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| Pacific Biofuels co-founder Bob King (r) explains the process to Hawaiian musician and alternative energy advocate Keoki Kahumoku. Photo by William Neal |
FARMERS ARE NEEDED to help feed the new Pacific Biodiesel facility that held its grand opening in Kea`au yesterday at Shipman Industrial Park. Gov. Neil Abercrombie, state Department of Agriculture chief Russell Kokubun, legislators and other government officials were on hand with investors and many enthusiasts. The event was called “A Celebration of Energy Independence.” The Big Island facility was established after the company proved its technology by constructing and operating biodiesel processing plants and selling biofuels for more than a decade on the mainland and Maui. It touts such backers and public supporters as famed singer and alternative energy advocate Willie Nelson.
According to co-founder Bob King, the water-free processing technology capitalizes on leadership in production flexibility. “We build scalable plants designed to serve the demands of a local community using a variety of feedstocks produced by local suppliers,” says the company website. |
| Bob King, cofounder of Pacific Biodiesel at the new Kea`au facility. Photo by William Neal |
When asked if small farms in Ka`u would be an appropriate place to grow feedstock for the Kea`au plant, King said he envisions many models, including small growers organized in a cooperative to share machinery for harvest and other farm functions. What plants could grow in Ka`u and provide feedstock for energy production?
King said safflower, grown on dry and even windy land, is one of the crops highly productive for biodiesel> He said it also provides a significant byproduct – feed for cattle, which could bring in half the income to support the alternative fuel production. The challenge in Ka`u, however, is to find the deep soil, he said.
Others attending the meeting included specialists in emerging biofuel crops such as Dr. Bill Steiner, the recently retired Dean of the University of Hawai`i College of Agriculture, Forestry & Natural Resources. Steiner works on oil palms and said their clusters of fruits are high in oil content and could possibly produce two harvests a year on irrigated lands with a lot of sun. They would likely have lower production and one harvest, but could still be viable in rainy areas at higher elevations in Ka`u.
Pacific Biodiesel explains fuel as created from vegetable oils, animal fats and greases through a chemical reaction of natural oils with an alcohol. The mixture is refined to create molecules that easily burn in diesel engines. Biodiesel can be used in any diesel engine in pure form or blended with petroleum diesel at any level.
Pacific Biodiesel claims its alternative fuel helps the environment. “Even a blend of 20 percent biodiesel and 80 percent petroleum diesel will significantly reduce carcinogenic emissions and gases that may contribute to global warming,” says its website. It also touts the byproduct for personal care products or a variety of chemical applications.
“Per a recent market study, the production and use of biodiesel fuel promises to bring $24 billion to the U.S. economy between 2005 and 2015, assuming biodiesel growth reaches 650 million gallons of annual production per year by 2015.1” says the website. See more at www.biodiesel.com.
BLESSING OF THE OCEAN VIEW WELL is scheduled for Thursday at 9 a.m. at the site on the corner of Lehua Lane and Hwy 11. Operations work crews are still preparing the system for imminent service to the public, and if they finish early, the site may be opened for use before Thursday.
King said safflower, grown on dry and even windy land, is one of the crops highly productive for biodiesel> He said it also provides a significant byproduct – feed for cattle, which could bring in half the income to support the alternative fuel production. The challenge in Ka`u, however, is to find the deep soil, he said.
Others attending the meeting included specialists in emerging biofuel crops such as Dr. Bill Steiner, the recently retired Dean of the University of Hawai`i College of Agriculture, Forestry & Natural Resources. Steiner works on oil palms and said their clusters of fruits are high in oil content and could possibly produce two harvests a year on irrigated lands with a lot of sun. They would likely have lower production and one harvest, but could still be viable in rainy areas at higher elevations in Ka`u.
Pacific Biodiesel explains fuel as created from vegetable oils, animal fats and greases through a chemical reaction of natural oils with an alcohol. The mixture is refined to create molecules that easily burn in diesel engines. Biodiesel can be used in any diesel engine in pure form or blended with petroleum diesel at any level.
Pacific Biodiesel claims its alternative fuel helps the environment. “Even a blend of 20 percent biodiesel and 80 percent petroleum diesel will significantly reduce carcinogenic emissions and gases that may contribute to global warming,” says its website. It also touts the byproduct for personal care products or a variety of chemical applications.
