Bob King, second from left, outlined some of the challenges for the biodiesel industry in Hawaii during a panel discussion at the 2019 Hawaii Energy Conference.
Photo courtesy of Maui Economic Development Board, Inc.
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The State of Biodiesel in Hawaii
Confronting the uncertainty in Federal and State Support
Bob King Presents at Hawaii Energy Conference
Pacific Biodiesel President Bob King participated in the 2019 Hawaii Energy Conference (formerly the Maui Energy Conference) held at the Maui Arts and Cultural Center in late March. King was a guest panelist discussing the topic,
“What are the Investment Opportunities Today in Energy?”
Moderated by Frank De Rego Jr, Director of Business Development Projects at Maui Economic Development Board, the panel also included Kyle Datta, General Partner, New Energy Partners; Brice Nzeukou, Product Manager, Ampaire; and Jeffrey W. Ubben, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, ValueAct Capital.
King addressed the challenges facing Pacific Biodiesel. While the goal has always been to produce and distribute the locally produced renewable fuel within the state of Hawaii, he outlined one current option given the lack of support from the current administration in Washington.
“When the federal incentives slowed down, California stepped up and now they’ve got what’s called a low carbon fuel standard that makes it worthwhile to bring renewables to California,” King explained at the conference. “It seems silly, and I just cringe, why would we send fuel from here where it’s most expensive to California where it’s pretty cheap, but we have to get our path from here to there, and right now the big support we do have in Hawaii is from the PUC, from Hawaiian Electric.”
King noted that the lack of federal support for the biodiesel industry has created uncertainty while current state and county incentives are also waning. Read the article as reported in
The Maui News.
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In This Issue
- The State of Biodiesel in Hawaii
- Maui's First State Licensed Hemp Farm
- Celebrating our Biodiesel Customers for Earth Month
- How Oahu's Drain Cleaning Services Have Made a Difference
- Imua Energy Introduces Reinke Pivot Irrigation System to Maui
- Sponsorships Benefit Non-Profit Organizations and Promote Sustainability
- Sand Island Facility Makes Great Strides in Waste Water Management
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Pacific Biodiesel's Bob KIng participated on the panel "What are the Investment Opportunities Today in Energy?" at the 2019 Hawaii Energy Conference.
Photo courtesy of Maui Economic Development Board, Inc.
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Supporters Rally to Defeat Proposed Increase of State Tax on Biodiesel
With new biodiesel taxes proposed this year at both the State Legislature and Maui County, supporters of renewable energy rallied with testimony against the increases.
In HB 1467, the State was proposing a tax on biodiesel while providing exemptions for “alternative” fossil-based fuels including natural gas, coal-derived liquid fuels, liquified petroleum gas.
Blue Planet Foundation provided testimony opposing the bill noting in part, “Hawaii’s fuel tax law currently provides for significant reductions in the tax for what the statute defines as ‘alternative fuels.’ These alternative fuels, however, are not equivalent to clean or low-carbon fuels. In fact, the definition of alternative fuels in HRS §243-1 includes alcohols with gasoline or other fuels; natural gas; liquefied petroleum gas; and coal-derived liquid fuels. These fuels are neither clean nor alternative to fossil sources—they are fossil-based.”
“Providing significant tax exemptions to these high-carbon fossil fuels makes little sense given the state’s climate and clean energy targets. Continuing these exemptions while increasing taxes on locally produced, low-carbon biodiesel, as HB 1467 proposes, defies logic.”
“HB 1467 would penalize consumers who support the State’s commitment to 100% renewable energy by using biodiesel as well as the companies who currently provide, or plan to provide, our communities with this locally produced, renewable fuel.
If Hawaii is committed to a clean energy future, HB 1467 must not be passed.”
