Hawaii Bids Aloha to Fossil Fuels

According to the New York Times, “With the most diverse array of alternative energy potential of any state in the nation, Hawaii has set out to become a living laboratory for the rest of the country, hoping it can slash its dependence on fossil fuels while keeping the lights on.”

What does that mean in real terms? Right now, not much. Today, 77 percent of Hawaii’s power comes from imported oil, with coal at 14 percent.

If Hawaiian governer Linda Lingle has her way, though, things may change – quickly and dramatically. Her hope is to generate 40 percent of Hawaii’s power from renewable sources by the year 2030.

This goal may sound unreasonably ambitious, but if you really think about it, Hawaii is the ideal spot for generating almost every type of renewable energy. It’s essentially a set of volcanic islands, making it the perfect geothermal energy source. It’s famous for its massive waves, making it a great place to gather power from the sea. Strong winds and bright sunshine are part of the islands’ charm. With so many power sources to choose from, the idea of becoming a leader in renewable energy starts to make a lot of sense.

Hawaii has always been a great spot for vacations. Recently, it’s become a favorite destination for eco-tourists. Who knows? The Aloha State may soon be say "aloha" to a whole new crop of tourists, eager to see how renewable energy can be put to work quickly and effectively.

Photo of Mauna Loa courtesy of USGS