China, Hawai`i Partner to Achieve Clean Energy Future

Governor Lingle met with Hainan Governor Luo Baoming and members of his cabinet responsible for the province's energy, tourism, commercial and agricultural sectors. The governors discussed their common goals in achieving a clean energy future and presided over the signing of a memorandum of understanding to cooperate in the development of clean and renewable energy, energy security and in the reduction of emissions.

Governor Lingle also met with Hainan Vice Governor Li Guoliang, who led a Hainan delegation to the Asia-Pacific Clean Energy Summit held in Honolulu in September of this year.  Vice Governor Li agreed that Hainan will organize increased Chinese participation in next year's summit in Hawai`i.

The Governor and Vice Governor Li discussed clean energy partnerships and investments between Hawai`i and Hainan, including Hawai`i/Hainan wind, solar and biomass projects.

During the Governor's first week in China, she met with Chairman Xu Kuangdi of the China Academy of Engineering and clean energy leader Zhou Fengqi, as well as members of the Hainan National Development and Reform Commission, which has broad administrative and planning control over the Chinese economy, including formulating policies for economic and social development, restructuring China's economic system and guiding private investment.

While in Hong Kong, Governor Lingle participated in discussions with Secretary for the Environment Edward Yao.  Secretary Yao is responsible for Hong Kong's clean energy portfolio.

Governor Lingle and Secretary Yao spoke of a potential link between Hawai`i and Hong Kong as mutual "test-beds" for the integration of renewable energy and achievement of high levels of energy efficiency. 

• View the Governor's photo gallery.