State Honors Business & Events for Green Practices Posted on Aug 1, 2019 in News

Hawaii State Energy Office

For Immediate Release: August 1, 2019

HONOLULU—This year’s Hawaii Green Business Program (HGBP) awards ceremony has been expanded to include a new “HGBP Alakai 10-Entry Level” category that encourages smaller restaurants and food service companies to take steps to become more sustainable while improving their bottom line. The awardees are among 35 businesses, organizations and events in several categories recognized today for adopting energy efficiency and sustainable business practices that will help them save money while advancing Hawaii’s clean energy agenda.

“It’s encouraging to see more and more businesses joining the movement to conserve energy and implement sustainable practices that will protect our environment and help Hawaii meet its clean energy goals,” Gov. David Ige said. “The Hawaii Green Business Program creates a profitable partnership among business, government and a concerned public.”

HGBP provides technical assistance to businesses committed to operating in an environmentally and socially responsible manner. HGBP, now in its 17th year, is a partnership among Hawaii’s Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism (DBEDT); Hawaii Department of Health; Hawaii Lodging and Tourism Association; and Honolulu Board of Water Supply. DBEDT participates in the program through the Hawaii State Energy Office (HSEO), a DBEDT attached agency.

“Participating in the Hawaii Green Business Program is a great way for businesses to market, advertise and increase their competitive advantage while enhancing their overall productivity,” said DBEDT Director Mike McCartney.

The new “HGBP Alakai 10-Entry Level” program offers businesses 10 simple actions they can take to become more sustainable while improving their bottom line.

“Businesses that successfully complete the entry level checklist are encouraged to take the next step and participate in the more rigorous, flagship HGBP program,” said HSEO Chief Energy Officer Carilyn Shon.

From 2009 through 2019 HGBP has assisted and recognized more than 100 businesses and government entities, from the hospitality, commercial office, retail, grocery, venue, restaurant and food service sectors.

The honorees of this year’s Hawaii Green Business Awards are:

Four Seasons Resort at Ko Olina

Hale Koa Hotel

Hokulani Waikiki by Hilton Grand Vacations

Hyatt Centric Waikiki Beach

Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort

The Cliffs at Princeville

The Kahala Hotel & Resort

The Westin Nanea Ocean Villas

Waialae Country Club

Whole Foods Market, Queen

Honeywell Smart Energy

Hawaii State Federal Credit Union, Alii Branch

The Hawaii Green Business Awards also honored green events:

Blue Zones Community Event

Verge 2018

Hawaii Tourism Authority’s Global Tourism Summit

Hawaii Library Association’s Annual Conference

USGBC Hawaii’s Pau Hana – at Bethel Union and Anaha

Hawaii State Energy Office’s Holiday Party

Sony Open

Good Neighbor and Environmental Hero Awards – C&C of Honolulu

Kona Brew Brewfest

Mason Architects Firm Crawl

Oahu Surfrider Foundation’s – Moana Lani Fest and Ocean Friendly Restaurant’s Pau Hana at the Kahala Resort

Alakai 10 Entry-Level – Small Restaurants and Food Service businesses:

Puka’s – at Whole Foods Market – Kahala

Two Tides – at Whole Foods Market – Queen

Kalapawai – Kailua

Kalapawai – Kapolei

Morning Brew

Via Gelato

Umeke

Banzai Sushi

Alii Coffee

Bibas

Banan

Lanikai Juice at Whole Foods Market – Queen

For a description of the awardees and their energy efficiency efforts, please see the separate awardee accomplishments document. For more information on the Hawaii Green Business Program, visit greenbusiness.hawaii.gov.

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About the Hawaii State Energy Office

The Hawaii State Energy Office (HSEO) is an attached agency of the state’s Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism. HSEO is committed to developing and deploying high impact solutions that will maximize Hawaii’s renewable energy resources and improve efficiency and transportation standards. Through effective policies and innovative programs, HSEO has positioned Hawaii as a leader in clean energy innovation, which will generate quality jobs, attract investment opportunities and accelerate economic growth. For more information, visit energy.hawaii.gov

About the Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism (DBEDT)

DBEDT is Hawaii’s resource center for economic and statistical data, business development opportunities, energy and conservation information, and foreign trade advantages. DBEDT’s mission is to achieve a Hawaii economy that embraces innovation and is globally competitive, dynamic and productive, providing opportunities for all Hawaii’s citizens. Through its attached agencies, the department fosters planned community development, creates affordable workforce housing units in high-quality living environments, and promotes innovation sector job growth.

Media Contact:

Alan Yonan Jr.

Communications Officer

Hawaii State Energy Office

(808) 587-3860