Hawaii
Pacific Biodiesel Secures Government Grant for Biofuel Innovation in Hawaii Agriculture
- 22-Jan-2024 6:21 PM
- Journalist: Francis Stokes
Pacific Biodiesel Technologies has expanded its operations to Kauai, Hawaii, to showcase the production of renewable biofuel in Hawaii derived from locally grown oilseed cover crops.
The overarching goal of the project is to create a prototype solution for renewable biofuel, accompanied by an agricultural model tailored for Hawaii’s conditions. In addition to contributing to the development of a sustainable biofuel source, the initiative seeks to validate the viability of transitioning to this drop-in fuel for military applications, including power generation installations.
This initiative builds upon the foundation laid by Pacific Biodiesel’s prior Hawaii Military Biofuel Crop Project research conducted between 2011 and 2015. In contrast to the earlier project, the current endeavor aims to demonstrate farming at a larger scale, encompassing 1,000 acres or more. The resulting production model is designed to support Hawaii’s objectives in food security, energy security, and supply chain resiliency.
Kauai serves as the project’s operational base, where Pacific Biodiesel initiated the supply of biodiesel to Kauai Island Utility Cooperative (KIUC) in the preceding year. This biodiesel supply contributes to KIUC’s commitment to achieving 100% renewable electricity production by 2033, aligning with Hawaii’s broader efforts to transition to sustainable and environmentally friendly energy sources.
The strategic collaboration with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers underlines the intersection of environmental sustainability, renewable energy, and military applications. By showcasing the potential of locally grown oilseed cover crops for biofuel production, the project addresses both environmental and national security considerations.
The project’s emphasis on validating the use of this renewable biofuel for military applications, including power generation installations, holds strategic importance. Military forces globally are increasingly exploring sustainable energy sources to enhance operational efficiency and reduce environmental impact. The success of this project could set a precedent for similar initiatives worldwide.
Pacific Biodiesel’s previous experience in the Hawaii Military Biofuel Crop Project serves as a valuable foundation for the current endeavor. The lessons learned from the earlier research, conducted between 2011 and 2015, likely inform the strategic approach to the current, larger-scale project on Kauai.
In addition to addressing military needs, the project places a significant focus on supporting Hawaii’s food security, energy security, and supply chain resiliency. These aspects are integral to the state’s long-term sustainability goals, and the biofuel production model aims to contribute positively to each of these critical areas.
The location choice of Kauai for the project’s operations is noteworthy, given the island’s commitment to renewable energy through the collaboration with KIUC. Pacific Biodiesel’s biodiesel supply to KIUC aligns with Kauai’s ambitious target of achieving 100% renewable electricity production by 2033. This collaboration represents a harmonious convergence of efforts towards sustainable agriculture and renewable energy in the region.
Hawaii
Hawaii County accepting applications for Summer Fun employees
HAWAII ISLAND (HawaiiNewsNow) – The County of Hawaii Department of Parks and Recreation is now accepting applications for temporary positions in its 2026 Summer Fun program.
The two positions available are Activity Aide I ($17.50 per hour) and Activity Aide II ($19 per hour).
To be considered for employment, applicants must possess a valid first-aid certification, attend mandatory training June 2–5, and be available to work June 8–July 17.
Applications are available online on the Parks and Recreation website, and must be submitted to the Recreation Division Office at 799 Pi‘ilani St., Hilo, HI 96720, postmarked by Saturday, Feb. 28.
For more information, call the Recreation Division Office at (808) 961-8740.
Copyright 2026 Hawaii News Now. All rights reserved.
Hawaii
Hawaii’s jobless rate remains second lowest in U.S. – Hawaii Tribune-Herald
Hawaii
Healthier Hawaii: How to protect your hearing; head and neck warning signs you shouldn’t ignore
HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – You may have received new earbuds or headphones during the holidays. But there are a few things you keep in mind when it comes to protecting your hearing.
Dr. Ross Shockley, an otolaryngologist with Wilcox Medical Center and Kaua‘i Medical Clinic, offers the following tips for hearing, as well as head and neck health.
Head and neck cancers
Many people are not familiar with head or neck cancers. What causes it and when should someone see a doctor?
- Traditionally, head and neck cancers were mostly associated with longtime smokers and drinkers. Now, more cases are tied to human papillomavirus (HPV), even in nonsmokers and drinkers. HPV is the same virus that can lead to cervical cancer in women. It is common and can have no symptoms.
- If you have throat pain, pain when swallowing that doesn’t go away, or a mass in your neck that feels firm and isn’t moving, don’t wait. See your doctor.
- Head and neck cancers can be treated, no matter the cause, if caught early.
How to prevent hearing loss
More young adults, in their early 20s, are experiencing hearing loss. Can hearing loss be reversed?
- Hearing loss can’t be reversed. Once ringing in ears starts, that can be permanent.
- Wear appropriate hearing protection when using power tools or firing weapons.
- You can find ear protection that blocks out sound for about $15. Protection that covers the whole ear are better than earplugs.
How do you know if music or movies are too loud?
- Don’t turn anything up to the maximum.
- You want the volume to be at the lowest level where you can still hear and understand.
- If there is background noise, don’t crank up the volume all the way to fight it. Use noise-cancelling headphones or go somewhere quieter.
Dangers of cleaning your ears
You may feel the urge to clean your ears. Shockley says do less, or even nothing at all.
- Our ears clean themselves. As new skin grows, it takes wax with it out of your ear.
- When you clean your ears, you’re interrupting that natural cleaning process.
- You can also put yourself at risk for external ear infections – or make your ears itch more.
Copyright 2026 Hawaii News Now. All rights reserved.
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