Energy

OHA needs clear policies to inform and facilitate their work with the State in critical areas. Energy is one such critical area for everyone in Hawai’i. As long as we continue to send billions out of the state annually for imported fossil fuels, we are denying the people of Hawaii the job opportunities and economic stimulus of having that same money spent right here in the state. OHA should be involved in advancing renewable energy development. My work in this area globally and locally has equipped me to help develop a policy framework for OHA’s participation in helping not just Hawaiian beneficiaries, but all the people of Hawaii to have an energy-secure future.  Our future security depends upon our ability to access affordable energy. The economy is impacted by the cost of energy.  Energy drives the economy. No matter what we want to do, whether to improve schools, or hospitals or small business or farming, we need energy. OHA cannot afford to be absent from this arena. 

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