THE EV-LUTION OF TRANSPORT
JUL/AUG/SEP 2015
Vol. 7 #3
greenmagazinehawaii.com
BUILDING A BETTER BATTERY
There’s a Prius just right for you.
PRIUS v:
The big one • 34.3 cu.ft. of cargo space3
44/40/42 mpg1 city/hwy/combined
• 60/40 split, sliding, reclining fold-down rear seats • 6.1” Touch-screen display audio with integrated back-up camera display • IntelliChoice - 2015 Lowest Fuel Costs4
PRIUS PLUG-IN:
The one you plug in 51/49/50 mpg1 city/hwy/combined 95 mpge2
• No range anxiety - EV Mode for short trips and normal hybrid mode for longer distances • Fast charging - 3 hours on a standard 120V home outlet
PRIUS LIFTBACK: The original one 51/48/50 mpg1 city/hwy/combined
• EV/ECO/POWER driving modes • Smart Key System • Standard 6.1” Touch-screen with display audio and Bluetooth wireless technology
PRIUS c:
The small one 53/46/50 mpg1 city/hwy/combined
• Our most affordable Prius • Bluetooth wireless technology • IntelliChoice - 2015 Excellent Value5
Learn more and build your Prius at ToyotaHawaii.com 1 - 2015 EPA-estimated MPG. Actual mileage will vary. 2 - 2015 EPA-estimated combined miles per gasoline gallon equivalent. Estimate includes consumption of electricity and gasoline energy during EV Mode operation. Actual results will vary for many reasons including driving conditions and how you drive and maintain your vehicle. 3 - Cargo and load capacity limited by weight and distribution. 4 - 2015 IntelliChoice, www.IntelliChoice.com; Mid-Size Utility. Based on 2015 model year study. 5 - 2015 IntelliChoice, www.IntelliChoice.com; Compact Passenger Car. Based on 2015 model year study.
This is so next century. This is Truth in Engineering. With 30% better fuel economy than gas and 15% more energy in every drop of fuel, Audi TDI® clean diesel is not only powerful but also more efficient.* So as the world embraces diesel, it’s no surprise that Audi is once again leading the way with the A8, A7, A6, Q7 and Q5 models. Make the intelligent choice with Audi TDI® clean diesel. Learn more at audiusa.com/tdi
Audi Hawaii 2770 Waiwai Loop, Honolulu HI 96819 808-447-8998 audihawaii.com *Based on comparison to comparable gasoline engines and drop of gasoline. See www.fueleconomy.gov for EPA estimates. Your mileage will vary and depends on several factors including your driving habits and vehicle condition. “Audi,” “Truth in Engineering,” all model names, and the four rings logo are registered trademarks of AUDI AG. “TDI” is a registered trademark of Volkswagen AG. ©2013 Audi of America, Inc.
CONTENTS VOLUME 7 NUMBER 3 // JULY/AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2015
FEATURES _________________________________________________________________________
22 32
THE EV-LUTION OF TRANSPORT Game-changing hydrogen fuel cell vehicles and high-tech electric vehicles enter the mass market in 2016
GOOD EATS
22
Local chefs and restaurateurs are raising the bar for conscious cuisine
BUILD + DESIGN __________________________________________________________________
10
BUILDING A BETTER BATTERY Storage is the new paradigm of energy independence
NOW __________________________________________________________________
38 45 46 47
32
O‘A HU MAUI KAUA‘I BIG ISLAND
PEOPLE ____________________________________________________
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4
AHEAD OF THE CURVE Mike Fairall of Mokulua High Performance Builder
GRE E N M A G A Z I N E H AWA II.C O M
10 “Once you can demonstrate that an off-grid solution is affordable, it starts to look pretty good.” —Colin Yost, COO of RevoluSun
Hawai‘i leads the nation in solar energy. 20 times the national average of customers with solar
Kaua‘i Island Utility Cooperative
8.3%*
12.0%* * Maui Electric 11.0% * Hawai‘i Electric Light 10.0%
Hawaiian Electric
0.6%**
Rooftop solar has grown dramatically in Hawai‘i in the past several years. Our percentage of customers with solar is almost 20 times the national average.
Hawai‘i utilities are the top four in the nation. In 2014, Hawai‘i’s utilities led the country for cumulative percentage of net-metered solar projects per customer.
Hawai‘i leads the way in the integration of solar power. With such high amounts of solar, our utilities are facing unique challenges. Working with others, we’re developing new technologies just for Hawai‘i to integrate these increasing amounts of solar.
We know solar is an important option for our customers. And we’re bringing this clean local energy into the grid in a way that safely and reliably shares it with everyone.
Solar power, both grid-scale solar farms and rooftop systems, is part of our state’s diverse clean energy portfolio. With energy from solar, wind, waste-to-energy, biofuels, hydro and geothermal facilities, our goal is 100% renewable energy by 2045.
*As of 3/31/15. **As of 12/31/14. National data
Find out more at www.hawaiianelectric.com
courtesy of Solar Electric Power Association.
I dream
of Jamba
Introducing 3 new flavors in the Dreams line up
Published by Element Media, Inc. VOLUME 7 :: NUMBER 3 :: July/August/September 2015
Publishers Jamie & Naomi Giambrone
Art Director Keith Usher
Associate Publisher E. S. Adler
Contributing Photographers Dave Miyamoto, Darryl Watanabe, Kevin Whitton
Managing Editor Kevin Whitton, kevin@elementmediahi.com
Administration Athena Keehu, Sally Shaner
Copy Editor Lauren McNally
Publishers’ Assistant Enjy El-Kadi, Chelsea Tsuchida
Contributing Writers Lindsey Kesel, Larry Lieberman, Alyssa S. Navares Myers
Advertising Inquiries E.S. Adler, esadler@elementmediahi.com Bonnie Kish, bonnie@elementmediahi.com
Editorial Interns Bianca Bystrom Pino, Ian Kai, Chance Nakazato
Editorial Advisory Board Mike Fairall, Dr. Jack Kittinger, Jeff Mikulina, Nicole Milne
Green Magazine Hawai‘i is a quarterly publication available through subscription, direct mail and bookstores throughout Hawai‘i. Subscribe and read online at greenmagazinehawaii.com. Follow Green at facebook.com/ GreenMagazineHawaii and Twitter @greenmaghawaii. The views expressed within Green Magazine Hawai‘i do not necessarily reflect the opinions of management and ownership. Green Magazine Hawai‘i may not be reproduced without written permission from the publisher. Contact Element Media at 1088 Bishop Street, Suite 1130, Honolulu, HI 96813; (808) 737.8711.
• Orange Dream Machine • Strawberry Dreamin’ • Blueberry Dreamin’ • Pineapple Dreamin’ ON THE COVER Kaimuki Superette is known for fresh, farm-to-table fare and its rotating crop of antipasti selections made with local, seasonal produce. Cover Photo: Darryl Watanabe
Follow Jamba
www.jambahawaii.com
6 Dreams GRE E NGreen M A GMagazine A Z I N E H AWA II.C1O M 15-JAJH-168Ad.indd
6/17/15 12:30 PM
Now Online Read the digital edition at GreenMagazineHawaii.com under the ezine tab.
EDITOR'S NOTE
DIG IN
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The only downside to cooking at home is washing the dishes, which I end up doing as well. Go ahead guys who don’t do the dishes, insert joke here. When I don’t feel like busting out the food processor, firing up the broiler or scrubbing plates at the end of the meal, it's time to go out to eat. I don’t eat out often, but when I do, I want to eat fresh, quality food. To me, it doesn’t make sense to spend the money to eat out if the food and service isn’t to the highest standard. Even with dozens of neighborhood eateries, it can be hard to find good food, particularly for those with discerning palettes seeking delicious, consciously prepared food made with quality ingredients. While good food is definitely subjective, if you compare a Chile’s entrée to one from Town restaurant, it doesn’t take a food critic to taste which dish is made from fresh, local ingredients. Luckily for us, there is a new generation of restaurateurs with a fresh take on local food. What started as Hawai‘i Regional Cuisine—local sourcing among an elite group of internationally renowned chefs—has evolved into eateries that support a variety of sustainable initiatives and offer delicious, fresh local food that everyone can afford to enjoy on a daily basis. All this talk about food is making me hungry. I better get to work in the kitchen. Better yet, I’ll just hit up Kaimuki Superette and skip the dish pit tonight. Salud. —Kevin Whitton
Illustration: Lauren McNally
I love to cook. The entire process floats my boat. Sourcing the ingredients, preparing the mise en place, the knife rocking on the cutting board shaving off thin slices of onion and garlic, the sizzle and scent of the dish as it cooks, the sweat rolling off the open bottle of India pale ale on the counter—it’s an exercise in art and science with a people-pleasing payoff. More than any other type of food, I love to prepare Mexican dishes. The flavors are bright, spicy and even a tad earthy thanks to all the lovely, piquant chilies that have been cultivated for centuries. From thinly sliced and marinated carne asada to whole fish slathered in achiote paste, the only thing better is succulent carnitas simmering in its own fat and juices. Oh, and rustic guacamole with blackened tomatoes or a lively, fresh tomatillo salsa, which brings to mind homemade chile rellenos, smoky poblano chilies stuffed with chorizo and queso fresco…I’m getting all worked up. I need a Mexican food fix. Someone hand me a taco. Before my mother-in-law fell in love with Chicago for its marathon, restaurants and famous chefs, she introduced me to Rick Bayless, who operates Frontera Grill in the Windy City and has authored his own small library of authentic Mexican cookbooks. He even has a video series for hard-core fans where he travels to Mexico in search of local dishes, which he emulates back home in his Chicago kitchen. Once he nails his version of a cultural classic, he shares the recipe with his hungry followers. It’s genius. You probably guessed it, I have that collection of cookbooks and videos. Thanks Laura.
