14. Support Energy Efficiency and Sustainable Energy Sources

WHEREAS Hawai`i’s global position makes it ideal for development and application of renewable sustainable energy sources, such as, solar, wind, and ocean thermal; and

WHEREAS efforts in Hawai`i with solar water heating, photo-voltaics and wind power generation have demonstrated success; and

WHEREAS Hawai`i’s fragile and unique environment is seeing negative effects from use of present energy sources, specifically, coal, oil and propane; and

WHEREAS Hawai`i's isolated location makes it important to become self-sufficient and diversified; and

WHEREAS given the considerable risk of oil spills causing destruction to our reefs and coastal environments, and recognizing the strategic vulnerability of oil tankers and refineries from terrorist attack; and

WHEREAS the development of renewable energy systems will create many new jobs and ongoing employment in planning, development, construction, and maintenance for the local labor force; and

WHEREAS energy conservation measures demonstrate monetary success whenever they are tried; now,

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Maui and Hawai`i Democratic Party that the National Democratic party at its 2004 National Convention propose and support legislation to fund research, development, and application of viable renewable energy sources that would insure by 2020 that a minimum of 20% of the total electric generation in Hawai`i be generated from new (not currently applied) renewable sources, with a secondary goal of 40% renewable energy sources by 2020.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Democratic Party propose and support legislation to accelerate energy conservation programs and increase energy conservation measures in Hawai`i by supporting whatever entities may offer such viable energy conservation programs, be they utilities, government agencies, private companies, or non-profit organizations.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that  laws be enacted to require increased vehicle mileage fuel efficiency at both the State and Federal level.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that only energy sources and fuels that show a net fossil fuel savings over their entire life-cycle be encouraged by law.