Nothing could have connected the dots between a reliance on imported fuels and the rising cost of essential goods and services any more plainly than figures released last week by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

It also serves as a reminder of the importance of weaning ourselves from our addiction to fossil fuels — both individually as households and collectively as voters riding herd on government.

The consumer price index for Honolulu rose 4.9 percent in the first half of this year over where it stood for the same period in 2007. No surprise that energy costs were a big factor, but the magnitude of that impact is a stunner.

Electricity and gasoline bills jumped 43.5 percent and 21.8 percent, respectively. Hawai'i leads the nation in electricity costs; federal figures put the statewide average at 29.92 cents per kilowatt hour.

These two cost centers are, of course, inextricably linked through the stratospheric market prices for crude oil, costs that are further compounded through its transportation to Hawai'i's refiners.

Voters need to keep elected officials on task to reduce this level of dependence on oil.

A cooperative effort by the Lingle administration and state lawmakers is laying the foundation for an off-ramp that eventually will let the state pull away from the degree of that reliance.

Bills enacted include measures to shorten the timeline to get renewable energy projects through permit review, which should make it easier for entrepreneurs to develop renewable energy sources.

Among other advances, a partnership with the National Renewable Energy Laboratory and the private UPC Wind on Maui will conduct research and development on advanced wind energy technologies. It's part of a state-federal initiative aimed at having 70 percent of Isle energy come from renewable sources by 2030.

Individuals must play a role as well. Installing solar panels or tankless water heaters are options; simply adding a timer to switch off water heaters during off hours can save money. Just keeping car tires inflated can save on gas, as can carpooling and consolidating trips.

A green future is promising but hardly guaranteed. Until then, the best defense against high costs is to conserve energy — not only for now, but as a permanent habit.