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BUILD + DESIGN
BUILDING A BETTER BATTERY Storage is the new paradigm of energy independence BY LARRY LIEBERMAN
On April 30, 2015, Tesla Motors CEO Elon Musk made an announcement that changed everything in energy storage. “The obvious problem with solar power is that the sun does not shine at night,” he declared. “We need to store the energy that is generated during the day so that you can use it at night.” Any whispers of skepticism were drowned out by the thud of jaws hitting the floor as the curtain dropped to reveal a sleek, new battery— the Tesla Powerwall. Oohs, ahs and enthusiastic applause rose from the live audience in a moment reminiscent of Steve Jobs debuting the first iPhone. Designed with a new level of aesthetic elegance and technical functionality, the Powerwall represents the transformation of an entire industry. And if that weren’t enough, Musk also announced that the Powerwall will be priced at a fraction of the cost of competing batteries. For homeowners who dream of complete energy independence one day, the Tesla Powerwall sounds like a dream come true. But there are caveats to the big news. First, it’s going to be some time before the product is readily accessible. Second, batteries are only one component of a more comprehensive solution. Powering a home completely from solar energy requires a range of products, including solar panels, inverters, monitoring equipment and hardware. Still, the Tesla battery points to a brilliant future in which homeowners can take control of their energy production, storage and consumption. In Hawai‘i, where grid-supplied electricity costs are more than triple the national average, that future can’t come fast enough.
Photo: Tesla Motors
BUILD + DESIGN A trifecta of economic factors have made solar photovoltaic systems practically a no-brainer in Hawai‘i: a dramatic drop in the price of solar technology, skyrocketing utility-supplied electricity rates and the combination of federal and state incentives that cover up to 65 percent of the total system cost. Since adopting aggressive clean-energy goals in 2008, Hawai‘i has become a leader in residential solar PV installations, with over 20 times more rooftop solar power per capita than any other state. Unlike the rest of the country, however, Hawai‘i’s island grids are stand-alone systems with no energy storage capacity and no neighboring utilities to import power from or export power to. A properly designed PV system generates substantially more power than a home uses throughout the day and sends that excess power to the grid for the utility company to distribute and sell to other customers. Currently (subject to change when new policies are established by the Public Utility Commission) homeowners in Hawai‘i earn one kilowatt-hour of credit on their utility bill for every kilowatt-hour of energy they export. The one-to-one exchange ratio means net-metered PV installations do not require any type of battery storage system. All power generation and distribution happens in real-time, with utility engineers keeping the grid’s production and consumption loads balanced around the clock. In September 2013, Hawaiian Electric Industries restricted new net-metered PV systems in what they consider highly saturated areas, citing a variety of concerns about managing the intermittent flow of solar energy from so many rooftops. The policy changes instantly cooled the state’s red-hot solar market, with solar project approvals dropping by more than 40 percent in 2014 on O‘ahu alone. Although a recent National Renewable Energy Lab study
found that Hawai‘i’s island grids can support substantially more PV saturation than the utilities have allowed, Hawaiian Electric Industries has been slow to increase saturation limits and their proposed revisions to the net-energy-metering policy would confer roughly half the credit for exported power. Whether limiting the number of PV system approvals or trying to reduce the amount of credit issued for exported power, utility companies are slowing the adoption of rooftop solar energy. At the time of publication, the Public Utility Commission is actively reviewing HECO’s proposed revisions to the net-metering program and other regulatory and policy changes that could result in less favorable economics for new PV customers. What choices are left for Hawai‘i homeowners who want to switch to solar in the future? The good news is that in addition to the highly anticipated Tesla Powerwall, there are a number of exciting new technologies, products, processes and programs that will give homeowners more control over generating and managing their own electricity, regardless of whether or not the net-metering rules change. Battery storage is nothing new. In the past, battery systems were generally suited for remote, off-grid and minimalist lifestyles—anything from a cabin with a car battery linked to a hot plate to a modest home with an array of lead-acid batteries powering basic necessities such as lights and appliances. A modern, fully equipped Western-style home is more challenging to take completely off-grid, especially since traditional battery systems require a large amount of space and present a significant fire and hazardous-materials risk. Plus, a home’s solar PV system would have to be larger than otherwise necessary to provide adequate battery charge on rainy days. People often assume that having a battery-storage system means going completely off-grid, yet that is rarely the case. Batteries are currently used in emergency backup systems to provide a limited amount of power in the event of a grid outage. Once regulatory rules are in place, an even better use for batteries will be in self-supply or non-exporting PV systems that store excess power on site to be utilized at night. Users remain connected to the grid, but they generate and store their own energy supply and buy power from the utility only when their batteries are low. Although many fantasize about going completely off-grid, few can stomach the combination of cost, risk, lifestyle modification and energy efficiency required to successfully operate off-grid. On Maui, where utility restrictions started impeding solar PV adoption long before similar delays began on O‘ahu, homeowners are eager to embrace new options. “Energy storage is going to be a big factor here and throughout the state,” says Brad Albert, co-founder of Rising Sun Solar + Electric, one of Maui’s largest PV installation companies and vice-chairman of the nonprofit
Batteries store the energy a PV system produces during the day for use at night. The compact and sleek Tesla Powerwall is the cutting edge of battery technology. GREENMAGAZINEHAWAII.COM
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BUILD + DESIGN advocacy group Hawaii PV Coalition. “The Tesla battery has captured the consumer desire for self-supply. Now Hawai‘i is poised to pioneer the regulation and implementation of selfsupply and smart-supply systems that will serve as a blueprint for distributed renewable-energy adoption in other island nations.” Batteries, inverters and power-management systems will clamor for share in an emerging market expected to take off over the next 12 to 18 months. But batteries are only part of the equation. Residential renewable-energy systems will also need smart inverter technology and power management software to efficiently manage grid interconnection. The Powerwall will have a place in the mix, but will be joined by other manufacturers offering competitive products. In fact, Tesla is encouraging its competitors to get into the game, even giving away its patent rights to allow widespread duplication of its innovations. Another new product on the market is the Sunverge system from SunPower Corporation. This is a turnkey solution now being tested on O‘ahu that includes inverter, battery storage and powermanagement software. Combined with SunPower solar panels, the Sunverge package offers a grid-tied, fully integrated product that can maximize and manage the balance between PV and gridsupplied energy. Even when non-exporting systems become more common, grid connection may remain important because it affords PV customers a reliable source of power in case of a prolonged storm or other downturn in solar production. If a customer’s batteries run low, they simply draw power from the utility. It’s a safe bet to stay tied to the grid, but one drawback is the unpredictable cost of utility-supplied power. However, there may come a time when it makes fiscal sense for the average homeowner to abandon the grid completely. “Once you can demonstrate that an off-grid solution is as affordable—or even a better deal—than grid-supplied power and you can prove that it’s reliable with backup systems, it starts to look pretty good,” says Colin Yost, an attorney with the Hawaii PV Coalition and COO at O‘ahu-based solar installer RevoluSun. “When you can save money, get better performance and do something good for the environment, then anyone who can afford
it or qualify for financing will want to do it.” For some early adopters, off-grid technology has already arrived. O‘ahu-based entrepreneur and environmental advocate Henk Rogers, founder of the Blue Planet Foundation, is walking the walk with two fully off-grid residences. While his Big Island ranch property is in a relatively remote location, his O‘ahu home is located in a standard residential neighborhood. Rogers is one of a very small group of Hawai‘i residents completely disconnected from the grid amidst an ocean of grid-tied neighbors. “If the goal is to keep fossil fuel in the ground, then we have to work together to come up with the best ways to utilize energy storage,” says Yost, who is optimistic about finding win-win solutions that will satisfy the utility companies, solar industry stakeholders and Hawai‘i consumers. “Residential energy-storage products should get progressively smaller, more efficient, more functional and more affordable.” Other promising products on the market include JLM Energy’s Energizr system, an integrated storage and power management solution, and the Samsung ESS residential battery, which is currently on the market in Europe and scheduled for a U.S. release this year. Solar-industry trade shows and expos showcase innovations each year in niche products like solar roof tiles, solar window coverings and solar photovoltaic paint, all of which could see increased adoption as solar-energy independence increases. According to Brad Albert of Rising Sun Solar, it’s going to be hard to predict any local market leaders until Hawai‘i’s next generation of utility-interconnection rules and requirements are established by the PUC. Then it should be off to the races for homeowners who have been languishing in the waiting line for their PV approvals. Gaining control of our own power at the residential level is the first step in a long journey toward true energy independence for our homes, our state, our country and ultimately our planet. Tesla founder Elon Musk said it best when he identified our best hope for power generation. “We have this handy fusion reactor in the sky called the sun,” Musk said at the Powerwall press conference. “You don’t have to do anything, it just works. It shows up every day and produces ridiculous amounts of power.”
