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renewable · sustainable · community-based
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Pacific Biodiesel Newsletter
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| New opportunities blooming in 2017. Pictured above, Pacific Biodiesel President Bob King (left) and Maui EKO Manager Rubens Fonseca evaluate ag land on Maui. Pacific Biodiesel has successfully demonstrated biofuel crops on Oahu and the Big Island and plans to begin farming similar crops on Maui beginning this year. |
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In This Issue
- Record Biodiesel Production in 4th Quarter
- Biodiesel Helps Hawaii Electric Light Co. Achieve Fleet Award
- Pacific Biodiesel Logistics Welcomes New Customers
- Biodiesesl FET Credit Expired on January 1
- Biodiesel Fuels Triple Crown
- In and Around the Community
- Walking the Sustainability Talk
Editor: Joy Galatro, Marketing Director
Staff Writer & Layout: Beth Mathias, Marketing Associate
For more information
about Pacific Biodiesel visit
Our Mission:
To promote a clean, sustainable energy future through the community-based production of renewable fuels.
On Earth Day 2016, the Pacific Biodiesel plant on the Big Island became
the first biodiesel facility in the United States to earn certification by the Sustainable Biodiesel Alliance for showcasing sustainable biodiesel production and distribution practices.
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A New Era of Leadership
Kelly King inaugurated into office at Maui County Council
As a founder of both Pacific Biodiesel and the non-profit Sustainable Biodiesel Alliance, I have ridden the roller coaster that is our industry almost from the beginning. If not for the brilliance and vision of my husband Bob King, our company would not have survived the past 20 years, with the recurring FET credit expirations, threats to EPA Renewable Fuel Standard and insane dips in petroleum prices. The powers that be seem to always make sure that it costs more to do the right thing!
It is with mixed feelings
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Pacific Biodiesel President Bob King celebrates with his wife, Vice President and Co-founder Kelly King, inaugurated last week as a new Maui County Council member.
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that I begin the next chapter in my life, moving into public service as an elected member of the Maui County Council. Pacific Biodiesel has been a huge part of my and Bob's everyday thought process, and I have often likened it to our third child - the one without an exit strategy (although I now realize there is never an exit strategy for parenthood). Perhaps one of the most amazing aspects of this journey has been running the company with my husband and seeing our relationship strengthen in the process. An added bonus is having our children - son, daughter and son-in-law - all working in various divisions within Pacific Biodiesel and highly qualified for their positions.
I have, however, actually created an exit strategy for work, and as I transition to a smaller role in Pacific Biodiesel time-wise, the company has an excellent Marketing team to carry on with increasing duties as the company grows. They are already overseeing new products, increasing local biodiesel sales and expanding outreach and education.
I will continue on as Vice President, involved on a limited basis with business development, new opportunities and representing our company and the sustainable biodiesel industry as needed; however, my main focus will be on our local community governance. As has always been my intent in business, so too will I work hard to bring honesty, openness and sustainability (both economic and environmental) to the forefront of county governance.
It remains to be seen what will happen to renewable energy, and especially the U.S. commitment to climate issues, now that the incoming president seems to be making good on his promise to set back those efforts, but one thing is more evident than ever - as an industry we are better together and need to be unified in our message of a sustainable, green economy.
Big Mahalos to all supporters of the Human Race, and Happy New Year!
~ Kelly T. King, Co-founder and Vice President, Pacific Biodiesel
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Maui County voters elect Kelly King.
On November 8th, Kelly King garnered more votes than incumbent Don Couch to win the South Maui seat on County Council. Joined by family members and supporters, King was sworn into office for a two-year term at the Council's inauguration ceremony on January 2, 2017.
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Record Biodiesel Production in 4th Quarter
Solid team efforts lead to highest monthly volume
In the final quarter of 2016, Pacific Biodiesel's Big Island refinery produced almost 1.5 million gallons of B100, which resulted in a production rate well over the facility's nameplate capacity. In October alone, the refinery produced the highest monthly volume of biodiesel in the facility's history.
