Senator Gabbard Joins Other Advocates to Protest Clean Energy Moratorium

Recently the Hawaiian Electric Co. (HECO) proposed a moratorium in an ongoing case before the state Public Utilities Commission on “feed-in tariffs”, an innovative program that would allow homes and businesses to get paid for power fed into the grid. The action by HECO, if successful, would bar homes and businesses that buy their electricity from installing renewable energy systems like solar panels on the islands of Hawai‘i, Maui, Lana‘i, and Moloka‘i. The proposal would halt ongoing progress towards reducing dependence on imported oil and curbing greenhouse gas pollution. It could cause devastating harm to Hawai‘i’s growing indigenous solar industry.

Sen. Mike Gabbard joined with state and national clean energy organizations, including Blue Planet Foundation, Sierra Club, Hawai‘i Chapter, and Earthjustice, and others involved in Hawai‘i’s renewable energy industry in protesting HECO's proposal. Gabbard said, "Today's solar and other types of renewable energy systems being installed directly on homes and businesses are a glimpse into a future that is not far off. These efforts by thousands of individuals committing to a clean energy future are a crucial part of the solution to Hawai'i's energy problems and should not be discouraged by our utilities."

He also said, "Hawai'i's energy security situation is dire--we are incredibly vulnerable to oil price spikes and supply disruptions that are charged to utility customers, who must simply pay their bill no matter how high it rises...Meanwhile, in these challenging economic times when Hawai'i needs jobs more than ever, the solar industry is creating green jobs for working families."

Sen. Gabbard concluded by saying, "The Hawaiian Electric companies must begin living up to their responsibilities as public utilities and stop acting in opposition to the interests of the citizens of our state."

This is an awesome statement and I hope that HECO won't be successful in their efforts to "black-out" our clean energy efforts.

Gabbard's Great Green Initiatives

With the 2010 legislative session well underway, there are thousands of bills being discussed, voted on, and amended at the Capitol right now. Sen. Gabbard has introduced some exciting legislation as Chair of the Energy and Environment Committee to bring Hawai'i closer to getting a majority of our energy through alternative sources while becoming more energy efficient.

Mike introduced a bill to require developers to incorporate design elements and do some equipment installation to make all new single-family homes photovoltaic-ready by 2012. If this passes it will mean a lot more people will be able to get their energy from the abundant sunshine we are blessed with here, instead of from the grid.

There is also a bill to require all new single-family homes to be net zero energy capable by 2015. By this initiative, Sen. Gabbard intends for homes to be built in a way to make it practical for the homeowner to be able to produce as much energy as he/she consumes, thus making his/her electricity bill zero.

Another great bill to support is one that establishes a property assessed clean energy bond financing program in the state. This would allow the state to issue bonds to help homeowners and businesses finance efficiency improvements and small renewable energy systems. The loans would then be repaid over a prescribed time period through their property tax bill.

You can keep updated on the status of these bills and Mike Gabbard's other bills on his Capitol website- http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/Site1/Senate/members/Sen19.asp

Twitter with Mike

I just found Senator Mike Gabbard on Twitter. For updates on what is happening at the Capitol or what Mike is up to, check him out at http://twitter.com/SENMIKEGABBARD. (@senmikegabbard).

Senator Mike Gabbard Videos

Here are a few videos of Mike out in the community.

For A Legislator That Really Listens, Try Senator Gabbard

Senator Mike Gabbard hosts informal meetings in different parts of his district every month. If you have never been to one of these meetings, I highly recommend it. You can sit down with your morning coffee and talk to Senator Gabbard in a truly relaxed way. The people that attend the meetings have the opportunity to talk story about any and all of their concerns and if Mike can't answer their questions at the meeting, he or a member of his staff will be sure to get back to you with an answer quickly.

Although there is certainly a lot of "talk story" going on at these meetings, Senator Gabbard decided to call them "Listen Story" meetings to make it clear that the constituents that attend are encouraged to discuss any concerns they have and Mike will be listening much more than talking. Check out his website for the next meeting date and place- www.mikegabbard.com

Another indication that Mike is not only listening to residents but also acting on their ideas and suggestions, is that he introduces legislation based purely on constituents' ideas. He says he "gets ideas from residents at his listen story meetings, when he runs into someone at a store, or at church" and he's "always happy to get input on how we can make our home a better place to live."

A lot of people probably think of great ideas on how their lives and others around them could be made better if there was only a bill for this or that. But, they may not ever share that idea with anyone because they think that their lawmaker wouldn't be interested. Let me assure you that Senator Mike Gabbard, whether or not you are in his district, will certainly listen!

Senator Mike Gabbard Takes a Strong Stand to Oppose HB444, the Civil Unions Bill

Today at the Hawaii State Capitol there was a big vote on a controversial issue. HB444, the bill that would allow for civil unions for homosexuals, has drawn tens of thousands of opponents from every religion, every ethnicity, and every walk of life to the State Capitol to rally in large numbers.

Mostly these rallies have been peaceful and held with the intention of showing lawmakers that a majority of residents, and voters, still oppose civil unions and same-sex marriage. Unfortunately, Senator Gabbard was physically and verbally attacked by a HB444 supporter at the rally last week.

Mike has forever been tied to this movement in Hawaii for his brave and determined efforts to lead the fight to protect traditional marriage beginning in the early 90s. Thanks in large part to his efforts and to voters who made their wishes clearly known, we passed a constitutional amendment with a 70% majority to protect marriage.

Mahalo Senator Gabbard for continuing to take a strong stance to protect the foundation of our society!

Senator Gabbard to Speak at Energy Policy Event

An important event titled “Energy Fuels our Hawai‘i Economy,” organized by the Energy Policy Forum, is happening January 8th, 10am to 12pm at the Hawai'i State Capitol Auditorium. The speakers will focus on key industry needs for the 2010 session. The closing remarks will be presented by Senator Mike Gabbard, Chair of the Senate Energy and Environment Committee.

The presenters at the briefing will discuss everything from exciting energy efficiency projects to initiatives recommended for the upcoming legislative session. Available for questions after the presentations will be experts in every kind of clean energy imaginable.

Join Sen. Gabbard at this event and learn how we can all support a cleaner powered Hawai'i.