PV ARRAY AC DISCONNECT
COMBINER BOX
(UTILITY ACCESSABLE)
CHARGE CONTROLLER DC DISCONNECT BATTERIES
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AC MAINS PANEL AND METER AC DISCONNECT INVERTER
BUILD + DESIGN
TOP QUALITY HOMEOWNERS WITH PREMIUM VALUE HOMES TRUST OCEANVIEW ROOFING. What makes OceanView Roofing unique? Experience and attention to details. I have over 35 years of experience in the roofing business, so there’s not much I haven’t seen. As a company, we’re not going to practice on your roof. We get it right the first time. We also pay attention to important things that will give your roof a longer life, including stainless steel nails that won’t rust out, top quality underlayment (not just felt paper) and custom folded flashings. We handle a lot of repair work in Hawai‘i because the previous installers failed to install properly or use quality materials. How is roofing in Hawai‘i different? In tropical climates, you have to choose a roofing product that will withstand the extremes of strong winds, excessive rain, heat, sun and salt air. Many roofing products will fade, peel, chip or crack in this weather.
What should I look for in a roofing contractor? Safety. Many roofing companies are NOT COMPLIANT with OSHA regulations. Their roofers are often not even tied in to the roof when working. What most people don’t know is that if someone falls off your roof and is injured, disabled (or even killed) and the contractor doesn’t have up-to-date workers' compensation and liability insurance, YOU COULD BE PERSONALLY LIABLE. Make sure to check the general insurance of the company that installs your roof BEFORE they start working! Keep a copy for your files. Unfortunately there’s a lot of guys in Hawai‘i who call themselves roofers but don’t even have a proper license. Everyone’s got a buddy who’s a roofer, who only works for cash on the weekends. The problem with hiring these types of guys is you may have no legal recourse when your roof leaks and you have expensive damages to your home. What’s your company’s specialty? Quality. We only use quality materials and pay close attention to details. We have extensive experience working with: concrete & Spanish tiles, aluminum, wood shakes, asphalt shingles and flat roof silicone coatings. oceanviewroofing.com Created by OceanView Roofing
BUILD + DESIGN
GET SMART FOR SUMMER Summertime in Hawai‘i means more sunlight, warmer temperatures and plenty of excuses for a pool party. This also usually translates to higher energy bills. RevoluSun Smart Home is a curated collection of energy efficiency and lifestyle improvement products that make homes more economical, healthy and comfortable. Stop by the Smart Home showroom at 210 Ward Avenue to learn more about these smart summer products. CALM “Natural lighting is the obvious benefit of skylights, but many people overlook the benefit of the fresh air from an articulating skylight,” states RevoluSun Smart Home General Manager David Gorman. “The majority of homeowners we’ve talked to that have skylights say they never open them because they either have lost the cumbersome old-school crank handle needed to open the skylight, or they are worried about rain. Our wireless remote controlled Velux ‘Fresh Air’ skylights eliminate both of those problems, allowing the homeowner to receive the benefits of what skylights are intended for and reduce electrical expenses.” Velux’s fresh air skylight is wireless; it opens and closes via smart device and is powered with a built in photovoltaic panel. It has a builtin rain sensor and will automatically close when rain approaches. This product is eligible for a 30 percent federal tax credit and is suitable for new installations or retrofitting existing skylights. In addition, Velux Sun Tunnels capture daylight at the roof and carry it through a silver-infused tunnel to deliver
natural light into the home. Sun tunnels can illuminate the darkest rooms with the beauty of natural light, transforming areas to feel warmer and larger. Sun tunnel accessories include an electric light kit that provides functional light at night, if needed. COOL QuietCool Whole House Fans provide energy-efficient ventilation and cooling for the entire home and feature the best warranty in the industry. While QuietCool fans cool the house in a much more energy-efficient way than air conditioning, they also exhaust and ventilate the air, keeping air fresh while ridding the home of irritants like pet dander, odors, germs, smoke and VOC gases. Finally, as the name implies, Whole House Fans are whisper quiet.
In many home designs, a QuietCool system may even eliminate the need for an air conditioner. The QuietCool system is designed to cool and ventilate the entire home by pulling warm, stale air up and out of the home while drawing in fresh, cool air. These exceptionally quiet fans can be installed in single or multiple-fan configuration. Installation is quick, on average just two hours per fan. Whole House Fans are proven to save homeowners up to 90 percent on air conditioning bills. Savings also include a $75 rebate from Hawaii Energy. COLLECTED Standard pool pumps can be one of the largest energy consumers of all home appliances, often costing homeowners over $1,000 per year to operate. Intelliflo pool pumps can often cut that energy use by 60 percent or more. IntelliFlo Variable Speed pumps combine variable drive technology, onboard digital intelligence, and permanent magnet motors (the same used in hybrid cars) to reduce pump-related energy costs by up to 90 percent. Installation is simple and can be done in less than two hours. Hawaii Energy provides a $150 rebate.
revolusun.com Created by RevoluSun 14
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BUILD + DESIGN
Why have over 5500 homeowners chosen RevoluSun?
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BUILD + DESIGN
HIGH PERFORMANCE HOMES
Your Home's Performance is our Number One Priority Sure our homes are custom. Impeccably designed. Finely crafted. But what makes our homes different is how they perform for you. Our Certified High Performance Homes consume 50% less water and 35% less energy than a standard home built to today's energy & building codes, and that's before renewables. They are built with natural renewable materials, have higher indoor air quality and last 20 years longer than a standard home, all for just 1-2% more in contruction cost. But don't take our word for it. Certified HP Homes are 3rd party inspected and held to rigid criteria set forth by programs such as Energy Star and LEED, both internationally recognized as marks of excellence for green building design, construction, operation and maintenance. Come home to High Performance. You deserve the very best.
