Letter: Hawaii Gas should boost renewables investment

Hawaii Gas CEO Alicia Moy’s commentary highlights renewable gas entering its energy portfolio, for which it should be lauded (“Hawaii’s energy goals have room for renewable natural gas,” Star-Advertiser, Island Voices, Sept. 3).

However, the city, through Bill 25, still needs to do its part to close a loophole that has long plagued the state’s program to ensure hot water systems in new homes rely on renewable energy.

Bill 25 allows for “a gas-powered water heater that is fueled by a source that is not less than 90 percent renewable,” but Hawaii Gas has roughly 3% renewable fuels after a decade to address the issue. This legislation is intended to address climate change, not preserve industry profits and the fossil-fuel status quo.

If Hawaii Gas feels threatened by the 90% renewable-gas clause, it should consider significantly ramping up capital investment and production of renewable energy. Otherwise, its energy portfolio will continue to be mostly fossil fuels and hot air.

Hunter Heaivilin

Sierra Club Oahu Group chair

Manoa

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