The state said yesterday it is seeking bids from companies to conduct an environmental impact statement for an undersea power cable that would connect the islands of Länai, Molokai, Oahu and Maui.

The state last year announced the cable as part of its Hawaii Clean Energy Initiative, designed to cut the state's dependence on foreign oil for most of its energy needs. Gov. Linda Lingle's administration has called for 70 percent of the state's energy to come from renewable resources by 2030.

The state in June awarded a $1.5 million contract to the University of Hawaii for mapping of the ocean floor between Honolulu and Maui County with the hope of identifying the best route for a cable.

Two 200-megawatt windfarms are being planned for Molokai and Länai, with the power being sent via the cable to Oahu. The 400 mega-watts could provide up to one-third of Honolulu's power needs.

The undersea cable is part of a comprehensive energy agreement signed one year ago between the state of Hawaii and Hawaiian Electric companies to move the state away from its dependence on fossil fuels for electricity and ground transportation.

Partners in the agreement include the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism, the Hawaiian Electric companies, the State Consumer Advocate and the U.S. Department of Energy.

The contract for the EIS is expected to be awarded by the end of the year.

"The interisland cable project is an important piece of infrastructure needed to achieve the goal of the Hawaii Clean Energy Initiative of 70 percent clean energy by 2030," Lingle said in a news release.

"We are committed to making sure all environmental, economic, cultural and community issues are fully addressed."