A public-private partnership working to lower upfront costs for renewable energy systems and more efficient household appliances in Hawaii announced that it has made $1 million in loans since the program was launched a year ago.

The initiative, called GreenSun Hawaii, is using $2.69 million in federal stimulus money to create a “credit enhancement” fund that makes it easier for individuals and businesses to borrow money for such investments. The program reduces interest rates for some borrowers and helps others qualify for loans that lenders might not otherwise approve.

GreenSun Hawaii, administered by the Hawaii Community Reinvestment Corp. is the latest effort by state officials to reduce Hawaii’s dependence on oil and bring down energy costs, which are the highest in the nation.

“We are very pleased by the participation in the program which is helping us work towards achieving the state’s goal of 70 percent clean energy by 2030,” said Gwen Yamamoto Lau, HCRC president.