Mokuluahpb.com • BC#28242 Info@mokuluahpb.com • 808-263-9663
From cars to cell phones and beyond, this is the age of high performance, and the time for High Performance Homes is now. A High Performance Home is designed, engineered and constructed for operational excellence. Most commonly they require less energy to operate and harness natural resources resulting in a smaller carbon footprint. The lesser-known characteristics are the enhanced durability features, requiring less maintenance and an overall healthier home for the occupants boasting far better indoor air quality. And these are just some of the pros. But don’t take our word for it. High Performance Homes are typically third party certified and inspected to the rigid criteria set forth by programs such as Energy Star and LEED, which are both internationally recognized as marks of excellence for green building design, construction, operations and maintenance. For just one to two percent more in construction costs compared to a standard home built to today’s building and energy codes, the technologies and strategies used in High Performance homes offer big advantages that also add up to big savings for homeowners month after month and increase the return on investment above and beyond appreciation. To learn more about how a High Performance Home can contribute to your family’s lifestyle today and for generations to come, call the experts at Mokulua High Performance Builder, Hawai‘i’s Sustainable Home Builder. mokuluahpb.com Created by Mokulua High Performance Builder
BUILD + DESIGN
LUXURY HOME DESIGNS
Hawai‘i's first and only LEED v4-certified home
Archipelago Hawaii provides Hawai‘i’s residents with luxury home designs fit for their relaxed yet sophisticated island lifestyles. With exquisitely imaginative taste and strong collaborative teamwork, Archipelago Hawaii strives to fulfill the wishes of homeowners from start to finish by creating the home of their dreams. Award-winning designer Tiare Noelani Pinto (CKD, Allied ASID, CGP) leads the team at Archipelago Hawaii in creating beautiful and functional spaces. The process is achieved through a team approach that brings together the designer, structural engineer, general contractor and any other specialists necessary for each project. With Archipelago Hawaii leading the way, working as a team from the inception of the project has proven to create a more cohesive process and avoids costly changes and oversights. Archipelago Hawaii proudly carries Crystal, Irpinia, Sollera, Design Craft cabinets and Sub-Zero/Wolf and Miele appliances. With exceptional design expertise and knowledge of the latest products, Archipelago Hawaii’s team provides a complete resource for the homeowner. archipelagohawaii.com Created by Archipelago Hawaii
BUILD + DESIGN
HOME FURNISHINGS AND ACCENTS Established in 2000, Bali Aga opened our first location in Honolulu with a mission to provide a variety of high quality home furnishings and accents with an island feel at accessible prices. Since then the company has grown progressively to be a cornerstone among Hawai‘i’s brick and mortar furniture retail industry. Every year we assist our customers in realizing their dream homes, so Bali Aga Lifestyle offers a wide range of products and services to the local and international buying community. Our past experience with furnishing private homes, condominiums and larger scale, state-of-the-art properties throughout the islands enhances our ability and experience in catering to the needs of all of our clientele. From the most demanding commercial projects with innovative designs, high-quality products, secure handling and shipping and on-site installations to everyday household functional designs, Bali Aga can help improve
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the day-to-day living experience of local families. Our product gallery is the result of hard work and intense passion in what we do, and our intent to use exclusively sustainable products adds to our mission of respect and sensitivity to the environment we presently live in. So whether you need stylish contract furniture or refined residential pieces, rustic or contemporary designs, there will certainly be something of interest for you at Bali Aga. For interior designers, Bali Aga can either work according to custom specifications or from our catalogs, an extensive range in several styles including neocolonial, minimal and contemporary. Finally, we realize that every time you choose Bali Aga Lifestyle, it is a sign of your confidence and trust in our products and services. Since we opened our doors, we have strived to ensure that the experience is always a positive one and all about you, our customer. We consider it a privilege to work with you and we sincerely value your business. bali-aga.com Created by Bali Aga
BUILD + DESIGN
GREENMAGAZINEHAWAII.COM
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BUILD + DESIGN
THE POWER DOWN SAVE MONEY. SAVE NATURE. ALL WITH ONE TIMER Plug in, set the time, and go! How easy is that! The PowerDown is a simple, easy-to-use digital timer. Our timer will help save you money and help save the environment by reducing unneeded energy usage from virtually any small appliance. The mulitpurpose PD timer is water resistant, heavy duty and durable. Some uses would be for water coolers, drinking fountains, coffee machines, lights, vending machines, entertainment equipment, etc. In addition, the timer comes with a large LCD screen that makes the timer easy to set and manage. Comparable timers retail for $20–30. Visit our website to order the timer for only $7.50 each. Get your own PowerDown Timer to start saving energy today and help hawai‘i stay green! powerdownhawaii.com Created by PowerDown Hawaii
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BMW FULL
Special lease and finance offers available through BMW Financial Services. BMW of Honolulu 777 KAPIOLANI BLVD. HONOLULU, HI 96813 808-597-1225 www.bmwhawaii.com
By Lauren McNally lectric vehicles have officially gone mainstream. They’re more affordable and available than ever thanks to tax incentives, price reductions and increased offerings from mid-range automakers, especially now that the world’s biggest car manufacturers are launching electric versions of classic rigs in addition to innovative new models. The arrival of hydrogen fuel cells and other technological advances on the mass market make 2016 a particularly landmark year. There is now an electric vehicle to suit every lifestyle and budget. Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) eliminate fuel costs but limit driving range, leaving drivers at the mercy of nascent charging infrastructure. Hybrids (HEVs) and plugin hybrids (PHEVs) alleviate range anxiety but offer a more modest reduction in emissions and gasoline use. Fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) provide a range and performance comparable to that of internal combustion engines minus the harmful tailpipe emissions, but modern methods of hydrogen production aren’t removed from the state’s dependence on fossil fuels. Until the grid is powered entirely through renewable resources, each type of electric vehicle has its pros and cons with regard to sustainability. The fact of the matter is all cars, electric vehicles included, rely on fossil fuels in one way or another. But one thing is certain—EVs are blazing the path to a clean energy future.
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Photo: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
EV LINGO BEV: Battery electric vehicle HEV: Hybrid electric vehicle PHEV: Plug-in hybrid electric vehicle FCEV: Fuel cell electric vehicle MPGE: Miles per gallon equivalent for an electric vehicle (1 gallon of gasoline = 33.7 kilowatt-hours)
All-Electric RANGE: Distance an EV can travel on electricity alone
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Hawai‘i is the second state to debut the Toyota Mirai, the world’s first mass-produced hydrogen fuel cell vehicle. Mirai drivers will get 300 miles to a tank along with access to a comprehensive service program as Toyota introduces the technology to Hawai‘i amid developing infrastructure, which will commence with a federally sanctioned hydrogen fueling station in Downtown Honolulu.
Photo: General Motors
Type: FCEV Body: Sedan All-Electric Range: N/A MPGe: 67 MSRP: $57,500
Photo: Tesla Motors
2016 Toyota Mirai
2016 Tesla model x Type: BEV Body: Crossover all-electric Range: 230-300 mileS MPGe: TBA MSRP: $69,900
Tesla’s highly anticipated Model X shares many of the award-winning components of the Model S sedan, but in a more family-friendly body. Featuring a third row of seats enclosed in “falcon-wing” rear doors, the Model X boasts a powerful dual-motor all-wheel drive that offers the same zero to 60 as the Model S, despite being 10 percent heavier.
2016 chevrolet volt Type: PHEV Body: Compact all-electric Range: 50 miles MPGE: 102 MSRP: $33,995 Thanks to a new propulsion system, 1.5L range extender and increased battery capacity, the 2016 Chevy Volt delivers greater efficiency, better range, stronger acceleration and a quieter ride, all for $1,000 less than the original. The sleeker, sportier model offers an increased total range of more than 400 miles and, with regular charging, averages 1,000 miles between fill-ups. A typical PHEV engine assists the motor during times of higher output and takes over when the battery is depleted; the Chevy Volt heads up an emerging class of extended range electric vehicles whose engines kick in only to recharge the battery.
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2016 bmw 330e Type: PHEV Body: Sedan all-electric Range: 22 miles MPGE: TBA MSRP: TBA
2016 Mitsubishi i-MiEV Type: BEV Body: Hatchback all-electric Range: 62 miles MPGe: 112 MSRP: $22,995 What the Mitsubishi i-MiEV lacks in size and speed, it makes up for in efficiency and affordability. A price reduction in the 2014 model year rendered the i-MiEV the cheapest electric vehicle available in the United States, with one of the best miles-per-gallon equivalents on the market. Just 30 minutes plugged in via the quick-charge port yields an 80 percent charge.
Photos: BMW AG
BMW’s all-electric i3 and i8 are among the most technologically advanced EVs on the market, but the company’s most game-changing release to date may be the all-new BMW 330e. Packing a plug-in hybrid drivetrain beneath the exterior of a top-selling 3 Series sedan, the 330e acts like an electric vehicle but looks like a classic Bimmer.
2016 Mercedes-Benz C350e Type: PHEV Body: Sedan all-electric Range: 20 miles MPGE: TBA MSRP: ~$50,000
Photo: Mitsubishi Motors
The C350e is the second in a total of 12 plug-in hybrids MercedesBenz has slated for release by 2017. Offering a total output of 275 horsepower and 443 pound-feet of torque along with advanced hybrid technologies and features like air suspension and pre-entry climate control, the C350e combines the efficiency of a hybrid with the performance and comfort of a C-Class luxury sport sedan.
Photo: Ford Motor Company Photo: Mercedes-Benz USA
2016 Ford Focus Electric Type: BEV Body: Compact all-electric Range: 76 miles MPGe: 105 MSRP: $29,995
Virtually indistinguishable from the original internal combustion model on which it was based, the discreet Ford Focus Electric is among the more affordable options on the market ever since its $6,000 price cut for the 2015 model year. In a similar move toward increased EV market penetration, Ford recently joined Tesla and Toyota in releasing its electric technology patents to expedite development and production throughout the industry.