In another excerpt from Blue Planet’s testimony, the role of biodiesel in achieving the state’s clean energy goals was highlighted: “Biodiesel from local waste or plant sources is a drop-in, low-carbon replacement for diesel fuel. It is already in use in thousands of vehicles statewide, as well as burned in power plants to generate electricity. Because it is produced from plant sources that recently consumed carbon dioxide, biodiesel has a far smaller carbon footprint than diesel, which originates from organic matter that is millions of years old. Because biodiesel can be locally produced and used in so many applications—from cars and trucks to stationary generating equipment—the fuel will likely serve a key role in achieving our clean energy future. Passage of HB 1467, to the extent that it applies to locally produced biodiesel, will make achieving our clean energy and carbon goals more difficult.”
After moving through the State House and in the face of compelling opposition, the bill died in the Senate.
Pacific Biodiesel Director of Operations Jenna Long explained, “Unlike a number of other states, there’s no mandate for biodiesel here in Hawaii. Our state on-road tax exemption has been helpful but it is odd to see challenges to the minimal support we currently receive.” She continued, “And on the county level, Maui is trying to take away their road tax exemption. What we’re trying to point out to others is that, because there is such low support for renewables right now from the federal administration, we really depend on local and state support in order to compete with petroleum and the decades of subsidies that they’ve already received.”
Maui County Instigates Tax on Biodiesel Blends
In Maui County, despite community input against a road tax increase on biodiesel, the County Council this month approved adding a 6 cent per gallon on-road tax on biodiesel blends in the County’s fiscal year 2020 budget. If the final budget is signed by the Mayor, the tax will go into effect July 1, 2019.
“
We should be supporting locally made, environmentally friendly fuels, not making it more expensive for residents to do the right thing,” wrote Sarah McLane Bryan of The Makaliʻi Group in her testimony to the Council. “With a goal of 100% renewables by 2045, it is counterproductive to tax the very people who will be needed to achieve this goal.”
The new tax rate does reflect a compromise from the Mayor’s suggested 12 cent increase to the on-road tax on all biodiesel; the approved rate increase applies only to biodiesel blends of 20% to 99%. Those customers who purchase 100% biodiesel will not experience a tax increase.
Pacific Biodiesel is grateful for the support of its commercial and private biodiesel customers, employees and clean energy advocates across the state, as it continues to fight climate change and improve Hawaii’s economic and environmental future.
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Maui's First State-Licensed Hemp Farm
Blessing and media event held on Earth Day to announce milestone for Maui
In celebration of Earth Day on April 22, and in a continued effort to support sustainable, community-based agriculture and renewable energy, Pacific Biodiesel founders Bob and Kelly King launched Maui’s first state-licensed industrial hemp commercial farming operation under their personal entity, Imua Energy, LLC.
The Hawaii Department of Agriculture (HDOA) granted the license to Imua Energy, LLC for the purposes of research on the growth, cultivation and marketing of industrial hemp. The 10-acre site, located within the Kings' 115-acre biofuel crop farm in central Maui, will be the first industrial hemp farm in the United States powered 100% by biodiesel.
The commercial farming operation will initially produce full-spectrum industrial hemp extract, including CBD. The entire sustainable operation will continue to be free of pesticides, herbicides, and GMO crops.
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The Hawaiian blessing of the new venture, conducted by Kimokeo Kapahulehua, was attended by company employees, media representatives and select guests. Bob and Kelly King provided an overview of the operation and plans for distribution.
“We are so honored to have been granted the first industrial hemp commercial farming license on Maui
,” said Bob King.
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Addressing media, employees and invited guests, Kelly and Bob King outlined plans for Maui's first industrial hemp farm.
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“The cultivation of industrial hemp offers a wealth of opportunity for our island, from health and wellness and culinary usage to textile and biofuel production," King explained. "With this expanded farming operation, we are
inspired to continue uncovering new ways to further our commitment to agricultural diversity and renewable energy in Hawaii.”
