Hawaii's Energy Future

Hawaii is a unique place unlike anywhere else in the world. But the challenges it faces and will continue to face in the near future regarding energy needs are just as unique, and that can be viewed as a blessing as well as a curse. On one hand, there are so many opportunities for people from a wide range of professions to become involved in improving and innovating Hawaii's energy future. Yet, on the other hand, there is a sense of urgency regarding energy in Hawaii because of our dependence on imported oil for our energy needs.

This means that if we fail to develop sustainable energy in a meaningful way, and before it's too late, the consequences for Hawaii will be far more severe than it would be in other places, like the mainland U.S., for example. Hawaii already has some of the highest gas prices in the nation, and we see those costs not only at the pump, but at the grocery store and just about everywhere else as well.

One thing I've been exposed to regarding Hawaii's energy future, and that I think is really exciting, is the fact that Hawaii can potentially develop just about every renewable energy source there is, from solar and wind, to geothermal and more. This means that we can become experts on all of these if we devote the necessary resources and effort they require. Furthermore, we will be able to export that expertise abroad as the need for renewable energy continues to grow elsewhere.

What are some of the problems facing renewable energy in Hawaii? So far it seems there are definitely some environmental and cultural issues surrounding the topic. Some are strongly against building wind turbines on certain islands or in culturally significant locations. Some don't think it's fair for one island to have wind turbines in order to power other islands. I think these sort of issues will begin to take a back seat once that "sense of urgency" thing I previously mentioned begins sinking in (when gas prices hit $10 a gallon, etc.). When that happens, people will check their priorities and begin to see that renewable energy is of paramount importance.

I think it will take a lot of cooperation from everyone if we are to solve the energy problem in Hawaii. Furthermore, I think that educating people about energy, and whether or not we will be able to do that effectively, will prove to be one of most important factors in whether or not we improve Hawaii's energy future. We can all make a difference just by conserving energy ourselves and being more aware.