2016 kia soul ev Type: BEV Body: Compact all-electric Range: 93 miles MPGe: 105 MSRP: $33,700
Photo: Kia Motors America
The well-received Kia Soul EV provides stable handling, quick-charge capability, efficient regenerative braking and an electric range second only to the Tesla. Initially launched in California alone, Kia’s first mass-market EV will hit dealerships in Hawai‘i and four other states this summer, with increased production continuing in 2016.
2016 hyundai sonata hybrid Type: HEV Body: Sedan all-electric Range: N/A MPG: 42 MSRP: ~$26,000
Photo: Hyundai Motor America
In addition to releasing its first-ever plugin hybrid, Hyundai will debut an all-new Sonata Hybrid featuring a redesigned 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, more powerful 38 kilowatt electric motor, new electric oil pump transmission and a larger, more compact lithium-polymer battery pack for improved fuel economy over the 2015 model.
2016 nissan leaf
The user-friendly Nissan Leaf is to the electric car what the Toyota Prius is to the hybrid. The next-generation Leaf won’t arrive until 2017—Nissan plans to introduce a more mainstream aesthetic to the global bestseller’s distinct styling—but an upgraded battery capacity may be in store for the 2016 model year.
Photo: Nissan North America
Type: BEV Body: Compact all-electric Range: ~105--125 MPGe: 113 MSRP: $29,010
2016 Audi A3 Sportback e-tron
Photos: Audi of America
Type: PHEV Body: Compact all-electric Range: 18 miles MPGe: TBA MSRP: ~$40,000 Modeled after the original A3, the Sportback e-tron goes incognito with a concealed charge port and exhaust outlet, though it’s saddled with an additional 750 pounds. The e-tron is the first of what Audi has announced will be a full lineup of plug-in hybrids for each of its signature vehicles. GREENMAGAZINEHAWAII.COM
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THE STATUS OF SOLAR IN HAWAI‘I Making sense of tax benefits, HECO merger implications and technology options for the new age of solar By Gail Slawson-Eich Solar energy is produced from two primary types of solar energy systems: solar thermal systems (think solar water heaters) and solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, which utilize photovoltaic panels to generate electrical current. Both technologies lower energy costs, reduce our dependency on foreign oil and contributing to a cleaner and greener Hawai‘i. The solar PV boom hit Hawai‘i and the mainland in 2011 and is still going strong today. The growing popularity of PV is directly related to decreasing technology costs and an increase in government tax incentives. In Hawai‘i, this adds up to a 30 to 40 percent return on your investment year after year for the life of the system, which is 25-plus years. The federal tax incentive of 30 percent is scheduled to expire at the end of 2016 and the Hawai‘i tax incentive of 35 percent is up for annual review. If you are considering solar, now is the time before the incentives run out. HECO’s merger with NextEra and the looming PV rate structure change have made the decision to go solar even more urgent. The Public Utilities Commission (PUC) is working hard in our favor, but eventually HECO’s current Net Energy Metering program will change for the worse for new PV installs. Instead of crediting customers the full retail value of the energy they over-produce and send back to the grid during the day, HECO will likely only credit them around 50 percent. In the evening and on rainy days when pulling from energy deposits is necessary, HECO will still be charging the full retail rate. In other words, homeowners with new installations will need to buy even more PV panels to zero out their utility bills. The date is still up in the air, but the change will likely occur before the end of the year. Those who already have solar PV or submit an application to HECO before the rate-structure 30
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change has been approved by the PUC will be grandfathered in to the current rate structure. Contact a solar PV professional as soon as possible to submit your HECO application. Once you receive a HECO approval letter, you’ll have up to a year to install under the old program. Despite HECO's improved application processing time, it can still take months. My best advice is to get your applications in now, even if you’re not sure you want solar, because if you decide later, the financial benefits will have changed. If all this talk of HECO approvals has got you down, there are two options to consider that don’t require HECO’s approval: solar hot water and solar air conditioning. If you want solar PV so you can install and use air conditioning without breaking the bank, then a solar PV-powered air-conditioning system is the way to go. With solar air conditioning, the system runs on solar energy produced during the day, then on your household electricity after the sun goes down. You can set it to run all day to avoid the dreaded hot house when you get home at the end of the day. No electricity is exported back to HECO and HECO approval is not required.
Gail Slawson-Eich, MBA is the co-owner of OceanHead Solar & Electric, a womenowned, electrical contracting company specializing in energy efficiency and solar PV system installations. She is a respected leader in the solar and building industries. gail@oceanheadsolar.com
THE COST OF BUSINESS
Is the Trans-Pacific Partnership a good deal for Hawai`i? By Michael Kramer This past March, there were only a handful of protestors in Waikoloa on Hawai‘i Island speaking out against the negotiations of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) free trade agreement between representatives of the U.S. and 11 other countries that border the Pacific Ocean. Though the details of the negotiations are not transparent, the TPP primarily aims to increase tariff-free exports and investment among participating nations, thereby reducing costs of business and facilitating job creation. Part of the reason for the lack of public outrage regarding the pact is that the negotiations have largely been held quietly and behind closed doors. Congress has not been involved other than the Republican push to provide President Obama with fast-track authority to pass the agreement. With 85 percent of the American 500-member delegation comprised of corporate representatives actively shaping the agreement in their interests, it’s no surprise that public hearings had not been held. Hawai‘i businesses, which buy and sell from numerous Pacific markets, will certainly be affected by the TPP. But is the partnership good for business in the islands? While much has been made of the positive impact on producers of the $600 million in goods Hawai‘i exports to Pacific partners, the 75,000 local jobs tied to trade with these countries, and the opportunities for mutual investment, far less has been discussed about the possible negative impacts of imports from these countries or their potentially harmful impact on Hawai‘i’s environment. It’s important to protect intellectual property and speed up the export process by reducing tariffs and taxes, but only if child labor, worker health and safety, livable wages and strong environmental standards can be maintained in all partners we trade with around the globe. Concern arises from the intent of this agreement. Like the North American Free Trade Agreement, its primary goal is to expand and open markets for U.S. companies, which, given their size, will benefit bottom lines for American companies at the expense of smaller companies in other countries. These pacts also allow American companies to ignore local laws and regulations. In the case of the Trans-Pacific Partnership, corporations could potentially seek compensation in a new court of law for locally
imposed health, safety, and environmental laws and regulations that “interfere” with profitability. The fact that our local government won’t be able to stop such abuses should be of great concern to us all. Agreements that circumvent sovereignty aren’t inherently wrong if human rights and the environment are protected, but adjudicating business-state conflicts via a new proposed international body rather than U.S. courts can only lead to abuse and exploitation. If it is optional that companies be held accountable to high levels of environmental, social and governance performance, certainly many will ignore such standards and try to get away with as much as possible. This matters when it comes to things like food labeling and safety, financial services risktaking, currency speculation and pharmaceuticals manufacturing, though it applies to any industry in which products are made under substandard regulations (e.g., fish production in Vietnam, chemical manufacturing in Brunei or furniture making in Malaysia). Hawai‘i companies have the opportunity to demonstrate care for people and the planet by participating in sustainable and responsible supply-chain management and by sourcing from conscientious producers and distributors. Hawai‘i’s consumers are increasingly motivated to make purchases cognizant of the methods of production. Profiting at the expense of people and planet is an obsolete practice that should not be legitimized by the Trans-Pacific Partnership or any regional or global political agreement.
Michael Kramer is co-author of The Resilient Investor and managing partner at Natural Investments, a sustainable investment advisor with three offices in Hawai`i. michael@naturalinvestments.com
GOOD
EATS
In August 1991, 12 notable Hawai‘i chefs developed a distinct, Hawaiian fusion culinary style. Sam Choy, Philippe Padovani, Roger Dikon, Gary Strehl, Roy Yamaguchi, Amy Ferguson-Ota, Jean-Marie Josselin, George Mavrothalassitis, Beverly Gannon, Peter Merriman, Mark Ellman and Alan Wong formed a nonprofit organization and trademarked the term Hawai‘i Regional Cuisine. It was a welcome marriage of Hawai‘i’s culinary diversity and locally sourced ingredients. Rooted in sustainable agriculture and fishing practices, their goal was to connect local ranchers, farmers and fishermen with chefs to develop a cuisine that reflects Hawai‘i’s culture and flavors, past and present. Hawai‘i Regional Cuisine set the stage for sustainable menus to go mainstream. Today, local chefs and restaurateurs have moved beyond the fine dining element synonymous with the internationally renowned chefs’ brand of local cuisine. This next generation of conscious eateries is serving food prepared for any meal or occasion and incorporating additional sustainable components into their business model, including socially responsible business practices, recycled décor and non-Styrofoam products. Make it a habit to enjoy a meal at these 11, next-generation restaurants.