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The hemp extract will be farmed and manufactured by Imua Energy and distributed and marketed to cosmetic manufacturers by
Maiden Hawaii Naturals, a wholly owned subsidiary of Pacific Biodiesel. Maiden Hawaii Naturals will also incorporate Imua Energy’s premium hemp extract as a featured ingredient in its natural skincare brand,
Kuleana®. This Maui-grown hemp extract will contain the full spectrum of industrial hemp-derived cannabinoids, including CBD. Imua Energy has purchased a supercritical CO2 extractor to allow for production of pure, clean, quality extract with no further heating or distillation required.
As part of the April 22
nd blessing, guests were encouraged to participate in a symbolic planting of various seedlings, signifying their commitment to sustainable agriculture.
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Guests planted seedlings at the industrial hemp farm site..
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Kimokeo Kapahulehua conducted the blessing at the Earth Day event.
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Maui Now's Wendy Osher interviewed Bob King for her video news report.
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Coverage of the event was carried by state-wide television, radio and print media, as well as in national industry publications, available in list below.
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Celebrating Our Biodiesel Customers for Earth Month
Although April 22 is officially designated as Earth Day, Pacific Biodiesel used the entire month of April as an “Earth Month” opportunity to celebrate its biodiesel customers. Spring sunflowers provided a great backdrop to share information about our sustainable, community-based model of agriculture and renewable fuel while honoring those who have committed to reduce their use of fossil fuels.
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Maui Disposal celebrates 50th anniversary and support of renewable fuel on Maui
Celebrating their 50
th Anniversary this year, Maui Disposal has made a commitment to sustainability by fueling with biodiesel. Employees and their families visited the Pacific Biodiesel biofuel crop farm on a Saturday morning last month to learn about how biodiesel is made and the company’s model of sustainable agriculture for food, fuel, cosmetic products and more.
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Bob King talked about the origins of biodiesel on Maui and plans for future growth.
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Guests sampled Kuleana® beauty oils and sunscreen from Maiden Hawaii Naturals, LLC, a subsidiary of Pacific Biodiesel. Next came a tasting of the company’s locally produced Maui Sunflower and Hawaii Macadamia premium culinary oils being used by some of Maui’s top chefs.
Maui Disposal Vice President of Operations Rick Miller wrote, “The tour was not only fun but was extremely educational – we had no idea about all the products you've developed! Everyone in the office was talking about it this morning and the people who weren’t able to attend were asking a lot of questions.”
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After the informational tour, the Maui Disposal team took a celebratory photo at the sunflower field.
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Pacific Biodiesel and Hyatt Regency Maui Partner for Trilogy’s Blue ‘Aina
On Sunday, April 14, Pacific Biodiesel teamed up with Hyatt Regency Maui to sponsor one of Trilogy Excursion’s Blue ‘Aina events.
In 2010 Trilogy launched its Blue ’Aina reef clean-up campaign with the objective to clean up and maintain Maui’s reefs and surrounding lands, educate the community through classes and citizen science, raise money and lend volunteer support for local non-profits.
“The Blue ʻAina program gave us the perfect opportunity for us to bring together our customers and partners who are walking the talk of sustainability here on Maui,” pointed out Pacific Biodiesel Marketing Director Joy Galatro.
Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa, a longtime leader in eco-friendly and sustainable efforts, co-sponsored the event. The Hyatt has been recycling its used cooking oil and grease trap waste with Pacific Biodiesel for many years and recently was named the first and only resort in Hawaii to achieve Gold LEED certification from the US Green Building Council for Existing Buildings Operations and Maintenance. The Hyatt is one of only four resorts worldwide that has earned this LEED certification.
“Hyatt and its signature restaurant, Japengo, are thrilled to partner with Pacific Biodiesel, Trilogy and Cynthia Matzke on this special Blue Aina Sail. The resort believes that part of creating a better tomorrow is working together with other forward-thinking organizations and individuals and is grateful for the opportunity to do so,” said Klara Crocco, Director of Marketing and Communications for the Hyatt Regency Maui.
