Duke Aiona: My Thoughts on Independence Day
As we celebrate America鈥檚 independence this Fourth of July, let us take time to remember our service men and women, past and present, and their families who have sacrificed so much for our freedom. We all owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to these individuals for the liberties and independence we enjoy today.
It is because of our men and women in uniform that America is the land of opportunity, where dreams are achieved through hard work and determination. Our history is full of stories of new ideas and discoveries that have not only revolutionized our nation but also the world.
These tales of innovation and resiliency must continue to be applied in Hawaii, for we have a choice: reduce our dependence on others for economic growth and basic needs like food and energy, or allow the unsustainable status quo to remain.
The people of Hawaii want our state to be more self-sufficient in terms of energy, agriculture and economic diversification. They want to be more independent.
Despite our state鈥檚 agricultural legacy and ideal climate, more than 85 percent of Hawaii鈥檚 food is imported. Eighty-five percent of our energy comes from foreign sources, and almost a quarter of our gross domestic product is generated by the tourism industry.
That is why I am committed to transforming Hawaii into a worldwide model of clean energy security and sustainability, which will create jobs and keep money circulating in our local economy. Seventy-five percent of Hawaii鈥檚 electricity comes from 12 million barrels of oil a year. Cutting that number by just one third will keep $1 billion in Hawaii鈥檚 economy.
Through the Hawaii Clean Energy Initiative, we will generate 70 percent or more of our energy through energy efficiency and such clean, renewable resources as wind, solar, ocean, bioenergy and geothermal.
We must also encourage a small business climate that promotes innovation, creates private jobs and provides collaboration with the public sector to help solve our public policy challenges.
Successful technologies developed locally and implemented globally provide a win-win for our community businesses by helping to expand and diversify our economy and to create new jobs.
We must also strengthen our efforts to protect and preserve our islands for future agriculture development. Increasing our food self-sufficiency will contribute to local communities instead of sending our dollars out of state.
I believe that to be a true leader, innovation, entrepreneurship and stewardship need to be encouraged, nurtured and rewarded.
It is not enough to encourage today鈥檚 citizens and businesses to innovate and think big. Public officials have to do the same. And I want to encourage all our local businesspeople to get involved and play a larger part in securing a brighter future of opportunity and innovation.
The American Dream is based upon our liberty and opportunity to flourish. It is the hope of all to build a prosperous future, and we can achieve it right here in Hawaii.
