In Hawaiian mythology, the demigod Maui lassos the sun to capture its energy.

This month, we harnessed solar power for Lana'i, ceremonially activating Hawai'i's largest solar farm. We made history for Lana'i — and took an important step toward energy independence for all of Hawai'i.

But it's only a first step. And as the Legislature convenes for the 2009 session, we must continue to take big and bold steps forward. Energy independence can be an essential component for Hawai'i's short-term economic recovery and long-term economic survival. Let's not get lulled by recent decreasing oil prices; prices will inevitably go up and supplies remain unstable. We must be proactive to secure alternate energy sources and take control of our economic future.

During the ceremonies at Lana'i's solar farm — named La Ola — we paid homage to Hawaiian mythology and celebrated Lana'i's unique heritage. The name La Ola comes from the Hawaiian words La (sun) and Ola (life), and celebrates the life-giving energy of the sun. The name of Lana'i is translated as Day of Victory, a mythological reference to the day Chief Kaulaua'au freed the island of ghosts that had wreaked havoc among the people. More recently, Lana'i residents have been plagued by skyrocketing energy prices. La Ola represents a victory over fossil fuels and ushers in a new day of utilizing Lana'i's own natural resources to nurture and sustain the island.

By continuing to boldly work together, all of Hawai'i can share in the victory over our addiction to oil. And that victory would be a big win for our ailing economy.

Renewable energy is real economic stimulus. La Ola represented a $19 million investment by Castle and Cooke, which included about $1 million of payroll invested directly in the Lana'i community. Construction lasted six months and employed more than 20 Lana'i workers, providing much-needed jobs and the opportunity to learn new skills. Some of these workers are now using the skills they learned at La Ola to help build other solar projects in Hawai'i.

Thanks to their labor, 7,400 solar panels are now converting solar energy into electricity for Lana'i, enough to provide up to 30 percent of the island's daily peak energy needs and up to 1.2 megawatts of power on an annual basis. The price of that power is stable and won't vary with fluctuating oil prices. Stabilizing MECO electrical rates will benefit all Lana'i residents.

Lana'i's solar farm is the result of an alliance: the people of Lana'i, our commitment to stabilize energy prices on the island, and the vision and leadership provided by our state and county leaders.

Last year, the Legislature passed Act 31, which allows solar facilities on agricultural lands with D & E rated soils. Gov. Linda Lingle signed the bill in April. By Oct. 31 we had completed construction, and by Dec. 19, the system was on and delivering energy to the MECO grid on Lana'i.

Our planned wind project, like our solar farm, will provide a mix of immediate stimulus from jobs and infrastructure investment, and long-term value by significantly lessening our dependence on foreign oil.

Each year, our state sends roughly $7 billion overseas to feed our oil addiction. With renewable energy, that money can stay in Hawai'i for investments in our communities and our people.

Hawai'i's energy goals are ambitious but not impossible. The first step is for all of us to truly believe in a clean energy future for Hawai'i. As our chairman and chief executive, David H. Murdock, is fond of saying, "In order to do the impossible, you have to see the invisible."

We see Hawai'i's energy independence. We believe the vision is possible and absolutely essential to creating an economy that is stable and sustainable, and primed for future growth.

All of us — utilities and environmentalists, government and citizens, business and labor — must come to the table to reduce our oil dependency, to upgrade and enhance the electrical infrastructure delivery system, to change the way we approach electricity generation, and to make energy security a reality.

The time for collaboration and progress is now. By working together we can build on our momentum and develop a new energy paradigm for Hawai'i. Our economy, our future, and our Hawai'i demand it.

Harry A. Saunders III is president of Castle & Cooke Hawai'i. He wrote this commentary for The Advertiser.