Japengo, the Hyatt’s signature restaurant, was the food sponsor for the April event and incorporated our company’s new culinary oils into the lunch menu items.
“Hyatt Regency Maui’s Executive Chef Greg Grohowski and his culinary team thoughtfully prepared today’s lunch with Hawaiian Macadamia Nut Oil and Maui Sunflower Oil. They have been incorporated in the salad and the cooking of the meat. Using locally made products is very important to Hyatt Regency Maui and Chef Greg is thrilled that these fresh, clean and flavorful oils are now a part of Maui’s culinary scene,” Crocco added.
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Bob and Kelly King addressed the sustainability-minded group.
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Attendees inspect seeds in the sunflower head shown by Marketing Director Joy Galatro
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The film crew captures Bob King as he shows remnants of plastic irrigation tubing left in the fields.
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The Trilogy V catamaran, based out of Maalaea Harbor, is powered by B100 biodiesel. In 2015, Trilogy announced its decision to switch to the locally produced, renewable fuel.
“Our switch to biodiesel was an easy decision for our company,” says LiAnne Driessen, Director of Sales and Marketing for Trilogy Excursions. “As stewards of our environment, we commit to low-impact-consumption and maximizing renewable resources. When our vessels aren’t being powered by the wind, running off locally produced biodiesel is our next best option”.
The non-profit partner selected to benefit from the event is
Spiral Pacific, a non-profit alliance dedicated to marine ecosystem conservation. Spiral Pacific was co-founded by marine researcher, educator and documentarian Cynthia Matzke. She began working with Trilogy in 1997 as a dive instructor and helped launch the original Blue Aina series. She is currently a researcher with Scripps Institute of Oceanography.
Film students from Maui Huliau Foundation were invited to meet Cynthia and work with the Spiral Pacific crew to film interviews and footage of the event.
Representatives from these partner organizations joined the Pacific Biodiesel team earlier that day for an educational briefing and tour of the sunflower fields at the company’s biofuel crop farm in Central Maui before the scheduled sail on Trilogy V.
High winds prevented the Trilogy from sailing that day, but it didn’t stop the group from enjoying more conversation and lunch on board.
Interested in sponsoring a Blue ʻAina event? Click
here to find out more.
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Following the farm tour, attendees from Pacific Biodiesel, Hyatt Regency Maui, Trilogy, UHMC, Maui Huliau Foundation along with the film crew from Spiral Pacific boarded the Trilogy V at Maalaea Harbor for lunch and further discussions about sustainability.
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Customers greeted at the pump on National Biodiesel Day!
Maui team members showed their appreciation for biodiesel customers as they visited the pump on March 18, National Biodiesel Day. Customers, including drivers for fleet customers DHX and Maui Disposal were surprised with sunflower blooms. Dispatch Coordinator Ferd Ballesteros, Fleet Manager David Mollena and Mechanic Jason Imamura, show off the National Biodiesel Day banner in front of the Hobron pump station.
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How Oahu’s Drain Cleaning Services Have Made a Difference for Our Customers
Two years into the program, preventative maintenance has proved effective
From all accounts, Pacific Biodiesel’s Drain Cleaning Services are a success. What began in 2017 as an extension of grease trap pumping services on Oahu to efficiently deal with emergency calls has transformed into a full-service preventative maintenance program requested by more clients every month.
According to Drain Cleaning Technician Tony Addison, “We usually get called because of an emergency. After an initial assessment we are able to quickly determine the source of the problem and resolve the issue.”
“This gives us an opportunity to educate the customer on ways to prevent grease trap problems. Our in-line camera system allows us to show images of the trap and drain lines “before” and “after” cleaning which opens many eyes.
