerging technology that is rising on the horizon among renewable energy sources. To some extent, the experts here have been tracking its development, but Hawai'i industry and government leaders could more aggressively pursue our standing as a research — and ultimately a commercial — location.

The technology depends on the effect of waves on a floating device (variably, a buoy or cylinder of some sort) that uses hydraulic fluid to convert the kinetic energy to electrical power.

The Office of Naval Research has been conducting studies, using a buoy-type of float, off Kane'ohe Bay, in partnership with the New Jersey company Ocean Power Technologies. But there are much larger, commercial enterprises being launched that should be watched.

Europe has become the crucible for much of the serious research and development.

The developers of a Portuguese project, Scotland-based Ocean Power Delivery Ltd., have made the rounds in Hawai'i recently to drum up support in industry circles. They've found an outspoken backer in state Rep. Cynthia Thielen, who has become one of the few cheerleaders for wave energy in the Legislature, one who's made a habit of shadowing conferences that promote this renewable energy sector.

In contrast, Hawaiian Electric Industries, through its subsidiary Renewable Hawai'i Inc., has been cautious in exploring the potential of wave energy. There's good reason: Executives say they are waiting for the results of the first commercial enterprises in the next year or two, and for multiple equipment vendors to emerge, before investing much research money in such ventures.

That's fair enough, but a less passive approach would be better. Certainly, Hawai'i ranks high on lists of prospective sites circulating among these companies, owing to the sustainability of the region's wave energy. And the state's high oil costs make the costs of a new energy technology relatively more palatable by comparison.

But other states are being more proactive in selling themselves to these companies as they continue to develop this technology.

Representatives of the industry, and its government partners, should actively assert Hawai'i as a player. If this technology should prove as promising for our alternative energy portfolio as many believe it will, we should make sure we don't let the wave pass by.