Crop Research Project Gets Underway 

Pacific Biodiesel is now formally contracted with the Army Corps of Engineers Research and Development Center to work with the Army Installation Management Command-Pacific on a two-year biofuel crop research project aimed at reducing the Hawaii's dependence on fossil fuels. 

In announcing the project on February 4 at Kaneohe Marine Corps Base, Governor Neil Abercrombie explained that the project will expand the capability of the U.S. Military to significantly increase its renewable fuel usage and enhance energy security while supporting the energy goals set by the Department of Defense and the State of Haw

Kelly King, Vice President of Pacific Biodiesel, Inc., addresses civilian and military attendees at the Marine Corps Base in Kaneohe, Hawaii.

aii.  Abercrombie initiated the $2.4 million appropriation for the project as a U.S. Representative in Congress from Hawaii's first congressional district.

Joining Abercrombie in addressing the gathering were Congresswoman Mazie Hirono, Pacific Biodiesel Vice President Kelly King and KMCB Commanding Officer, Col. Jeffrey Wood.   "We're the most oil dependent state in the Country, spending $7 billion annually", Hirono told the audience of fifty.  "I'd rather see that money circulating in our economy." 

The first step in the project is locating suitable land to grow biofuel crops.  Pacific Biodiesel is looking at various agricultural sites within the State and will be contracting with consultants who have experience working with biofuel crops in similar climates.   "We will be demonstrating conventional oilseed crop production on a commercial scale in Hawaii where these types of crops have not been grown before," stated Kelly King.   Also included in the funding is specialty ag equipment needed to produce and process the biodiesel crops. After project completion, the equipment will continue to be used locally.

Governor Neil Abercrombie, Kelly King, Congressworman Mazie Hirono and Col. Jeffrey Wood, Cmdr. MCB-Hawaii, post in front of a biodiesel-fueled tactical vehicle.

Pacific Biodiesel is enthusiastic about the potential this project represents for reducing Hawaii's fuel dependency while stimulating jobs in the agricultural sector of the economy.

Pacific Biodiesel, Inc. Wins HVCA ʻDeal of the Yearʻ  

for Record Setting Second Time

Big Island Biodiesel plant expansion spurs investment

Pacific Biodiesel was presented with the 2010 Deal of the Year Award for the second year in a row by the Hawaii Venture Captial Association.  The award is given to the company that raises the most equity capital during the calendar year.  In the last week of 2010, with the looming expiration of the Hawaii State Qualified High Tech Business tax credit program, Pacific Biodiesel made a decision to double the capacity of the Big Island Biodiesel refinery, still in its pre-construction phase. Many of the initial group of Hawaii-based investors took advantage of the soon-to-expire QHTB tax credits, and invested the additional funds by December 31, 2010.  The new capital will provide for an increase in the biodiesel production capacity for the state-of-the-art Keaʻau plant from 2.6 to over 5 million gallons per year.  According to Bill Spencer, President of the HVCA, Pacific Biodiesel is the first company to receive the award twice.   

Big Island Biodiesel, scheduled to open November 2011, features state-of-the-art zero waste technology.

Through the Department of Defense Environmental Security Technology Certification Program, renewable biofuels are being tested on selected tactical vehicles from the US Army Garrison-Hawaii located at Fort Shafter on Oahu. 

With the test Humvee in the background, Dave Chavez of the U.S. Navy, NAVFAC Engineering Service Center explains details of the military test project.

On January 13, testing began on two vehicles, a Humvee and a loader.  Results of the evaluation will support future efforts to integrate biodiesel blends into the Army's base fleets by ensuring compatibility and identifying appropriate environments for its use.

The biodiesel used in this evaluation is produced on Oahu by Pacific Biodiesel and is made from used cooking oil, including oil collected from Army dining facilities on Oahu.  The petroleum diesel for the project is provided by Mid Pac Petroleum.

Pacific Biodiesel Fuel Sales Manager Jenna Long shows the various stages of biodiesel production to Army personnel.

