HONOLULU—This year’s Hawaii Green Business Program (HGBP) awards ceremony has been expanded to include a new “HGBP Alakai 10-Entry Level” category that encourages smaller restaurants and food service companies to take steps to become more sustainable while improving their bottom line. The awardees are among 35 businesses, organizations and events in several categories recognized today for adopting energy efficiency and sustainable business practices that will help them save money while advancing Hawaii’s clean energy agenda.
“It’s encouraging to see more and more businesses joining the movement to conserve energy and implement sustainable practices that will protect our environment and help Hawaii meet its clean energy goals,” Gov. David Ige said. “The Hawaii Green Business Program creates a profitable partnership among business, government and a concerned public.”
HGBP provides technical assistance to businesses committed to operating in an environmentally and socially responsible manner. HGBP, now in its 17th year, is a partnership among Hawaii’s Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism (DBEDT); Hawaii Department of Health; Hawaii Lodging and Tourism Association; and Honolulu Board of Water Supply. DBEDT participates in the program through the Hawaii State Energy Office (HSEO), a DBEDT attached agency.
“Participating in the Hawaii Green Business Program is a great way for businesses to market, advertise and increase their competitive advantage while enhancing their overall productivity,” said DBEDT Director Mike McCartney.
The new “HGBP Alakai 10-Entry Level” program offers businesses 10 simple actions they can take to become more sustainable while improving their bottom line.
“Businesses that successfully complete the entry level checklist are encouraged to take the next step and participate in the more rigorous, flagship HGBP program,” said HSEO Chief Energy Officer Carilyn Shon.
From 2009 through 2019 HGBP has assisted and recognized more than 100 businesses and government entities, from the hospitality, commercial office, retail, grocery, venue, restaurant and food service sectors.
The honorees of this year’s Hawaii Green Business Awards are:
Four Seasons Resort at Ko Olina
Hale Koa Hotel
Hokulani Waikiki by Hilton Grand Vacations
Hyatt Centric Waikiki Beach
Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort
The Cliffs at Princeville
The Kahala Hotel & Resort
The Westin Nanea Ocean Villas
Waialae Country Club
Whole Foods Market, Queen
Honeywell Smart Energy
Hawaii State Federal Credit Union, Alii Branch
The Hawaii Green Business Awards also honored green events:
Blue Zones Community Event
Verge 2018
Hawaii Tourism Authority’s Global Tourism Summit
Hawaii Library Association’s Annual Conference
USGBC Hawaii’s Pau Hana – at Bethel Union and Anaha
Hawaii State Energy Office’s Holiday Party
Sony Open
Good Neighbor and Environmental Hero Awards – C&C of Honolulu
Kona Brew Brewfest
Mason Architects Firm Crawl
Oahu Surfrider Foundation’s – Moana Lani Fest and Ocean Friendly Restaurant’s Pau Hana at the Kahala Resort
Alakai 10 Entry-Level – Small Restaurants and Food Service businesses:
Puka’s – at Whole Foods Market – Kahala
Two Tides – at Whole Foods Market – Queen
Kalapawai – Kailua
Kalapawai – Kapolei
Morning Brew
Via Gelato
Umeke
Banzai Sushi
Alii Coffee
Bibas
Banan
Lanikai Juice at Whole Foods Market – Queen
For a description of the awardees and their energy efficiency efforts, please see the separate awardee accomplishments document. For more information on the Hawaii Green Business Program, visit greenbusiness.hawaii.gov