2: Background

Hawai‘i currently depends on oil to generate most of its power. This oil is shipped to Hawai‘i. Since we live in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, any interruptions in the world’s production and distribution of oil or increase in the cost of oil, could negatively impact our lifestyles. So, forces outside our control could have a crippling effect on us because we are dependent on oil. People in Hawai‘i need to find ways to conserve energy as well as develop renewable energy sources.

The chart below illustrates power sources for our state and nation.

Source: Heco.com (1999 data)
HECO: Hawai‘i Electric Company
MECO: Maui Electric Company
HELCO: Hawai‘i Electric Light Company (Hawai‘i County)