Drivers concerned about how ethanol-blended gasoline affects their cars now can report their issues to the state.

Since April 2, Hawai'i has required stations to add 10 percent ethanol, a grain-based fuel, to at least 85 percent of all gasoline sold. Some drivers have complained the new blend is decreasing fuel efficiency or causing cars to run rough.

To gauge the level of concern, the state has set up a telephone hot line and Internet site where residents can report problems or ask questions.

The use of ethanol in Hawai'i should not be causing significant problems for gasoline consumers, said Maria Tome, an alternate energy engineer with the state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism.

"But if it is, we want to know about it," Tome said. "The more information we get, not just from consumers, but mechanics, (the more) we should be able to share information that is useful."

Hawai'i isn't the first state to switch to ethanol-blended gasoline. Last year more than 40 percent of gasoline sold nationwide contained up to 10 percent ethanol.

Ethanol is a cleaner burning renewable fuel that can be produced from sugar cane, which eventually could help reduce the state's dependence on crude oil while supporting sugar cane jobs. However, local ethanol production isn't expected to begin for at least a year, and gasoline companies have been importing ethanol to meet the new requirement.

Critics of the ethanol mandate contend that it will result in less fuel efficiency, potentially higher gasoline prices and cut into state tax collections. Sales of ethanol-blended gasoline are exempt from Hawai'i's general excise tax.

FUEL EFFICIENCY

State officials and local oil companies — Chevron, Tesoro and Aloha Petroleum — said they've received few complaints about ethanol. Most autos built since the 1980s should handle the fuel without problem, Tome said. However, older vehicles with original rubber components in their fuel system could have problems, she said.

In general, complaints about ethanol have concerned rough idling and lost fuel efficiency.

Milton Smith, who works in Wai'anae, said his mileage has fallen 10 percent since he started using ethanol.

"For me it works out as a 10 percent increase in my cost of gas," he wrote in an e-mail to The Advertiser.

Although ethanol will result in slightly less fuel efficiency, there's no scientific evidence to support a significant reduction of mileage, Tome said. In most cases, she said, ethanol is a scapegoat for other vehicle problems.

"If people know there's been a change (in gasoline), and they're expecting a change, then they may all of a sudden notice (something) that might have been there all along," Tome said.

THE REAL PROBLEM

If consumers experience problems, they should first make sure it is not a mechanical issue. If they think the problem was caused by ethanol, consumers should complain to the company that sold the gasoline, Tome said.

Consumers also can call the new hot line and leave a message detailing the nature of the problem and where the gasoline was purchased. The agency will also collect information from the Web site. The data will be used to determine when problems arise so that steps can be taken to address them, Tome said.

Dave Stanford of 'Aiea initially blamed ethanol-blended gasoline when a 1984 pickup truck stalled in traffic several times. Later, he discovered the problem was with the truck's fuel filter.

"That truck was not in proper shape," Stanford said. "So I don't have a case against the state."

Reach Sean Hao at shao@honoluluadvertiser.com.