Not all emergencies are grease trap related. For example, a property manager called Pacific Biodiesel because a grease trap had overflowed. The drain line camera clearly showed there were rocks in the line, on the city side not on the property side. With clear evidence in hand, the manager was able to resolve the matter with the City and shortly thereafter signed up for the quarterly maintenance program.
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“It gives the customer a sense of security and confidence that they won’t have to experience grease trap overflows or pay a premium for emergency services,” Addison explained. “They know what the cost is in advance and can plan ahead.”
At right, Drain Cleaning Technician Tony Addison
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Oahu Fleet Manager Moses Magno reported that many emergencies are caused because the pumping frequency set by the City and County is not often enough. The company’s Core Sampling program will indicate to the customer if an increase in pumping frequency is recommended.
“We see this as a great solution to reducing the need for emergency services,” said Director of Operations Jenna Long. “It’s a win-win for both Pacific Biodiesel and our customers. Our preventative maintenance program helps to eliminate emergency calls for grease trap overflows that can negatively impact our customer’ business operations while helping us minimize the costs of after-hours emergency response.”
Pacific Biodiesel’s Drain Clean Service is currently offered on Oahu where the demand is the greatest.
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Industry Updates and Links
For interesting info and the latest news
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Biodiesel Plays Active Role In Food Waste Reduction
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In this Biodiesel Magazine article,
National Biodiesel Board estimates that nearly 2 billion pounds of used cooking oil is diverted from landfills each year, making recycled cooking oil the second largest oil source for biodiesel.
Click
here
to read all about it.
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What’s In Our Gasoline Is Killing Us
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Produced by the Clean Fuels Development Coalition (CFDC), in cooperation with the Urban Air Initiative this new report documents the connection between toxic fuel additives, vehicle emissions and human health threats. Find the info
here.
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Bipartisan House Bill to Stop EPA from Undermining RFS
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“The ‘Renewable Fuel Standard Integrity Act of 2019’ makes sure that moving forward, the EPA’s waiver process will be fair, timely, and transparent," said U.S. Rep. Dusty Johnson, R-South Dakota who co-sponsorsed the bill with Rep. Collin C. Peterson, D-Minnesota. Read the article in Biodiesel Magazine
here.
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Imua Energy Introduces Reinke Pivot Irrigation System to Maui
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Imua Energy, led by Bob King, has been named the Maui County distributor for Reinke Irrigation Systems. The first of the center pivot systems arrived on island earlier this month and is slated for operation in the central Maui biofuel crop farm.
Center pivot irrigation has become one of the most efficient and effective forms of irrigation by using precision technology for many different applications throughout a field. These mechanized products are designed to minimize runoff while maximizing water delivery directly to the root zone.
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While Bob King operates the lift, Pacific Biodiesel Mechanic Jason Imamura works on installing the center pivot irrigation system
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According to the Reinke website, “The future of irrigated agriculture will depend on the acceptance of changing technologies to increase precision management practices and enhance crop production. The value of efficiency and effectiveness is essential to maintain a sustainable agriculture environment.”
“This is the first of the new generation of center pivot irrigation systems,” King explained. “The new system is a quarter of a mile long with eight towers; 70 acres will be irrigated by this half-circle pivot system. After farming on this central Maui site for more than two years, I can see that this is the piece necessary to get to the next generation of diversified agriculture without putting plastics in the ground.”
King is also proposing to install center pivots to Mahi Pono to make their agriculture ventures on Maui more water-efficient
.
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The new irrigation system takes shape at the company's central Maui farm.
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Sponsorships Benefit Non-Profit Organizations and Promote Sustainability
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In March, Pacific Biodiesel was a proud sponsor of the 2019 Taste of School Gardens. The annual event is a fundraiser for Grow Some Good, a non-profit organization dedicated to creating hands-on, outdoor learning experiences that cultivate curiosity about natural life cycles, connect students to their food sources, and inspire better nutrition choices.
