LT. GOVERNOR PROMOTES CLEAN ENERGY

Aug 29 - On Maui, Lt. Governor Aiona toured the Kaheawa Windfarm to get an up-close look at Hawai`i's expanding renewable energy industry.

The two-hour tour showcased the potential for renewable energy to help diversify the state's energy portfolio and meet growing power demands across the state.

Already, nine percent of the electricity powering homes on Maui comes from a renewable source. That means 11,000 households are helping the Administration's efforts to battle climate change.

Lt. Governor Aiona's tour of the wind farm reflects the Administration's commitment to environmental efforts. As part of the tour, he viewed 20 wind turbines, each standing 165 feet tall.

The wind farm has an economic impact of $18.1 million, including $1.1 million directly to the state. Also, it is owned and operated by UPC Hawai`i Wind, a partnership between UPC Wind Partners and Maui's Makani Nui Associates.

Earlier this year, Hawai`i became a founding member of the Climate Registry, a multi-state effort to track and manage emissions that may contribute to climate change.

And at a national conference in July, Lt. Governor Aiona helped pass a resolution aimed at combating climate change and investing in renewable energy sources, including wind.

The resolution was part of far-reaching discussions at the National Lieutenant Governors Association annual conference in Virginia.