Hawaii’s energy needs continue to change and increase. Hawaii needs to implement its master plan to address this. The Hawaii Clean Energy Initiative links to this. I know the desire and talent are there to do so. HRBP wants to be a part of that master plan. Hawaii is respected throughout the world for its initiatives toward alternative energy policies. An example is Hawaii being the first state to require solar water heaters in new homes- signed into law June 26, 2008. Hawaii relies on imported fossil fuels more than any other state, with about 90% of its energy sources coming from foreign countries, according to state data. HRBP will supply a new source of energy via algae to power Hawaii’s power generation using natural strains of algae, produced in Hawaii, and mitigating CO2 from Hawaii’s air. Hawaii’s drive for self reliance will therefore be accelerated because of HRBP’s partnering with those making change happen. I expect Hawaii will continue to lead by example and HRBP wants to be part of that example especially to meet Hawaii’s mandate of 20% renewable energy by 2020.

How has biofuel changed and adapted?

Biofuel technology has changed dramatically in the past five years. Innovation, perseverance, economic and environmental pressures, as well as the harmonization of biology with biotechnology have caused this change. What we are able to accomplish technically was not possible a decade ago. Enzymatic discovery and optimization will enable cellulosic ethanol to become a viable source of fuel. Hydrogen and solar power are being tested and will become economical in the future just as we found with the development of calculators. Most importantly what could not be accomplished by government organizations with algal oil a decade ago is now ready for prime time—both for land transportation and for jet fuel. Fossil fuel will not be totally replaced but together we can capture alternatives and strive toward economic and environmentally self reliant fuels. People are responding positively to it, but are understandably concerned about protecting the food supply and the environment. We are all balancing this with what we ultimately must pay at the gas pump. I share those concerns and that is why I am so energetically pursuing the solution that HRBP provides. I recently met a young woman on Oahu who was passionate about her career teaching fifth graders. In our conversation I shared what we are working towards at HRBP. She became very excited about the possibilities and asked a lot of questions. We ended by both being convinced that education is an important part of the process to help the community support this alternative. As a result, we both agreed to be change agents through our spheres of influence. She went on to tell her fifth graders that there are alternative solutions to the problems in energy and I went to my team to tell them not to let her and the children down!

Describe a typical work day.