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The event, held at Maui Tropical Plantation, featured dishes created by some of Maui’s top chefs and made with local and school garden-grown ingredients. This year, Maiden Hawaii Naturals donated its culinary oils to all 10 chefs who incorporated the oils in their menu items at the event. For example, our Maui Sunflower Oil was featured by Chef Travis Morrin from Fork & Salad in his Ni’ihau Lamb Chili and Chef Craig Dryhurst of Four Seasons Maui in his Spiced Fish Tacos while Chef Taylor Ponte of The Mill House featured our Hawaiian Macadamia Oil in his Macadamia Nut Paté.
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Executive Chef Taylor Ponte of The Mill House was joined by Pacific Biodiesel's Joy Galatro and Rob Robinson at the Taste of School Gardens.
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Also to be enjoyed were fine wine, local brews, live music and a silent auction. In addition to providing the culinary oils to participating chefs, Pacific Biodiesel also donated a gift basket of its culinary oils and Kuleana® beauty products to help raise funds for this worthy cause.
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Chef Travis Morrin from Fork & Salad shows off a bottle of Hawaiian Macadamia Nut oil.
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Fork & Saladʻs Niʻihau Lamb Chili incorporated MHNʻs Maui Sunflower Oil in the recipe.
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Four Seasons Maui Chef Craig Dryhurst used Maui Sunflower Oil for his Spiced Fish Tacos.
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- 2019 ʻAipono “Excellence in Sustainability” Award
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The Hyatt Regency Maui was the site of the 2019 ‘Aipono Awards, the annual gala benefit for the University of Hawaii Maui College Culinary Arts Program. For the 8th consecutive year, Pacific Biodiesel co-sponsored the “Excellence in Sustainability” Award recognizing the hotel or resort that has demonstrated an overall commitment to preserving and protecting our environment. This year the award was presented to Fairmont Kea Lani by Pacific Biodiesel President Bob King. General Manager Michael Pye along with members of the Fairmont Kea Lani sustainability team attended the disco themed event.
At right, Bob King congratulates General Manager Michael Pye as he presents the Excellence in Sustainability Award to Fairmont Kea Lani.
Photo courtesy of Mieko Hoffman/Maui No Ka Oi Magazine
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"Sustainability is at the forefront of our lives now more than ever, especially as the effects of climate change are already making an impact on our island state," said Pacific Biodiesel Co-Founder and Vice President Kelly King. "Fairmont Kea Lani demonstrates a clear commitment to practicing sustainability daily in all aspects of its operations. Their diligence to reduce waste, increase efficiency and buy local is matched by the many creative ways they support the community and engage their employees and guests to be a part of the solution.”
While most of the restaurant awards at the event are voted on by the readers of Maui No Ka Oi Magazine, the winner of the Excellence in Sustainability Award is selected from applications submitted by hotels, resorts and other food service venues in Maui County.
Fairmont initiatives include
offsetting nearly 10% of its energy demand through its solar installation; a laundry water recycling system that over the last 10 years has recycled more than 104 million gallons of water; donation of used soap and in-suite amenities to be recycled through Clean the World Foundation; sourcing all produce, meat and fish through local farmers and producers; and, the resort’s collaboration with Hawaii’s STEM program to teach students about career opportunities in environmental sustainability.
"We applaud their efforts – they have raised the bar in their industry and remind all of us to step it up when it comes to sustainability in Hawaii," said King.
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Pacific Biodiesel co-founders Bob and Kelly King at right, join Fairmont Kea Lani team members for a celebratory photo.
Photo courtesy of Mieko Hoffman/Maui No Ka Oi Magazine
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Sand Island Facility Makes Great Strides in Wastewater Management
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The Pacific Biodiesel team at Sand Island on Oahu continues to successfully operate the new centrifuge system. The facility has been efficiently extracting the oil from grease trap waste it collects and processing the water for disposal on the island.