Local chefs and restaurateurs are raising the bar for conscious cuisine By Kevin Whitton
Kaimuki Superette 3458 Waialae Avenue
Photo: Kevin Whitton
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Part of Ed Kenny and Dave Caldiero’s sustainable cuisine empire, Kaimuki Superette is a bright and casual, deli-style café featuring sandwiches, soups, salads and breakfast entrees. The ingredients are locally sourced, seasonal and organic when possible. Waste-diversion practices are in place and you’ll never find Styrofoam, or even a microwave for that matter, in the joint. Finished with reclaimed and upcycled materials and décor, the Superette has a devout following that enjoys the homemade jams, pickled vegetables, coffee, sauces and sausage as much as the menu of fresh sandwiches and sides.
Photo: Kevin Whitton
Honolulu Burger Company 1295 South Beretania Street, 4210 Waialae Avenue
Photo: Kevin Whitton
Honolulu Burger Company is—wait for it—all about the beef. It sources its ground beef and steak from free-range, grass-fed cattle raised on family-owned Hawai‘i Island ranches. Local produce like lettuce, tomato and onion rounds out the toppings on the menu. You’ll even find Big Island honey in its honey mustard dip and Naked Cow Dairy cheese curds on the poutine fries, a menu favorite. In additional to sourcing its ingredients locally, Honolulu Burger Company uses biodegradable to-go containers and paper bags. The Kahala location now serves select Kona Brewing Company bottled beers.
Sprout
1154 Koko Head Avenue
Recycled Decor
Locally Sourced Produce
No Styrofoam
Locally Sourced Meat
Waste Diversion
Locally Sourced Fish
Social Responsibility
Organic
Sandwich lovers in Kaimuki have a new best friend—Sprout. Specializing in Panini sandwiches on toasted ciabatta bread (the neighborhood favorite is The Duke), Sprout sources most of its ingredients locally and uses organic ingredients whenever possible. The shop is finished with reclaimed lumber, vintage décor and does not use any Styrofoam products. Sprout sources its bread and baked goods locally and donates its food waste to local chicken and pig farmers. Walk in or order online for a fresh sandwich to go in about 15 minutes.
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A ‘ i Love Nalo
Photos: Dave Miyamoto
41-1025 Kalanianaole Highway Combining healthy food with local living and farming, ‘Ai Love Nalo is leading the charge in establishing food security on O‘ahu. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner with menu staples like salads, smoothies and fish tacos, the incubator kitchen and restaurant is home to a rotating crop of chefs and food producers who create authentic and nutritious early Polynesian cuisine using 100 percent locally sourced and organic ingredients. Owner Kevin Vaccarello lives on and operates a small farm nestled against the Ko‘olau Mountains in Waima-nalo, where much of the produce is sourced, in addition to running the rooftop garden on top of the restaurant. ‘Ai Love Nalo is proud to be a zero-waste and carbonnegative business that practices waste diversion on many levels. Food scraps are returned to the farm and converted into fertilizer by worms, fly larvae and chickens. Built to operate as a community partner through symbiotic relationships between farm and chef, it’s the ultimate farm-to-fork establishment.
Peace Cafe
2239 South King Street
Photo: Amanda Corby
A mellow respite from bustling King Street, this cozy eatery serves vegan home cooking using whole and organic foods. Peace and happiness exude` from its warm interior décor and consciousness is embedded in every aspect of the restaurant. The café uses local ingredients whenever possible and serves entrees like sandwiches, baked goods, homemade ice cream, tea and coffee. Food scraps are given to a local farm for chicken feed and they use mostly paper products instead of Styrofoam.
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Koko Head Cafe 1145c 12th Avenue
The Pig and the Lady
Photo: Kevin Whitton
Koko Head Cafe is the epitome of next-generation Hawai‘i Regional Cuisine. Chef Lee Anne Wong has done an exceptional job blending cultures and sustainability into her unique brunch cuisine—locally sourced produce is the highlight of many of the dishes. The café is artsy and cozy and the fare is comfort food at its best, especially the skillet entrees. Weekday or weekend, be prepared to wait for a table at this popular spot. First timers, the pancakes and cornflake French toast are a must.
83 North King Street
Photos: Lauren McNally
Chef Andrew Le, creator and owner of The Pig and the Lady, earned his chops under the tutelage of internationally renowned chef George Mavrothalassitis and Le's mother, affectionately known as Mama Le. Once a popup, The Pig and the Lady found its permanent home in Chinatown in 2013 and features an eclectic menu of Vietnamese and Pacific cuisine. Chef Le sources local produce and meat for the lunch, dinner and primal offerings menu, which features a roasted pig head. For daily grinds, you can’t miss with the pho French dip banh mi loaded with succulent 12-hour brisket. The Pig and the Lady hires low-income and immigrant workers for its restaurant, farmers’ market pop-up and catering staff through a unique partnership with the Pacific Gateway Center, where the restaurant is located.
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1129 North Nimitz Highway Chef Nico Chaize has long been a proponent of locally caught seafood and the local food scene. At Nico’s Pier 38, Chef Nico only sources local, commercially caught fish through the United Fishing Auction and educates others about the importance of sourcing locally caught seafood. Offering breakfast, lunch and dinner, a full bar and fish market, the award-winning restaurant also offers eco-friendly wares and containers upon request for a small additional fee. Nico’s commitment to locally caught seafood guarantees the freshest dishes and plates available.
Photos: Kevin Whitton
Photo: Kona Brewing Company
Nico’s Pier 38
Kona Brewing Company 74-5612 Pawai Place 7192 Kalanianaole Highway
Best known for pioneering locally produced craft beer, Kona Brewing Company is also a leader in local conservation. Its Big Island brewing facility is 60 percent solar powered and the Big Island and O‘ahu pubs feature water catchment systems and stormwater diversion. Founded on principles of social responsibility and sustainability, Kona Brewing Company uses locally sourced produce, meat and fish, practices waste diversion and raises money for many nonprofit conservation organizations through the Kona Brewers Festival and specialty local beer production. Not to mention, it incorporates its beer into just about every recipe on the menu—yummy.
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Photo: Cactus
Cactus
767 Kailua Road
Photo: Kevin Whitton
Featuring cuisines and culinary traditions from Central and South America, Cuba, Puerto Rico and Mexico, Cactus is a casual, sit-down lunch and dinner restaurant offering bright flavors and regional libations. Cactus sources its produce and meat locally—pork from Shinsato Farms, beef, veal and wild boar from the Big Island and sustainably caught seafood from the island chain. The restaurant features a monthly Farmers’ Dinner Series with a six-course prix fixe menu created in conjunction with local farms and partners with local organizations to host community food events.
Honolulu Beerworks 328 Cooke Street
It's time to pair up all this tasty food with some tasty grog. Honolulu Beerworks, located in Kaka‘ako, is a relatively new craft brewery with up to 12 beers on tap, all brewed in the building. Modeled after Portland brew pubs, this brewery and pub was finished ceiling to floor with recycled materials, from wine barrel high-top tables to the rough shiplap boards on the walls. The pub has a small, delicious menu of lunch and dinner items, as well as quick bites for the munchies. The ahi dip is a local favorite. If you have anything left over, rest assured it will go into a biodegradable take away container. Cheers.