"Our outstanding maintenance crew and the programs they have in place helped our strong operations team achieve these numbers," said Jenna Long, Pacific Biodiesel's Director of Operations. "In addition, our logistics group had everything in place to support the increased production."
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Pacific Biodiesel's Big Island refinery, shown here framed by a rainbow in December, achieved record production in 4th Quarter.
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Long says the goal for 2017 is to continue to produce at capacity or above each month while focusing on safe and efficient operations. "It takes company-wide support to achieve these milestones," she noted, "and we're grateful for the efforts of all employees state-wide who help us reach our goals."
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Biodiesel Helps Hawaii Electric Light Company Achieve Fleet Award
Company named to 2016 Top Green Fleets
Congratulations to Pacific Biodiesel customer, Hawaii Electric Light Company, for being named one of the Top 50 Green Fleets in the country by Heavy Duty Trucking Magazine in 2016.
According to Kelvin Kohatsu, Fleet Administrator for Hawaii Electric Light, biodiesel is a key reason the company earned this national recognition. "100% of our diesel fleet runs on biodiesel," said Kohatsu, who oversees a fleet of about 200 v
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All diesel vehicles in the Hawaii Electric Light Company fleet are powered by biodiesel.
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ehicles. "Some use a B20 blend while others are fueled with B100."
The magazine takes into consideration the many different ways fleets can be green, including driving efficiency, facility improvements and the strategy of the fleet to adopt alternative fuel for vehicles. The Hawaii Electric Light fleet includes diesels, hybrids and electric vehicles.
Hawaii Electric Light's fleet based in Hilo, has been a biodiesel user for more than a decade. Biodiesel customer for years.
Hawaii Electric Light has received the Green Fleet Award each of the three years they have been nominated.
In 2016, Hawaii Electric Light was the only commercial fleet in Hawaii that earned this recognition.
To see the full list of winners as published by Heavy Duty Trucking Magazine, click
here.
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Pacific Biodiesel Logistics Welcomes New Customers
In a constantly evolving restaurant marketplace, the Pacific Biodiesel Logistics team continues to add new customers. Here are several of the company's latest customers that support the mission of Pacific Biodiesel by recycling their waste cooking oils and trap grease into locally produced biodiesel for Hawaii.
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 A-Bay's Island Grill - Waikoloa, Hawaii
Located at the Kings' Shops, this restaurant features both indoor and outdoor dining for local favorites
, seafood, and Pacific Rim cuisine.
- Coconut's Fish Café - Kihei, Maui
Serving casual, family-friendly and healthy foods, best known for their "off the hook" fish tacos.
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Donut Dynamite
- Wailuku, Maui
The owners of this new Maui bake
shop were
winners
of the Cooking Channel's "Sugar Showdown" that aired in November.
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Luibueno's - Haleiwa, Oahu
Featuring south-of-the-border specialties,
 this North Shore restaurant is a local favorite.
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Nobu Honolulu - Honolulu, Oahu
The restaurant chain, founded by Nobu
 Matsuhisa and Robert De Niro, opened its newest location just in time for Christmas. The 11,000-square-foot location features an open format kitchen and private Teppan room.
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Pueo's Osteria - Waikoloa, Hawaii
Named Aloha
ʻAina Winner for 2017,
 this
Italian-inspired restaurant serves a combination of imported Italian ingredients paired with "farm-fresh" products from local farmers markets and boutique farms.
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Biodiesel FET Credit Expired on January 1
Lapse in federal support of renewable fuels adds pressure to biodiesel producers
Federal incentives for renewable fuels help biodiesel producers like Pacific Biodiesel compete in a petroleum-dominated market. However, several factors are now placing great pressure on biodiesel producers:
- While industry leaders hoped that Congress would approve the continuation of the Federal Excise Tax (FET) credit for biodiesel before December 31, 2016, the issue has not yet been addressed and the credit expired on January 1, 2017. This biodiesel credit is just a fraction of the subsidies and incentives received by the petroleum industry, but it helped the renewable alternative compete against low fossil fuel prices.
