A quick message to let you know this important contested case docket before the Public Utilities Commission
begins tomorrow in Honolulu. At stake is Hawaiian Electric Company’s proposal to power their generators
with imported palm oil biodiesel to replace petroleum diesel. (Is that really our best choice? Do they believe that?)

I am one of a dozen witnesses called by Life of the Land to provide testimony. I encourage you to look at the volume of work done by LOL at this link: http://www.lifeofthelandhawaii.org/Biofuels_Docket.html

Life of the Land is our state’s top advocate for locally renewable energy strategies, and has been the only group
willing to sift through the bureaucratic maze of PUC rules and regulations. My hope is that each of you will consider
sending them a small check....if you can spare $10 or $20 it will make a difference! There is a Pay Pal link
on their website: http://www.lifeofthelandhawaii.org/
....or you can mail a check to the address below:
Life of the Land
76 N. King Street, Suite 203
Honolulu, HI 96817

Thank you for joining me in ways to promote local energy self-sufficiency, not more bad decisions by our
public utility, which now has us paying 43 cents/ kWh, the second highest rates in the U.S.!! (Kauai is 49 cents/kWH).

If any of you want to do more to help turn back the “palm oil pipeline” idea, please contact me directly.
Mahalo,
ROB

------ Forwarded Message
From: "Henry Curtis" <henry.lifeofthelandgmail.com
Date: Wed, 1 Oct 2008 07:16:54 -1000
To: "Henry Curtis" <henry.lifeofthelandgmail.com
Subject: palm oil hearing

Aloha,

Who: The Hawai`i Public Utilities Commission

Where: 465 S King Street, Room B-3 (Basement) (corner King, Punchbowl)

What: HECO - Imperium Biofuel Supply Contract EVIDENTIARY HEARING

When: Monday, October 6, 9 a.m -

Parties: HECO, Consumer Advocate, Life of the Land

Media Coverage: Cameras allowed in the hearing room

The Public is welcome. Arrive Early. Seating is limited.

The Issue: Should HECO power their new generator with PALM OIL, and if so, under what conditions.

In March 2005 HECO proposed powering their new Campbell Industrial Park electric generator with ethanol, then they switched to biodiesel, now they are focusing on imported Malaysian palm oil.

Life of the Land wants requirements that any imported palm oil not be done through increases in greenhouse gas emissions, exploitation of workers, and displacement of native communities. Respecting human rights is essential.

The Consumer Advocate, as usual, is a front for the utility and should be re-named the Utility Advocate.

How much will palm oil electricity cost?

Will rates rise?

Will switching from imported petroleum from 20 countries to importing palm oil from one country increase energy security?