Revving up the EV campaign

There’s now even a logo to brand the “Drive Electric Hawai‘i” initiative, so pay attention: Policymakers mean business.

That circular logo topped a news release Wednesday, heralding that all four of Hawaii’s counties have formally joined DEH to promote electric transportation for a clean-energy future. The mayors’ collective commitment was made via the signing of a memorandum of understanding, to eliminate fossil fuels in ground transportation across the state by 2045.

“The primary focus of the Drive Electric Hawai‘i Initiative is to accelerate the cost-effective electrification of transportation in all passenger vehicles, public transit vehicles, and fleet vehicles … ” the memorandum states in part.

The pact coincided with the state Public Utilities Commission’s call for the public to weigh in on Hawaiian Electric Cos.’s “Electrification of Transportation Strategic Roadmap,” which outlines the utilities’ proposed strategy regarding that “green” transition of ground transportation systems. See the report at bit.ly/2JJOq7Y, then offer input through July 16 (puc.comments@hawaii.gov).

So much is on the horizon, and on the line, as Hawaii moves into a new energy frontier. HECO’s filing includes such aspects as increasing electric vehicle usage by helping to lower costs and educating customers; accelerating buildout of EV charging infrastructure; and supporting electrification of buses.

As with all new technology, research and development won’t come cheap. There will be a constant need to balance the investment costs of new technology against the costs and benefits to the consumer. That’s why it’s essential, ratepayers, to stay plugged in throughout this process, en route to 2045.

Taro, papaya farmers struggle

A Hawaii-grown papaya is more than a backyard fruit or a niche commercial crop. Much like pineapple, the fruit has become a featured symbol of our tropical paradise, a staple in hotel dining rooms and other places that cater to visitors.

Most of the U.S. commercial crop is grown in Hawaii — and most of that in Puna, where well-drained lava lands are ideal for growing the fruit. But proximity to the volcano is a two-edged sword. At least 150 papaya farmers in the area have been affected by once-in-generations lava flows that covered their lands, or by noxious sulfuric oxide gases that destroyed their trees. More than 2,000 acres have been put out of commission. Local papaya has grown scarcer in the stores, and prices have climbed.

Meanwhile, April’s heavy rains and disastrous flooding on Kauai have caused serious damage to Hawaii’s taro crop. The lush taro loi in Hanalei, a magnet for locals and visitors on the island’s north shore, were deluged with mud and silt. Since much of Hawaii’s taro comes from Kauai, poi can be expected to become more scarce.

When natural disasters cause such unexpected damage, it’s up to the state, and hopefully the federal government, to step up. The state Department of Agriculture announced in May that it would provide emergency loans of up to $500,000 at a 3 percent interest rate. Additionally, microloans of up to $25,000 — which are processed more speedily and with less paperwork — also are available. On Kauai at least, a federal disaster declaration has made local farmers eligible for aid from the federal Farm Service Agency. Let’s hope Hawaii County farmers get similar relief soon. For information, visit hdoa.hawaii.gov/agl/.

An urgent plea to save children

The lawsuit filed Tuesday on behalf of Shaelynn Lehano-Stone is disturbing on numerous fronts. Above all, it’s a tragic reminder of the heinous death of a 9-year-old girl who was found severely malnourished, unconscious on the floor of a Hilo apartment, who died a few hours later. Shaelynn’s accused killers are the very people who should have loved and protected her: grandmother Henrietta Stone, who had custody of the girl; and parents, Tiffany Stone and Kevin Lehano. All are awaiting trial.

Layering more grimness onto the situation is the wrongful death lawsuit, filed by Shaelynn’s maternal aunt against the state and the accused trio. The suit claims that the state Child Welfare Services (CWS) failed to protect Shaelynn and that the trio failed in their legal obligation to provide the girl shelter, food, medical care, a safe home and reasonable supervision. Whatever its outcome, the suit must at least raise awareness of what could have been averted if more people around a vulnerable child had been more involved in the many months she suffered through a slow death.

Perhaps the only sliver of hope in this dark case is that it helps spotlight the overwhelming caseload for CWS workers on Hawaii island’s east side. The Legislature just approved a pilot project to stem the crisis, allocating funds for more social workers. It is, sadly, much too late for Shaelynn — but let’s hope that’s not the case for other children in need of urgent care from CWS, as well as from vigilant family and friends.