"One thing we like about the biodiesel is that yesterday it cooked your lunch and today it takes you to lunch," said Lt. Col. Matthew Garner at the Fort Shafter kick-off. 

Rudolf Diesel, inventor of the diesel engine

Celebrate National Biodiesel Day on March 18^th, the 153^rd anniversary of the birth of Rudolf Diesel, inventor of the diesel engine.  The biodiesel industry chose his birthday to honor him for his foresight in recognizing the valuable role of vegetable oil-based fuel. He originally designed the diesel engine in the late 19th Century to run on peanut oil.

· Cleanway has a new look.  Keep an eye out for it on our trucks and in our new advertising campaign.  

· Newly expanded office space at the Oahu facility has everyone smiling!

· Cleanway is now serving the Big Island!  Welcome to Robert Richardson, the newest member of the Cleanway team.  We are now providing pick-up and recycling of used cooking oil and grease trap waste to Hawaii Island's local restaurants, hotels and resorts from Hilo to Kona and all points in between.  To schedule service call 808-851-7117. 

· Dana Shinsato joins Cleanway as Oahu's newest Sales Representative.  With extensive background in the service industry, Dana brings with him a wealth of information and is a great addition to the team. 

· Mahalo to Cleanway Oahu's newest client, McCully Shopping Center.  When Cleanway is contracted to pick-up an establishment's used cooking oil, they know they are helping the environment by turning this waste product into sustainable biodiesel, produced right here in Hawaii. 

· Cleanway UCO clients automatically become members of "Restaurants for Renewables".  Look for this sticker at your favorite restaurant.  You'll know that they are helping to keep our islands green while reducing Hawaii's dependence on fossil fuels.

To become a Cleanway client call 808-851-7117 for service on Oahu and Hawaii Island, or 808-877-7118 for service on Maui. Email us for info HERE. 

Cardlock system coming to Hobron  Avenue location

Due to popular demand, Pacific Biodiesel Maui will be installing a new pump and cardlock system at the 40 Hobron Avenue facility giving customers access to biodiesel 24 hours a day, seven days a week. 

Pacific Biodiesel's B100, still the lowest priced diesel fuel on Island, will soon be available 24-7 at Maui's Hobron Avenue location.

According to Larry Zolezzi, Pacific Biodiesel Operations Manager, the new equipment should be installed in June.  "We've got the best customers on Maui" states Zolezzi. "They have been very loyal, fueling their vehicles during our weekday operating hours.  We know it's been inconvenient to some so we're excited to be able to offer this expanded service."   

Maui Welcomes Community Recycling Event  

Following many successful Oahu events, Pacific Biodiesel is thrilled that Aloha ʻAina Work Day, the monthly community recycling events, are now happening on Maui. 

Kahului's Baldwin High School hosted the inaugural event, providing a place for residents to drop off their recyclables.  School volunteers assisted as residents drove to the school parking lot to drop off everything from cardboard and e-waste to metal scraps and used cooking oil.Mayor Alan Arakawa and a number of county council members showed their support by rolling up their sleeves and helping out - unloading vehicles, directing traffic and providing support to the volunteers.

Maui Mayor Alan Arakawa and Baldwin High School students show off some used cooking oil collected at January's Aloha 'Aina Work Day.

Each month a different Maui non-profit will host the event. Oahu has two Aloha Aina Work Day events a month. Pacific Biodiesel collected 33 gallons of used cooking oil at Maui's January event, and is one of the recyclers that donates to the host of each event based on the volume collected.

Organized on Maui by Hammerhead Metals and Community Work Day, Aloha ʻAina Work Day is coordinated by Rene Mansho of Schnitzer Steel Hawaii.  For more information, contact Rene at 808-306-1876 or click here to send an email. 

Snow isn't usually included in a Carl's Corner, Texas weather forecast but now and then, residents wake up to a winter wonderland.  With a rare chance to play in the "white stuff" James Walker, Plant Operator at the Pacific Biodiesel Texas facility, built a BioWillie snowman to greet customers right outside the plant.