- The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) mandates the expansion of renewable fuel production on an annual basis by requiring the blending of biodiesel in its Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). In 2016 alone, the RFS called for 18.11 billion gallons of renewable fuel to be blended into US transportation fuel stocks. However, the incoming Administration and new Congress has threatened to dismantle this EPA program while the EPA itself faces an uncertain future.
Supporters of locally produced biodiesel can to continue to be agents for change by contacting their Congressional delegation to express support for the reinstatement of the biodiesel FET credit.
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Biodiesel Fuels Triple Crown
World Surf League uses locally produced fuel for fourth straight year
Oahu's premier surfing trifecta, the Van's Triple Crown, continued its sustainable practices by fueling its generators with biodiesel provided by Pacific Biodiesel. The World Surf League generators provided all power for the events, which took place November 25 to December 20.
The Triple Crown includes the Hawaiian Pro at Haleiwa, the Van's World Cup held at Sunset Beach and the Billabong Pro at Pipeline. This is the fourth year for the partnership between the World Surf League and Pacific Biodiesel.
Click
here for more information about the WSL's environmental initiatives at the 2016 Triple Crown of Surfing.
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Biodiesel-fueled generators have become an integral component of the environmental practices at World Surf League events.
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In and Around the Community
- Tour de Trash - October 2016
Pacific Biodiesel's Kahului pump station was the final stop at the latest "Tour de Trash" conducted by Maui County's Solid Waste Management and Recycling Division. "Pacific Biodiesel's operations present a closed loop production cycle which is rare and highly valued in the recycling industry," noted County Recycling Coordinator Stacia Ash who hosted the tour.
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National Manufacturing Day - October 2016 
Pacific Biodiesel hosted public tours at its Big Island refinery for this annual recognition of companies that produce goods and services made in America. This year's event was sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce Hawaii.
- 2016 McDonald's People Summit - October 2016
For the fourth consecutive year, Pacific Biodiesel Logistics was selected to share its mission of sustainability at the annual McDonald's teambuilding event on Oahu. Pacific Biodiesel staff members educated restaurant employees on how the company's partnership with McDonald's helps the environment and promotes renewable energy use in Hawaii.
- Think Tech Hawaii - January 2017
Bob King, President of Pacific Biodiesel, appeared on the January 4th edition of Think Tech Hawaii: The State of Clean Energy. As the only guest during the half hour talk show, King discussed the evolution of Pacific Biodiesel and his vision for the future of biodiesel in Hawaii. To watch the segment, click here.
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Walking the Sustainability Talk
Employee initiatives support Pacific Biodiesel's mission and values
Pacific Biodiesel Ag Operations Manager Jamie Twigg-Smith and Crushing Mill Manager Chris Long are also talented soap
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Chris Long, seated, and Jamie Twigg-Smith are the product formulators for Pacific Biodiesel's house-made liquid soap.
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formulators. In keeping with Pacific Biodiesel's zero-waste philosophy, the team began making liquid hand soap for the company last year by combining left over macadamia nut oil - hand-crafted by the company's production team - with potassium hydroxide, local sea salt and rainwater. The soap is bottled in bulk sizes for use in the company's offices statewide.
The company's Big Island staff has been using the liquid soap since October, while Maui and Oahu offices will begin using the house-made soap this month.
"We love the new soap here," said Lily Pinto, Hawaii Island office administrator. "It lathers well and everyone likes it because it isn't scented. It's great for the guys and those who are sensitive to fragrance."
"We no longer buy hand soap for the offices so while we are saving a little money, the big benefit is that the entire Pacific Biodiesel team is now looking for ways to further our sustainable practices," said Director of Operations Jenna Long. "And, we all have softer skin!"
