An unexpected alliance among Hawaiian airline executives, agricultural leaders, and fuel refineries is advocating for a new crop that they believe could become as important to Hawaii as sugarcane once was. The Hawai?i Renewable Fuels Coalition is promoting the camelina plant, a relative of canola, as a versatile crop. Camelina can enhance soil quality when planted between food crops, and its seeds can be processed into oil. This oil can then be used to produce eco-friendly jet fuel, while the byproduct can feed livestock.
This initiative is aimed at helping Hawaiian Airlines achieve its ambitious carbon emission targets and assisting Hawaii in reaching its decarbonization goals for 2045. Additionally, the feed byproduct could bolster the state’s agricultural supply chain. However, the coalition’s goal to cultivate 100,000 acres—nearly matching the state’s current agricultural output—faces legislative hurdles, partly due to requests for up to $20 million in annual local fuel production subsidies.
Currently, a crucial piece of legislation is stalled in the House Finance Committee, chaired by the fiscally conservative Rep. Kyle Yamashita. Senators have already dismissed one related bill, questioning preferential treatment to the Par Hawaii refinery in O’ahu, citing the refinery’s recent $90 million investment as evidence of its viability without the need for state intervention.
Questions are also being raised regarding whether these subsidies will impact farmers and consumers as promised. Yet, Par Hawaii maintains that this local program will positively influence airline passengers and farmers, with most of the fuel being utilized by Hawaiian Airlines as part of its 2040 carbon neutrality goal.
The coalition believes that using a locally sourced feedstock could eventually satisfy lawmakers by enhancing Hawaii’s agricultural economy and self-reliance. They argue that subsidies are necessary to bridge the gap between the high cost of sustainable and conventional fuels—sustainable options costing two to five times more.
Eric Wright, President of Par Hawaii, expressed concerns over the economic viability of the project, given Hawaii’s elevated business costs, but insisted the coalition remains committed to pursuing other legislative avenues to make renewable fuels more affordable.
With fuel accounting for roughly 25% of airline ticket prices, Alanna James of Hawaiian Airlines emphasizes the importance of keeping travel affordable due to Hawaii’s reliance on air transportation.
The push towards sustainable aviation fuel aligns with Governor Josh Green’s executive order further committing Hawaii to renewable energy and emissions goals. Historical efforts have identified potential feedstock crops like sugarcane and sunflower, but few proved economically feasible.
Most camelina will be imported, although local cultivation is being vigorously explored due to promising attributes such as its ability to grow in poor soil and low water needs. The coalition cites its success in reducing fuel costs and offering environmental benefits akin to solar and wind industries, which previously received government backing.
Aloun Farms staff are actively involved in small-scale trials, showing promising yields and fast growth cycles which could address Hawaii’s animal feed shortage—a significant reason for exporting cattle to the mainland for finishing.
The coalition is examining camelia cropping across major Hawaiian farming operations, with impressive early results. This feedstock could support statewide animal agriculture, a major plus for Pono Pacific Land Management and regional farms. If implemented at scale, the initiative could yield substantial feed supply, presenting a potential new income stream for farmers integrating cover crops into their rotations.
However, mainland states like North Dakota and Montana are already advancing in the sustainable fuel front, receiving government support to establish a supply chain for this sector under the national Sustainable Aviation Fuel Grand Challenge.
These developments may drive mainland sustainable fuel prices lower than those in Hawai’i, repeating past patterns where cheaper imports undercut local agriculture, warns Paul Bernstein from the University of Hawai’i.
Despite skepticism from former industry staff like Ted Metrose over the lack of subsidy safeguards for farmers and travelers, Pono Pacific is advancing trials and evaluating camelina’s compatibility within Hawai’i’s diverse environments.
Some lawmakers remain unconvinced about the need for subsidies, citing mixed results from past projects and raising concerns over prioritizing fuel crops over food. The coalition, however, stresses that it doesn’t intend to replace food production but rather complement it.
As the legislative deadline approaches, only one bill survives, with the coalition planning continued efforts in future years if needed. The subsidy cap has already been reduced, reflecting ongoing negotiations and adjustments.
This article was adapted from content originally published by Honolulu Civil Beat.