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NOW O‘AHU
POSITIVE ENVIRONMENT
Hu¿ ku- Maol¿ Ola Transforming Land Back to ‘Aina
Green Apple Day of Service is transforming learning institutions
Specializing in Cultural and Ecological Landscapes • Hawaii’s largest selection of Native Hawaiian Plants & Endangered Species • Licensed and Insured • Erosion Control • Hydroseeding/Mulching • Xeriscaping • Landscape Maintenance
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nativehawaiianplants@gmail.com
808.235.6165
www.HawaiianNativePlants.com
The Green Apple Day of Service is helping to transform schools into healthy, sustainable places to live, learn, work and play. Initiated by the Center for Green Schools at the U.S. Green Building Council, the program is a global movement to educate a new generation of consumers and leaders—sustainability natives—capable of driving global market transformation. The fourth annual Green Apple Day of Service on September 26 is an opportunity for students, teachers, parents, community organizations, local business and elected officials to take action in their communities and demonstrate that where we learn matters. The U.S. Green Building Council Hawai‘i, a 501(c)(3) organization and chapter of the U.S. Green Building Council National Captial Region, has assembled over 600 volunteers and collectively dedicated over 5,000 hours over the past three years to impact more than a dozen public, charter and private schools in Hawai‘i. The chapter’s GADSZOOKS! Match Program enhances the Green Apple Day of Service mission by partnering local schools with professional architectural, engineering, sustainable consulting, planning and landscape architecture firms to provide schools with the best possible tools to execute successful local service projects. Past projects included conducting energy audits to identify phantom loads and high-energy-use equipment and waste audits to understand resource management and recycling. Edible and native gardens have also been constructed for student experiments and observation. Rain gardens were also built to illustrate low-impact storm water strategies. —Melanie Wong usgbchawaii.org/green-schools 38
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NOW O‘AHU
INSERT KEY, UNLOCK POTENTIAL Finding a voice at Diverse A.R.T.
Art is a vehicle for expression. Art is a visual voice. Art teaches discipline, creativity and self-confidence. Art can save a soul. Dancing brought Nicole Kealoha solace from her rough upbringing, giving her hope and purpose. She focused her attention, honed her skill and moved to Los Angeles, California to become a professional hip-hop dancer. Returning to O‘ahu, Nicole was determined to use the arts to empower the next generation. she founded the nonprofit organization Diverse A.R.T. in 2008 to create a safe and positive environment where kids can gather to learn the skills and value of art. The curriculum is built on the five elements of traditional hip-hop culture: DJ, emcee, writing (letter-based art), b-boy and knowledge. Her Kaka‘ako studio, which was initially established to help underserved children, is now a haven for children of all socioeconomic backgrounds in kindergarten through 12th grade. Continuing to teach hip-hop with a basis in fine arts, the curriculum has evolved to include urban art as well as business and marketing classes to help students bridge the gap between art and career. Some of Niki’s students have gone on to become professional tattoo artists, fine artists showing on the mainland and DJs touring the globe. “The heartbeat of the hip-hop culture is to give back,” Niki explains. “Raising up the next generation is important in any genre, but more important in hip-hop because every child relates to visual, physical or audio forms of art. It breaks barriers that you can’t reach in traditional ways. It's a key.” —Kevin Whitton diverseartcenter.org
Some businesses need a little help.
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Photo: Diverse ART
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Direct Mail Campaigns Promotional Items Events & Tradeshow Materials Forms/Invoice Printing Publication Printing Graphic Design Web/Digital Marketing
Call (808) 847-5310 www.HagadonePrinting.com
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NOW O‘AHU
THE FUTURE IS HERE
Servco Automotive President Rick Ching discusses the Mirai, Toyota’s new fuel cell vehicle Mirai means “future” in Japanese and it doesn’t get more futuristic than a zero emission vehicle. The Toyota Mirai is a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle (FCV) that combines hydrogen with oxygen in the air to create electricity that powers an electric motor and battery. This means the only engine emissions are water vapor. Unlike electric vehicles (EVs), the Mirai offers a 300-mile driving range—more than three times the typical driving range of current EVs—and can be refilled with hydrogen fuel in about five minutes, drastically faster than electric vehicle charging times.
Why hydrogen? Hydrogen is a domestic and locally sourced fuel that provides a high energy density compared to fossil fuels. It can be manufactured using renewable energy sources like solar, wind and biogas from landfills. Hydrogen is also the most abundant element in the universe.
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How does it work? The Mirai’s two carbon fiber fuel-cell tanks hold around 11 pounds of hydrogen, good for up to a 300-mile driving range in virtual silence since there is no traditional gasoline engine or exhaust system. The hydrogen enters the fuel-cell stack, where a chemical reaction creates electricity that powers the Mirai’s engine and sends water to the tailpipe, where emissions will total roughly half a personal-size water bottle over the course of 300 miles. The Mirai’s powertrain also utilizes Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive electric motor, power control unit, secondary battery and other parts and components developed for use with the Toyota Prius, providing proven reliability and durability.
Is Toyota developing fuel cell technology on its own or in partnership with other companies? Toyota has been working on its proprietary fuel cell technology for over 20 years. The hydrogen fuel cell system utilized in the company’s first production FCV, the 2016 Mirai, is Toyota’s own. However, the company recognizes the value of partnerships in accelerating the wider adoption of FCVs and has made thousands of hydrogen fuel cell patents available, royalty free.
NOW O‘AHU
How do we know hydrogen fuel cell vehicles are dependable? As with any new technology, the key is education. Hydrogen FCVs are safe, convenient and drive like traditional vehicles. Toyota has tested the fuel cell sedan in extreme climate conditions in North America, including hot climate locations such as Death Valley and Las Vegas, cold-climates in Yellowknife, Canada, steep grade hill climbs in San Francisco and high altitude trips in Colorado. In addition, the Toyota Mirai has been on sale in Japan since last fall.
Why are hydrogen cars a good fit for Hawai‘i? Hydrogen can be produced locally, reducing transport of fuel, reducing dependency on foreign energy sources and creating local jobs. Since cars like the Toyota Mirai emit nothing but water, they are also great for our environment. The Mirai’s 300-mile driving range and zero emissions are sustainable for our island footprint.
How soon will Hawai‘i have access to the Mirai? Hawai‘i is going to be only the second state in the United States to offer the Mirai. It will be for sale in California first in late 2015 and then sometime in 2016 the Mirai will be available for purchase in Hawai‘i. toyotahawaii.com Created by Servco Auto GREENMAGAZINEHAWAII.COM
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Photo: Kevin Whitton
NOW O‘AHU
A PARTNER IN CONSERVATION
Sea Life Park debuts exclusive tours of Oceanic Institute
On-Site Food Waste Dehydration Technology
• Reduces food waste volume by 80%90%, 250 lbs of foodwaste converts to 25-40 lbs of sanitized biomass. • Water is evaporated and condensed, and can be captured to reuse. • Eliminates odor, bacteria, and sterilizes seeds in waste. • Minimizes waste storage footprint, eliminates need for waste storage bins, waste loaded directly into machine. • Food waste does not need to be separated prior to treatment. • Eliminates any methane gas that would have been produced in traditional composting.
www.ainapono.com 808.721.1164 info@ainapono.com
• Waste is processed in 9-12 hours. • Smaller Carbon Footprint than hauling raw food waste to processing site.
