Is it possible to say too much about the need for renewable energy?

A resounding "No!" would be the answer from Blue Planet Foundation, a new advocacy and educational organization hosting a summit meeting through tomorrow at the Ihilani Resort & Spa.

Certainly, the topic is on the lips of every lawmaker at the Capitol this session. But Blue Planet leaders hope bringing industry and political leaders together to talk about practical solutions to energy challenges will spawn ideas, possibly forging connections that will bring solutions about.

There is no shortage of government blueprints for making Hawai'i less dependent on fossil fuels. But Blue Planet founder Henk Rogers raises a valid point: Most of those plans have partisan overtones and are driven by government. The discussion among entrepreneurs, utilities, engineers — and the planned production of a national public television series on the issue — should help keep the focus on the common goal rather than the divergent approaches of politicians.

It's critical to keep the momentum toward energy self-sufficiency building into a force that will propel developments along when political will falters, as it often does.