News Roundup – November 2023

IN THIS ISSUE: Pictured above, Pacific Biodiesel celebrates production milestones at its Hawaii Island refinery; Demand accelerates for biodiesel as renewable transportation fuel; Pacific Biodiesel and Maiden Hawaii Naturals support relief efforts for Maui community after wildfire disaster.

Disaster Response and Milestone Achievements

An Update from Operations Director Jenna Long

Our hearts go out to the Maui community this holiday season. It’s still hard to fathom the devastating loss of Lahaina Town due to the wildfires of August 8th. Although our Maui employees are safe, many have family members and friends directly affected by this disaster.

Pacific Biodiesel has supported relief efforts from the very first days of the disaster. This issue includes some highlights and more information on ways you can support the Maui community. Recovering from a disaster of this magnitude will take time, and we will continue to find ways to support our island neighbors.

Director of Operations Jenna Long

Now, for some good news....In October, our Hawaii Island refinery set a new monthly production record of over 560,000 gallons of biodiesel. Through November, we have surpassed 5.5 million gallons for the year and are on track for a record year of production. All of our biodiesel continues to be sold in Hawaii.

As you’ll read in this issue, 2023 marks some other exciting milestones for Pacific Biodiesel. In the decade since our Hawaii Island refinery began producing fuel in 2013, we have produced a cumulative 50 million gallons of advanced biodiesel – the energy equivalent of nearly 725,000 Megawatt hours (725 Gigawatt hours) of clean electricity for Hawaii! Find the details below in our article about National Manufacturing Day.

There is a growing interest in biodiesel for transportation as we heard from fleet managers at the recent Hawaii Transportation Association’s annual conference. The demand for our locally made 100% renewable fuel also continues to increase from various other sectors, including marine and power generation.

We’re proud of the entire Pacific Biodiesel team for working together and supporting our mission to promote a clean, sustainable energy future through the community-based production of renewable fuels. Read on to learn about our community outreach events and other noteworthy happenings at Pacific Biodiesel.

Mahalo for your support of locally produced biodiesel!

Jenna Long

Director of Operations

Pacific Biodiesel and Maiden Hawaii Naturals Show Support for Maui Fire Relief Efforts

Just days after the fire, Pacific Biodiesel President Bob King who serves as Chair of the American Red Cross of Hawaii - Maui County Advisory Council actively worked with the Red Cross Maui team to assist in setting up shelters and distribution sites for fire survivors.

Pacific Biodiesel's support of relief efforts and fundraising programs also included offering free biodiesel to boat operators providing emergency transportation of supplies to Lahaina, donating Maiden Hawaii Naturals culinary oils to Chef Hui  for local chefs and volunteers cooking for families in need, and supporting the production of a musical livestream concert by Licorice Pizza Records featuring a mix of Maui musicians and internationally renowned artists.

At the luncheon where President and Dr. Biden met with victims and first responders, Bob and Kelly King joined other members of the Red Cross team for a group shot with Hawaii Governor Josh Green.

Read more about these and other support efforts and ways you can continue to support the Maui Community here.

Pacific Biodiesel teams on Oahu, Maui and Hawaii Island gathered to help celebrate National Manufacturing Day and mark some important milestones for the company.

“We couldn’t have done it without each and every one of you,” wrote Co-Founders Bob and Kelly King in a letter to each employee.

Learn about these exciting milestones here.

Pacific Biodiesel President Bob King and Director of Operations Jenna Long are flanked by some of the staff at the company's Hawaii Island refinery on October 7, National Manufacturing Day.

Demand Accelerates for Biodiesel as Renewable Transportation Fuel in Hawaii

Industry update by Christopher Long, Retail Biodiesel Sales Manager

In the race to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the push to electrify America’s trucking industry is being met with concerns by truckers who prefer to use their existing diesel vehicles, fueled with clean renewable fuels.

In this article, Retail Biodiesel Sales Manager Chris Long shares some recent insights from Hawaii's trucking industry and what the American Trucking Association and Diesel Technology Forum have to say about the transition to renewable fuels.

Retail Biodiesel Sales Manager Christopher Long

Read more here.

Twigg-Smith Selected to Join Pacific Century Fellows Cohort

Pacific Biodiesel’s James Twigg-Smith was selected earlier this year as one of 37 young leaders in The Pacific Century Fellows Program’s 18th cohort.

Twigg-Smith, who has been with Pacific Biodiesel since 2012, is the company’s Director of Agriculture Operations, overseeing activity throughout the state. “I look forward to connecting with fellow members, policymakers and community leaders to share our circular economy model in an open exchange of ideas as we strive for a more diversified, sustainable agriculture system in Hawaii,” he said.

Read the full article here.

Pacific Biodiesel Community and Industry Outreach