Report Highlights State's Progress
With its focus on science, technology, life sciences and clean energy, Hawai`i continues to make significant progress in creating a more secure economic future, a new report by the Milken Institute shows. The 2008 State Technology and Science Index, one of the most comprehensive examinations of state technology and science assets ever compiled, examines individual state's abilities to leverage resources to achieve economic growth.
Kaheawa Wind on Maui. Photo by Makani Nui Associates.
An excerpt from the report highlights Hawai`i's "remarkable improvement," noting the state climbed eleven spots to rank 28th overall in the 2008 index.
"The state has focused on attracting small businesses, especially targeting clean energy and life sciences. While part of the strategy is geared toward cultivating strong science education at the pre-college level, the state has also established $5 million in R&D funding for small businesses in particular science and engineering fields to commercialize defense-related dual-use technology," the report stated.
The report also noted the Lingle-Aiona Administration's initiative to lead by example in the pursuit of greater energy independence for the state.
"Recent legislation also seeks to put Hawai`i on the map in terms of becoming a leader in bioenergy and other energy-efficient technologies," stated the report. "The state's ambitious clean green goals call for a 72 percent reduction in crude oil consumption and a self-sufficiency clause to cover 70 percent of the state's energy needs by 2030 through clean energy sources. These plans are aided by Hawai`i's abundance of geothermal and wind potential as well as the rising transaction cost of importing fuel."
The Hawai`i Clean Energy Initiative is a long-term partnership with the U.S. Department of Energy with a goal of using renewable resources - such as wind, sun, ocean, geothermal and bioenergy – to supply 70 percent or more of Hawai`i's energy needs by 2030. This will reduce the state's dependence on imported oil and help bring energy price stability to Hawai`i's consumers.
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"Hawai`i 28th in tech rankings," Honolulu Advertiser, June 20, 2008
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Read the full report here.
