Energizing Hawaii
Mark Green
Posted September 11, 2016
Sitting in the middle of the Pacific Ocean and without oil and natural gas resources of its own, Hawaii must import virtually all of the energy it uses – 91 percent of it in 2013, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA).
Click on the thumbnail to open a two-page energy infographic for the Aloha State
The state uses more jet fuel than any other energy source – understandable give its distance from the mainland. Meanwhile, 70 percent of the state’s net electricity generation in 2015 was fueled by petroleum liquids
All of the above help explain why Hawaii paid the highest prices for electricity – 26.46 cents per kilowatthour in June 2015, according to EIA (national average 10.64 cents/kWh). Thus, some suggest importing natural gas from the mainland. Joseph Boivin Jr. of Hawaii Gas:
“We want to bring larger scale natural gas to the islands. … As we move forward in Hawaii with our renewal energy programs, we need to have firm power. We will have natural disasters. We need to have a mixture of fuel sources because that’s how a community is probably the safest.”
Natural gas imports could be a future option. Because of America’s energy renaissance, the U.S. leads the world in oil and gas production, with available and affordable natural gas playing a big role in cutting energy costs for consumers in other states.
To continue this renaissance, pro-development policies are needed to ensure access to domestic reserves and to foster investments in safe development. See the chart on Page 2 of the infographic for a comparison of the benefits of a pro-energy path vs. the potential negative impacts of policies characterized by regulatory constraints.
Energy is essential for virtually every aspect of our daily lives. It powers national, state and local economies, gets us to work and goes into products we rely on for health and comfort. Safe, responsible energy development here at home is linked to national security as well as Americans’ individual prosperity and liberty – in Hawaii and all the 50 states of energy.
About The Author
Mark Green joined API after a career in newspaper journalism, including 16 years as national editorial writer for The Oklahoman in the paper’s Washington bureau. Previously, Mark was a reporter, copy editor and sports editor at an assortment of newspapers. He earned his journalism degree from the University of Oklahoma and master’s in journalism and public affairs from American University. He and his wife Pamela have two grown children and six grandchildren.