“Per a recent market study, the production and use of biodiesel fuel promises to bring $24 billion to the U.S. economy between 2005 and 2015, assuming biodiesel growth reaches 650 million gallons of annual production per year by 2015.1” says the website. See more at www.biodiesel.com.
BLESSING OF THE OCEAN VIEW WELL is scheduled for Thursday at 9 a.m. at the site on the corner of Lehua Lane and Hwy 11. Operations work crews are still preparing the system for imminent service to the public, and if they finish early, the site may be opened for use before Thursday.
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| New tank stores water from the new Ocean View well, to be blessed Thursday. Photo from Department of Water Supply |
Water from the site is available for anyone, with the limit based on each individual’s maximum load capacity. Along with spigots for individual use, there are two-inch standpipe meters where water-trucking companies can fill up.
Bolton, Inc. was the contractor on the approximately 2,100-foot-deep well. The pump is set to produce up to 120,000 gallons per day.
KA`U REPORTED 12 BURGLARIES from March to June, according to John Burnett's story in this morning's Hawai`i Tribune-Herald. Islandwide, more than 80 burglaries were reported each month, with the most being in South Hilo and Puna. The story quotes Police Lt. John Briski saying the increase in burglaries is due to “growing pains” in the community. He suggests keeping doors and windows locked and taking such measures as recording serial numbers of electronic equipment and photographing valuables so that they can be identified if stolen.
VOLCANO VILLAGE celebrates Fourth of July with a parade & celebration tomorrow at 9 a.m. Starting from the post office, the parade makes its way down Old Volcano Road to Wright Road then turns left to Cooper Center, where there will be craft fair, entertainment, food, games and a silent auction sponsored by Friends of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. The auction supports volunteer and educational projects in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Auction items include bed & breakfast stays, adventure tours, massage and acupuncture sessions, golf packages, admissions to area attractions, retail store and restaurant gift certificates, original art, photography, prints, jewelry, crafts and more. For more information about the auction, call 985-7272 or email admin@fhvnp.org.
KILAUEA MILITARY CAMP plans to celebrate Fourth of July with a Country Hoedown & Western Dance Party at Lava Lounge in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. From 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., there will be food served including BBQ pork on a hoagie bun, corn, baked beans, and warm buttermilk biscuits, all for $10. A Dance Party will be featured from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m., with no cover charge. Open to authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. Call 967-8371 for more information.
NA`ALEHU PARK will feature a Fun on the Fourth in Ka`u tomorrow from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. `O Ka`u Kakou will provide seniors with bingo & free luncheon, while keiki can enjoy free games, hot dogs & shaved ice.
Bolton, Inc. was the contractor on the approximately 2,100-foot-deep well. The pump is set to produce up to 120,000 gallons per day.
KA`U REPORTED 12 BURGLARIES from March to June, according to John Burnett's story in this morning's Hawai`i Tribune-Herald. Islandwide, more than 80 burglaries were reported each month, with the most being in South Hilo and Puna. The story quotes Police Lt. John Briski saying the increase in burglaries is due to “growing pains” in the community. He suggests keeping doors and windows locked and taking such measures as recording serial numbers of electronic equipment and photographing valuables so that they can be identified if stolen.
VOLCANO VILLAGE celebrates Fourth of July with a parade & celebration tomorrow at 9 a.m. Starting from the post office, the parade makes its way down Old Volcano Road to Wright Road then turns left to Cooper Center, where there will be craft fair, entertainment, food, games and a silent auction sponsored by Friends of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. The auction supports volunteer and educational projects in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Auction items include bed & breakfast stays, adventure tours, massage and acupuncture sessions, golf packages, admissions to area attractions, retail store and restaurant gift certificates, original art, photography, prints, jewelry, crafts and more. For more information about the auction, call 985-7272 or email admin@fhvnp.org.
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| Lorna Jeyte of Kilauea Lodge with a celebratory shout during last year's Volcano Parade on July 4. Photo by Julia Neal |
KILAUEA MILITARY CAMP plans to celebrate Fourth of July with a Country Hoedown & Western Dance Party at Lava Lounge in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. From 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., there will be food served including BBQ pork on a hoagie bun, corn, baked beans, and warm buttermilk biscuits, all for $10. A Dance Party will be featured from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m., with no cover charge. Open to authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. Call 967-8371 for more information.
NA`ALEHU PARK will feature a Fun on the Fourth in Ka`u tomorrow from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. `O Ka`u Kakou will provide seniors with bingo & free luncheon, while keiki can enjoy free games, hot dogs & shaved ice.