“The big piece is being able to process our water on site to meet City and County standards for wastewater,” said Director of Operations Jenna Long. “This decreases the need to ship the water elsewhere. Minimizing interisland shipping makes good financial sense while significantly reducing our environmental footprint.”
This efficiency will also allow the facility to take in more grease trap waste than previously possible. “Our overall strategy is focused on processing our GT waste and disposing of water on each island,” concluded Long.
The Pacific Biodiesel facility at Sand Island is currently the only grease trap processing site in the state of Hawaii.
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Around Town
Some of the places we've been....
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Rotary Club Presentations – March, April and May, Maui
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Pacific Biodiesel's sustainable model for community-based agriculture and renewable energy has been of great interest to Rotary club members on Maui. Recent presentations have been given at
Lahaina Sunset Rotary, Rotary of Kahului, and the Kihei-Wailea Rotary
Clubs.
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Hawaii Buildings, Facilities and Property Management Expo – March 6 & 7, Oahu
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Account Executives Dana Shinsato and Rob Robinson represented Pacific Biodiesel at the annual Hawaii Buildings, Facilities and Property Management Expo held in March at the Neal Blaisdell Center in Honolulu. Attendees were briefed on the full range of recycling and preventative maintenance services offered by Pacific Biodiesel including used cooking oil collection, grease trap pumping, drain line inspection and core sampling.
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Maui Hotel and Lodging Association Spring Mixer - March 14, Maui
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The 2019 MHLA Spring Mixer was hosted by the Westin Nanea Resort in Kaanapali. The quarterly events are an opportunity for hotel and allied members to network in a casual setting. Pacific Biodiesel's Account Executive Rob Robinson and Dispatch Coordinator Ferd Ballesteros are seen at right with Westin Nanea General Manager Chris Rabang and Maui Hotel and Lodging Association Executive Director Lisa Paulson.
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Hawaii Restaurant Association Networking Event - March 26, Maui
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With its new chapter in full swing on the Valley Isle, the Hawaii Restaurant Association invited members to Tantes restaurant at Maalaea in March. The Pacific Biodiesel team joined restaurant owners, managers and staff to hear about what's new in Maui's culinary scene and answer questions about our services and spread the great testimonials we've received from local chef about our company's premium culinary oils.
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Best Places to Work Awards Gala - March 28, Oahu
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Celebrating the 8th consecutive year to receive this award, Pacific Biodiesel employees from all three island operations were selected to attend the annual "Best Places to Work" awards gala at the Hilton Hawaiian Village in Waikiki. Representing Hawaii Island was Facilities Technician Benny Cruz; Operations Assistant and Mechanic Reiner Reimers attended from Oahu; from Maui, Marketing Associate Beth Mathias and Dispatch Coordinator Ferd Ballesteros attended the event along with Marketing Director Joy Galatro who represented the management team. Attendees were encouraged to dress-up for the James Bond themed evening. Ballesteros, as "Odd Job", was a dead ringer for the
Goldfinger
character.
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Huliau Youth Environmental Film Festival - May 19, Maui
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Maui Huliau Foundation, a non-profit environmental education group, hosted their 9th annual Huliau Youth Environmental Film Festival at the historic ʻīao Theatre on Maui. Pacific Biodiesel attendees included Founders Bob and Kelly King, Marketing Director Joy Galatro and Bookkeeper Emily Villanueva who came with her family. "I
was blown away
at the quality of the films and the content shared in them," said Villanueva. "I had no idea all the initiatives this organization coordinates for our community. I'm so proud that Pacific Biodiesel supports Maui Huliau Foundation."
The evening premiered ten short environmental films made by students from fourteen different schools in Maui County.
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Jacobsen Conference - May 22-23, Denver, Colorado
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With a expanding focus on sustainable agriculture, Pacific Biodiesel President Bob King attended the 8th annual Jacobsen Conference earlier this month to get a better understanding of the different variable and factors that affect the biodiesel and co-products marketplace.
The Jacobsen is recognized as the industry standard for pricing and commentary in the biomass based diesel market.