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Naleieha Named Employee of the Quarter
Maui native finds home at Pacific Biodiesel's Big Island facility
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Facilities Technician, Wayne Naleieha |
Facility Technician Wayne Naleieha was voted by his peers as Employee of the Quarter at Pacific Biodiesel's Big Island refinery.
Naleieha joined Pacific Biodiesel in 2014 with an extensive background working with boilers and power plants on both Maui and Hawaii Island.
His supervisor Al Leung, the company's Facility Manager, praised the award recipient noting, "Wayne is very valuable to the department. Everyone who has worked with him has been fortunate to learn from him. He helps make our department that much stronger."
Naleieha and his wife Gay moved to the Big Island 9 years ago from Maui; they have 5 children and 13 grandchildren.
"I love working here. We really work as a team to accomplish our jobs. It's like another family," he said. "It's an honor working with all the different personnel at the plant and we couldn't be this successful without everyone's help."
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Upcoming Events
National Biodiesel Conference
January 16-19, San Diego
Operations Manager Jenna Long and Plant Manager Tony Pastrama are attending the industry conference in California to meet with suppliers, learn about industry policy direction and network with contacts throughout the renewable energy field.
Cosme Tech
January 23-25, Tokyo, Japan
Pacific Biodiesel President Bob King and Marketing Director Joy Galatro will present the company's Maiden Hawaii Naturals pure macadamia nut beauty oil at Cosme Tech, Japan's largest trade show for cosmetic manufacturers. Over 30,000 attendees from around the world are expected to attend the three-day exposition.
Energy, Utility and Environment Conference
February 8-10, San Diego
Bob King, President of Pacific Biodiesel, will  be a guest speaker at EUEC, an annual conference designed to
facilitate information exchange and foster cooperation between industry, government, and regulatory stake-holders for the protection of our environment and energy security.
King will be joined by Cecily Barnes, Manager of Hawaii Electric Company's Fuel Department, for the session entitled Utility Scale Biodiesel Power Generation.the world are expected to attend the three-day exposition.
Hawaii Buildings, Facilities & Property Management Expo
March 8-9, Oahu
Pacific Biodiesel Account Executives Dana Shinsato and Rob Robinson will attend this annual industry expo to update Hawaii's hotel, property management and food service facilities about the company's expanded services and renewable fuel. 
Maui Energy Conference 
March 22-24, Maui
Pacific Biodiesel will exhibit at the
fourth annual Maui Energy Conference at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center. The event, hosted by the Office of Economic Development and the Maui Economic Development Board (MEDB), is Hawaii's leading energy conference. The theme for this year's conference is 'All Things Energy: Pursuing Opportunities for Electricity and Beyond'.
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Founded in 1995, Pacific Biodiesel is Hawaii's award-winning and internationally recognized producer of renewable fuels and the only commercial biofuel producer in the state. This Maui-based company established and operated the very first retail biodiesel pump in America and for the past two decades has built a solid reputation as a leading pioneer in the renewable energy industry. Throughout its history, Pacific Biodiesel's mission has remained constant: to promote a clean, sustainable energy future through the community-based production of renewable fuels. Today, with more than 80 employees statewide, Pacific Biodiesel excels in constructing and operating biodiesel processing plants, advancing process technology, and producing and marketing quality fuels. The company is also involved in many sustainable agriculture-related projects - including testing sunflowers as a potential year-round feedstock for producing biodiesel and exploring innovative ways to turn agriculture waste into useful products that can create new revenue streams for farmers, such as recycling waste papaya to grow algae for use in farm fertilizer and as feed for local aquaculture and livestock. With a nameplate production capacity of 5.5 million gallons annually, Pacific Biodiesel's Big Island plant utilizes state-of-the art distillation technology to produce the highest-quality biodiesel in the country.
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For more information please visit our
website
at:
biodiesel.com
or contact Beth Mathias at:
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