Project Approach

The Project was designed to meet the two overriding requirements of the planning effort as specified in Act 253 -- that the Plan shall be developed in consultation with stakeholders (I); and that specific outcomes and issues shall be addressed (II). To meet the first requirement, stakeholder activities were conducted in 2008 and additional stakeholder meetings are planned for 2009. To meet the second requirement, a team of subject experts has been assembled to address the diverse outcomes and issues detailed in the Act by task responsibility area.

I. CONSULTATION WITH STAKEHOLDERS.

For many years, the State, with its modern economic roots in plantation agriculture, has recognized the importance of biomass resources for the production of energy in Hawaii, especially the use of bagasse from Hawaii’s sugar operations. With the statewide decline in the production of sugar, there has been keen interest in research, development, and commercialization of alternative bioenergy conversion technologies and biomass sources for transportation and electricity generation. A number of studies and assessments have been conducted to promote the use of biomass for energy use. Hawaii is fortunate to have industry experts and research institutions that continue to support industry development.

Importantly, in addition to bioenergy experts, industry development will involve a wide range of stakeholders including the community, landowners, utilities, oil companies, farmers, processors, financial organizations, and distributors. The engagement of these stakeholders across the bioenergy industry value chain – biomass production, conversion, distribution and storage, and end use – is necessary for the successful implementation of the Plan.

In 2008, the following stakeholder activities were conducted:

• Kickoff Meeting – May 21, 2008
• A Conversation with Hawaii’s Agriculture Sector – September 5, 2008
• Survey

II. ACT 253 PART III OUTCOMES AND ISSUES:

• Outcomes:
“The bioenergy master plan shall address the following outcomes:
1. Strategic partnerships for the research, development, testing, and deployment of renewable biofuels technologies and production of biomass crops;
2. Evaluation of Hawaii's potential to rely on biofuels as a significant renewable energy resource;
3. Biofuels demonstration projects, including infrastructure for production, storage, and transportation of biofuels;
4. Promotion of Hawaii's renewable biofuels resources to potential partners and investors for development in Hawaii as well as for export purposes; and
5. A plan or roadmap to implement commercially viable biofuels development.”

• Issues
“The bioenergy master plan shall address the following issues:
1. Specific objectives and timelines;
2. Water resources;
3. Land resources;
4. Distribution infrastructure for both marine and land;
5. Labor resources and issues;
6. Technology to develop bioenergy feedstock and biofuels;
7. Permitting;
8. Financial incentives and barriers and other funding;
9. Business partnering;
10. Policy requirements necessary for implementation of the master plan; and
11. Identification and analysis of the impacts of transitioning to a bioenergy economy while considering applicable environmental concerns.”