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Hawaii Hotel and Restaurant Show - May 29-30, Oahu
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The Hawaii Convention Center was the site of the 2019 Hawaii Hotel and Restaurant Show, a partnership between the Hawaii Restaurant Association and the Hawaii Hotel and Lodging Association. Pacific Biodiesel promoted the company's full range of services and products at the inaugural event, staffed by Account Executives Dana Shinsato and Rob Robinson. In addition to the expo booth on the main exhibit floor, Maiden Hawaii Naturals Culinary Oils were displayed in the "Sustainability Seminar" room, featuring a selection of the latest sustainable products of services offered in the industry
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HLTA President Mufi Hanneman chatted with Shinsato at the Pacific Biodiesel booth.
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Maui Ag Fest & 4H Livestock Fair - June 1, Maui
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The Pacific Biodiesel team was front and center at the
Maui Ag Fest
to showcase the country’s highest quality biodiesel as well featuring the full line of Kuleana Beauty products and Maiden Hawaii Naturals premium culinary oils. The event is an annual celebration of the county's agricultural community featuring local plants, produce and locally made products. The company's Maui Sunflower and Hawaiian Macadamia Nut culinary oils were a hot item, selling out well before the end of the day. These premium culinary oils are currently available for sale at Maui Tropical Plantation.
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Pacific Biodiesel's Administrative Assistant Dora Viramontes and Marketing Director Joy Galatro were on hand to show off the company's full range of products and services.
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Upcoming Events
Where you can find us in the coming months
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- June 10-12 – Hawaii State Association of Counties will hold its annual conference at the Wailea Beach Marriott, hosted by the Maui County Council. The theme for the 2019 conference is Hot Topics in Sustainability and Bob King will participate on the Alternative Fuels panel.
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- July 3 – Maui Police Department Summer Leadership Farm Tour - For the second year in a row, students participating in the MPD Summer Leadership program will learn about Pacific Biodiesel’s community-based “agriculture and energy” production model when they visit the central Maui biofuel crop farm.
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- July 10 & 11 - Maiden Hawaii Naturals has been invited to showcase its premium culinary oils as a participant with the Hawaii Department of Agriculture at the 2019 Hawaii Lodging, Hospitality and Food Services Expo.
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- August 3 - As a sponsor of the 2019 Huliau Food and Film Festival, Pacific Biodiesel will attend the annual fundraiser and provide culinary oils for participating chefs as the company continues to support the inspirational work of Maui Huliau Foundation.
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- August 20-22 – Pacific Biodiesel President Bob King will be a guest speaker on the topic “Diesel Alternatives for Heavy Duty and Tactical Vehicles” at the Energy Exchange in Denver, Colorado, presented by the office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, an office of the U.S. Department of Energy.
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Founded in 1995, Pacific Biodiesel is the nation's longest operating and most experienced biodiesel producer, and the only commercial liquid biofuel producer in the state. A Maui-based company with nearly 100 employees statewide, we established the first retail biodiesel pump in America and for more than two decades we've been an innovative leader in the renewable energy industry. With a nameplate production capacity of 5.5 million gallons annually, our refinery on Hawaii Island utilizes advanced distillation technology to produce the highest-quality biodiesel in the country and in 2016 became the first facility in the world to be certified by the Sustainable Biodiesel Alliance. Our company has always focused on recycling with a zero waste philosophy that incorporates development of value-added co-products. Today, our collaborative, community-based "agriculture and energy" production model demonstrates a full-circle sustainability system designed to fight climate change and help Hawaii achieve a clean, sustainable energy future.
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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 Hawaii 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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Pacific Biodiesel
40 Hobron Avenue, Kahului Hi 96753
Editor:
Joy Galatro, Marketing Director
Staff Writer & Layout:
Beth Mathias, Marketing Associate
For more information visit our website
or contact Beth Mathias at
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