Where Do You Stand On Hawai‘i’s Energy Future?

In August, researchers from UH and other institutions released a study that said solar, wind and batteries alone are not enough to meet Hawaiʻi’s electricity needs reliably as fossil fuels are phased out. The report emphasizes the importance of adding firm 24/7 power sources into the mix, like geothermal and nuclear.

Geothermal and nuclear energy have had varying levels of support since being introduced in the 20th century. We want to know where local people stand on the issue now, so we asked a series of energy questions in the BOSS Survey of company owners and executives and in the 808 Poll of the general public.

The first energy question: How concerned are you about Hawaiʻi’s current dependence on imported fossil fuels (fig. 10)?

FIG. 10

GEOTHERMAL ENERGY

Respondents in both surveys were then given a summary of the UH study from August and asked how strongly they favored or opposed expanding geothermal energy sources in the state.

To create an average score, each possible answer was assigned a value: “strongly support” was assigned 5; “somewhat support” 4; “neutral” 3; “somewhat oppose” 2; and “strongly oppose” 1. Answers of “did not know” or “refused to answer” were left out of the calculation. The higher the score, the stronger the support (fig. 11).

FIG. 11 *DK/DA: Didn’t know or didn’t answer | Percentages do not always add to 100 due to rounding

Respondents who opposed or were neutral were presented with the following concerns that are sometimes raised regarding geothermal power and were asked if they were concerned about any of them. They could choose more than one (fig. 12).

FIG. 12

NUCLEAR ENERGY

Each respondent was asked to rate their overall level of concern regarding the expansion of nuclear energy sources in the state (fig. 13).

FIG. 13

In both surveys, strong support for expanding geothermal energy sources contrasts with strong opposition to expanding nuclear power in Hawaiʻi.

Respondents who opposed or were neutral regarding the expansion of nuclear energy were presented with the following concerns that are sometimes raised regarding nuclear power. They were asked if they shared those concerns; their responses are reflected here (fig. 14).

FIG 14. Percentages do not always add to 100 due to rounding

CULTURAL CONSIDERATIONS

FIG. 15

Each respondent was asked to rate the importance of accounting for Hawaiian cultural values as the state transitions to other energy sources (fig. 15). On average, businesspeople who work at companies that derive significant income from the visitor industry placed a greater than average importance on this issue.

ROLE OF LOCAL COMMUNITIES

FIG. 16

Respondents to both surveys were asked what role, if any, should the concerns of local communities play when deciding where renewable energy projects are built (fig. 16).

REGIONAL COMPENSATION

FIG. 17

Respondents were asked if they believe local communities should be compensated for having renewable energy projects constructed in their areas (fig. 17).

If you missed it, read the other parts to this BOSS Survey:

Part 1: Pessimism Widespread Among Local Businesses

Part 2: Hawaii Business Surveys Show Trump Policies Unpopular