life of the lands

Hawai`i's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2014 was $76.2 billion. The U.S. Energy Information Administration updated its  Hawai`i Profile  on September 17, 2015. "Hawaii's geographic isolation makes its energy infrastructure unique among the states. In recent years,  more than one-tenth  of the state's gross domestic product has been spent on energy, most of that for imported crude oil and petroleum products.” These figures are consistent with international figures. “ World energy consumption  refers to the total energy used by all of human civilization. Typically measured per year, it involves all energy harnessed from every energy source applied towards humanity's endeavors across every single industrial and technological sector, across every country. … In 2011, expenditures on energy totaled over 6 trillion USD, or about 10% of the world gross domestic product (GDP).” Energy drives the world economy at $190,000 per second, $...

The role of energy cannot be understated.  Both internationally, and in Hawai`i, expenditures on energy account for more than ten percent of all expenditures  (Energy $$$ > 10% of GDP).  Energy drives commerce and industry. Energy costs are the major financial input for agriculture and moving water. See:  Energy Plays Dominant Role in Hawai`i Economy In addition, energy is the number one causer of health impacts, loss of critical habitat, pollution, and climate change. See:  Energy Plays Dominant Role in Threats to Hawai`i Residents & Ecosystems Life of the Land was founded in February 1970, one month after the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) became law, which required federal Environmental Impact Statements (EISs), and two months before the first Earth Day. During the 1960s HECO spent money on advertisements encouraging ratepayers to increase their use of electricity. In 1971 HECO asked the Public Utilities Commission for the right to pass the a...

Fossil Fuel use is a threat to every form of life.   Honolulu Harbor Oil Tanks A National Academy of Science Study, conducted at the request of U.S. Congress, analyzed energy-induced health impacts. “ Hidden Costs of Energy: Unpriced Consequences of EnergyProduction and Use ” (2010) found that in the U.S. 20,000 people die prematurely each year from fossil fuel air pollution, and that U.S. health impacts cost $120 billion/year.  The study excluded health impacts associated with global warming; burning oil for trains, ships and planes; coal mining; and coal byproducts dumped into streams and rivers. Waiau Oil Spill A Chevron pipeline ruptured on May 14, 1996, discharging 41,000 gallons of No. 6 bunker fuel oil into Waiawa Stream adjacent to HECO’s Waiau Power Plant. Being slightly heavier than fresh water, the oil slowly sank through the Waiawa Stream water table, contaminating life forms along its spread and descent. Being slightly lighter than salt water, when it reache...