Sea Life Park may be known more for its touch pools and dolphin shows rather than its conservation initiatives, but the Waimänalo attraction is also active in raising public awareness through preservation practices, educational tours and marine training programs. The park has released over 13,000 green sea turtle hatchlings bred in its sea turtle lagoon to draw attention to the many threats facing the local honu population, which has seen significant recovery over the years thanks to heightened public awareness and legislation. Guests can visit Sea Life Park's Hawaiian monk seal habitat to get up close to the endangered marine mammal, whose numbers are less than 1,200 in the wild. The park accepts injured seabird drop-offs 24 hours a day and has rehabilitated and released as many as 1,600 seabirds each migratory season. In addition to operating as a native seabird sanctuary, honu breeding site and Hawaiian monk seal rehabilitation center, Sea Life Park has recently launched tours of the Oceanic Institute, a neighboring marine research facility, to educate the public about sustainable aquaculture in Hawai‘i. For the first time, visitors to Sea Life Park can tour the institute’s onshore aquaculture systems and learn about its various operations, including biological control, feed development and sustainable food source production. The Oceanic Institute propagates and releases between 5,000 and 10,000 collector urchins each month to control invasive Kappaphycus regrowth in Käne‘ohe Bay and breeds native finfish on and offshore to revitalize local fishery populations. The facility has also pioneered selective shrimp breeding methods to foster genetic resistance to disease and is working to provide a sustainable source of ornamental fish for the global aquarium trade. —Lauren McNally sealifeparkhawaii.com
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NOW O‘AHU
100 PERCENT
The bill is signed, now the work begins
Photo: Office of the Governor, David Y. Ige
On June 8 Hawai‘i became the first state in the nation to embrace a 100 percent renewable energy initiative. At the state Capitol, Governor David Ige signed four bills into law putting the ambitious plan into action. House Bill 623, introduced by State Representative and Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Environmental Protection Chris Lee, sets the 100 percent benchmark in conjunction with three supporting bills to eliminate Hawai‘i’s reliance on fossil fuels. The next phase of the Hawai‘i Clean Energy Initiative proposed 40 percent clean energy by 2040 before lawmakers adjusted the benchmarks and pushed through Bill 623, which proposes 100 percent clean energy by the year 2045. While the main focus is to decrease fossil fuel dependency, attendees of the signing and other governmental bodies feel the measure will also improve the state’s economy. With 100 percent sustainable energy, money will be freed up from annual fossil fuel imports, thereby boosting the economy. The other bills signed include Senate Bill 1050, which will implement a community-based renewable energy program. House Bill 1296 designates a state hydrogen implementation coordinator and working group and House Bill 1509 requires the University of Hawai’i system to become a net-zero energyuse institution by 2035. —Chance Nakazato
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Photo: Ki Concepts
Photo: Scott Robinson
Photo: Megan Rhoden
NOW O‘AHU
MAY DAY RE-LEI Raising funds for a Master of Landscape Architecture program When thinking about lei, one usually imagines maile leaves, plumeria, tuberose and pikake threaded artistically along a delicate string. This past May Day at Kaka‘ako Agora, The Hawai‘i chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects, held a beautiful pau hana event to celebrate the conclusion of RE-LEI, a design competition featuring lei made from recycled materials such as cardboard, newspaper, candy wrappers and plastic twist ties. The first-ever recycled lei design competition took during Landscape Architecture Month in April. The aim of RE-LEI is to help keep Hawai‘i’s design talent in the islands, as well as attract students to the landscape architecture program at the University of Hawai‘i at Mänoa. 44
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Design firms and individuals from Hawai‘i’s architectural, engineering and consulting industries submitted their 100-percent post-consumer waste lei creations. All the proceeds from the competition entrance fees, lei auction and pau hana event admission went toward establishing a Master of Landscape Architecture program at the University of Hawai‘i at Mänoa. The contest’s theme of sustainability extended to the event décor, which consisted of recycled and borrowed materials. RE-LEI entrants competed in one of two categories: team or individual. The Team Excellence Award winner was Belt Collins LLC, with team members Mike Lim, Dawn Higa, Wennie Tomita, Carolyn Ancheta, Lisa Minato and Mike Kuntz. The Individual Excellence Award went to Megan Rhoden of Roth Ecological. Other design firms that took part in or sponsored the event were Ki Concepts, PBR Hawai‘i, AECOM, Ferraro Choi and Associates, HHF Planners, ASLA Hawai‘i Chapter, Unique Lighting Systems, Ultimate Innovations and Landscape Forms. —Erin Higa re-lei.org
NOW MAUI Photo: Hawai‘i Taro Company
TAKING ROOT Local Producer Loan Program supports local businesses Robert Mitnick wanted a vegetarian alternative to the hamburger but wasn’t satisfied with the starch-based veggie burgers available to consumers. In 1997, he developed an alternative burger using traditional Hawaiian food staple, creating the Maui Taro Burger and founding the Hawai‘i Taro Company in the process. From this humble beginning, he grew the company from the ground up and now the Hawai‘i Taro Company is a fully certified manufacturing facility. The Maui Taro Burger uses the entire taro plant, from the root to the stalk and leaves, to create a tasty purple patty that is high in complex carbohydrates and fiber, low in fat and a rich source of potassium, calcium, iron and vitamin A. The Hawai‘i Taro Company was the first recipient in Hawai‘i of Whole Foods Market’s Local Producer Loan, which enabled the company to increase production and land its Maui Taro Burger in Whole Foods stores throughout the islands as well as in California, Nevada and Arizona. The Local Producer Loan Program provides low-interest loans to independent local farmers. The aim is to expand the availability of locally produced food in Whole Foods stores as well as support the various communities where Whole Foods does business. Whole Foods awards loans ranging from $1,000 to $100,000 every year. —Ian Kai hawaiitaro.com
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A TASTE OF OLD HAWAI‘I Roy Yamaguchi’s latest endeavor, The Eating House 1849
Drawing inspiration from Hawai‘i’s vibrant culinary heritage, award-winning chef Roy Yamaguchi recently opened a new restaurant on Kaua‘i. Located at The Shops at Kukui‘ula in Po‘ipü, The Eating House 1849 marries seasonal, locally sourced ingredients with ethnically diverse recipes, offering island tapas, noodle and rice dishes, salads and land and sea dishes. The succinct menu expands upon the core principals of Hawai‘i Regional Cuisine, which Yamaguchi and 11 colleagues pioneered more than 20 years ago. The Eating House 1849 is named after one of the first restaurants built in Hawai‘i in the mid-1800s by Peter Fernandez, a Portuguese businessman. The original Eating House used whatever local and seasonal ingredients were available out of necessity. Yamaguchi employs the same concept not out of necessity, but from a desire to practice sustainability and authenticity. The menu includes dishes from across the globe including pork and tofu lumpia, Tesuyaki poke, “rissoles” Portuguese shrimp turnovers and plantation “paella” stew. Paired with the décor, this menu successfully bridges the gap between old and new. Yamaguchi’s new restaurant is also inspired by his grandfather, who owned a tavern and restaurant in Wailuku, Maui in the 1940s. His grandfather’s restaurant served an eclectic mix of ethnic comfort foods that showcased the cultural diversity of the islands. Roy Yamaguchi continues the tradition, leading the evolution of Hawai‘i Regional Cuisine. —Ian Kai eatinghouse1849.com
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Photos: Craig Bixel
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PAVING THE WAY University of Hawai‘i at Hilo’s permaculture parking lot
In an effort to provide agricultural students and community members hands-on education, the University of Hawai‘i at Hilo Student Association approved funding to turn an existing parking lot on campus into a permaculture parking lot. The permaculture parking lot will beautify the space and also demonstrate sustainable growing practices. The purposeful planting will continue the work of the adjacent Kumukoa House in planting and maintaining ornamental and edible gardens along the west side of the lot. “With over 85 percent of our food in Hawai‘i being imported, this is a great step for students and residents of Hawai‘i Island,” says Kumukoa homeowner Justin Avery. Funding will go to the project’s overall design and the purchase of raw materials such as soil, mulch and about 40 varieties of plants. According to Avery, signs will also be installed to identify the various plants. Not only will the parking lot be a valuable tool for the university’s agricultural students, who can apply what they’ve learned in the classroom, but Avery also sees it as an opportunity to provide fresh food for the community. The parking lot will be home to bananas, avocados, cacao, mint, taro and arugula. “It paves the way, no pun intended, for a farmers’ market in the future,” Avery says. —Ian Kai
The most popular type of solar air conditioning in Hawai‘i is a specially designed split AC system that attaches to three solar PV panels. During the day the system gets most of its power from the sun. At night and on cloudy days, it runs off Gail Slawson-Eich, MBA your regular household electricity. Each unit is designed to cool one room, so a typical Owner & Chief Minion household will require two to four units. For OceanHead Solar example, if you want air conditioning in three & Electric rooms you’ll need a total of nine PV panels 808.735.5745 installed on your roof. oceanheadsolar.com One of the great things about solar AC is that there’s no waiting on HECO, there’s no guessing as to what new rules HECO will put in place and you don’t need HECO’s approval because electricity is not being fed back to the grid. Contact a contractor that specializes in solar AC installations and you could be up and running in a matter of a few weeks. Remember that it’s still solar and the state and federal governments are still eager to provide you with tax incentives to install solar and efficiently cool your home. A D V E R T I S E M E N T
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PEOPLE
CERTIFIED SUSTAINABLE Mike Fairall sets a new standard for green building in Hawai‘i By Lindsey Kesel
Photo: Dave Miyamoto
Mike Fairall is on a mission. He wants homeowners to think about energy efficiency even before their new home is built. He founded Mokulua Carpentry in 2005 and his first creative, sustainable approach to architecture—a “tricked-out home with recycled materials”—won the BIA Renaissance Award for Green Building. Since then Mike's business has evolved into Mokulua High Performance Builder. Every home he builds is ENERGY STAR certified and often LEED and NGBS certified as well. The latest residential projects constructed by his crew are currently achieving efficiency ratings 60 to 70 percent higher than a typical code-built home. “The heart of energy efficiency isn’t blanketing everything with renewables,” Fairall says. “It’s fixing inefficiencies in building and using renewable energy to account for the difference.” Frustrated with the fact that Hawai‘i has done little to promote or incentivize green building, Fairall also advocates the funding and regulation of construction waste and waste recycling, with a company goal of producing less than 10 cubic yards of waste per project. “I’ve created a process for how we build houses that inherently includes measures of efficiency,” he says. “It might cost a little more upfront, but I guarantee the electric bill will be much lower.” mokuluahpb.com
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