LEADERSHIP FOR A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE!

As your Mayor, I will forge partnerships to begin implementation of the recently completed Hawai'i County Energy Sustainability Plan. The Big Island and our State must move aggressively to reduce dependence on foreign oil through a number of initiatives including, recycling and increasing the use of biofuels, solar technology, wind, hydro, photovoltaic and geothermal power. I will encourage energy efficient retrofitting and the use of compact fluorescent light bulbs, solar water heaters, hybrid vehicles and bike lanes.

As your State Senator, I fought for and supported:

• The BOTTLE BILL to recycle glass, plastic and aluminum beverage containers. I was the champion and chief negotiator for this program that has resulted in the recycling of more than 800,000,000 beverage containers in the past four years
• The Global Warming Solutions Act aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions to 1990 levels by the Year 2020
• Funding for retrofitting public buildings to increase energy efficiency
• Funding for the Natural Energy Lab Hawaii Authority
• PAY AS YOU SAVE (Pays) to assist businesses and homeowners in converting to solar water heaters
• Geothermal energy production which has reduced our dependency on foreign oil

I have supported many more initiatives for our sustainable future. These are only a few recent highlights.

We Are Making A Difference.