Gov. David Ige honored 24 businesses for clean-energy efforts at the 2015 Hawaii Green Business Awards at the state Capitol on Friday.
Ige thanked the businesses for their use of renewable-energy technologies and conservation of Hawaii’s natural resources as well as for educating employees and customers about green business practices.
"In the state that beats the country in renewable energy and conservation, many of your businesses are leading the way," Ige said. "You have all demonstrated your commitment to energy efficiency and resource conservation and have successfully incorporated creative, innovative green practices into your operations and events."
Hotel, restaurant and food service industries as well as event organizers were recognized at the event. One of the honored restaurants, Nook Neighborhood Bistro, eliminated its use of Styrofoam and most plastics.
Nook gives guests metal straws, and the staff does not provide takeout utensils. Instead of takeout bags, twine is used to wrap the food.
"We have our roots founded in taking care of your people and your financials and the planet. Putting that in the groundwork felt like the right thing to do," said Hailey Berkey, co-owner of Nook Neighborhood Bistro.
The business honorees included Hyatt Regency Waikiki, Kahala Resort and Spa, Turtle Bay Resort and Spa, Volcano House, Bills Sydney, Lanikai Juice, Nook Neighborhood Bistro, Whole Foods Market, Kahala Mall, Hawaii Pacific University, Sustainable Island Products, Honeywell Energy Solutions, Kapolei Fire Station, KUPU/ RISE, Patagonia Honolulu and the East-West Center.
The nine honored events included Green Hotel Forum by Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort, Concert on the Lawn by the East-West Center, Sustainability Council Retreat by Kamehameha Schools, The Chaos of Sustainability by HISCI, Annual Sustainability Higher Education Summit by the University of Hawaii, E-Drive Charrette by the Hawaii State Energy Office, Pop-Up Pupus by Hawaii Theatre, Sustainability Unconference by Important Media and TEDx Paradigm Shift by TEDxHonolulu.
The event was hosted by the state Energy Office of the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism, the Department of Health and the Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii.
