David Y. Ige

Clean Energy Celebrated at Eat the Street’s Oktoberfest Event on Sept. 29

HONOLULU – The Hawaii Center for Advanced Transportation Technologies (HCATT) is generating clean energy awareness through a partnership with Eat the Street Hawaii for the first day of its Oktoberfest celebration, bringing together food, fun and community on Sept. 29 at Kakaako Waterfront Park.

HCATT, administered through the Hawaii Technology Development Corporation (HTDC), will highlight clean technologies in transportation and mobile power supply throughout the evening, coinciding around national Energy Action Month.

“Hawaii is leading the way in energy innovation, and setting an inspiring example for the international stage,” said Luis P. Salaveria, director, Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism. “Engaging our communities is a key component to advancing the adoption of conservation practices and transforming our energy landscape.”

HCATT will supply clean power and lighting for the Eat the Street Hawaii Oktoberfest event by utilizing their fuel cell light carts and generators manufactured by Luxfer GTM. Servco will be showcasing the hydrogen fuel-powered Toyota Mirai onsite for Eat the Street patrons to learn more about fuel cell technology in transportation. The Blue Planet Foundation, the Sustainable Transportation Coalition of Hawaii and the State Energy Office will also have a presence to share exciting news about the clean energy efforts happening across the state. 

“We’re excited to broaden consumer awareness for the importance of clean, sustainable energy in an accessible way,” said Robbie Melton, HTDC executive director and CEO. “The Energy Action Month is a perfect time to demonstrate some of the technologies being created to brighten the future responsibly.”

Hawaii is the only state in the nation with a 100 percent renewable energy mandate in the electricity sector. The state is required to meet this mandate by 2045. The Hawaii Clean Energy Initiative is a statewide plan, of which the 100 percent Renewable Portfolio Standard by 2045 is a part. In addition to this mandate for renewable energy sold by the electric utilities, the state has also supports deep decreases in fossil fuel use for transportation.

The public is invited to join in the clean energy showcase with Eat the Street Hawaii on Friday, Sept. 29, from 4 – 9 p.m.

For more information on Eat the Street, go to:

www.facebook.com/EatTheStreetHawaii/

Energy Action Month will additionally be marked by a number of events both within the state and across the nation. These events/efforts include:

• The Clean Energy Fair on Oct. 7, 2017, at Kahala Mall:  www.hawaiianelectric.com/community-and-education/clean-energy-fair
• National Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Day on Oct. 8, 2017: hydrogenandfuelcellday.org/
• Air Force Energy Action Month: www.safie.hq.af.mil/Programs/Energy/Action-Month/

HCATT works with the federal government and private industry to develop advanced low emission and zero emission vehicles centered on hydrogen fuel technologies. Their demonstration projects have been expanded to include microgrid technology using 100 percent renewable energy. HCATT is funded by a contract with the federal government and is administered through HTDC.

About HTDC (Hawaii Technology Development Corporation)

HTDC is a state agency, attached to the state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT).  HTDC’s mission is to facilitate the development and growth of Hawaii’s technology industry.  HTDC is providing the capital, building the infrastructure and developing the talent to foster innovation and diversify Hawaii’s economy. HTDC’s 80/80 Initiative is to create 80,000 new tech and innovation jobs that will provide high paying jobs for Hawaii residents.

ABOUT DBEDT (Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism)
DBEDT is Hawaii’s resource center for economic and statistical data, business development opportunities, energy and conservation information, and foreign trade advantages. DBEDT’s mission is to achieve a Hawaii economy that embraces innovation and is globally competitive, dynamic and productive, providing opportunities for all Hawaii’s citizens. Through its attached agencies, the department fosters planned community development, creates affordable workforce housing units in high-quality living environments, and promotes innovation sector job growth.

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Media Contacts: 

Robbie Melton
Hawaii Technology Development Corporation
Office: (808) 539-3615
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.htdc.org

Christine Hirasa 
Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism
Phone: (808) 587-9006
Mobile: (808) 286-9017
Email: [email protected]
Website: dbedt.hawaii.gov

Jocelyn Collado or Susan Wright
Becker Communications, Inc.
Phone: (808) 533-4165
Email: [email protected]  or
[email protected]