LIHU’E — Mayor Derek SK Kawakami announced Friday from September 23 to October 3 as National Drive Electric Week, encouraging everyone to engage and educate about electric vehicles, the environment and the economic benefits of electric vehicles.
LIHU’E — Mayor Derek SK Kawakami announced Friday from September 23 to October 3 as National Drive Electric Week, encouraging everyone to engage and educate about electric vehicles, the environment and the economic benefits of electric vehicles.
One of the places people can learn about electric vehicles without a high-pressure vendor around is the Electric Vehicle Celebration, held Saturday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Anahola Marketplace and presented by a variety of sponsors , including Drive Electric, Blue Planet, National Drive Electric Week, Hawaii EV and Ulupono.
Liz Hahn, one of the participants in the mayor’s announcement of National Drive Electric Week, also plans to attend the Electric Vehicle Celebration.
Hahn recently received a new Chevy Bolt electric vehicle after years of driving a hybrid Toyota Prius.
After her Prius was in the back, Hahn said she got into a Nissan Leaf electric vehicle and only recently received her Chevy Bolt, which she claims has a higher capacity to hold its charge and doesn’t require charging the public charging stations.
Anyone interested in the benefits of electric vehicles is welcome to stop by to speak to the many vehicle owners and dealer representatives for tips on sourcing, buying and owning. The event is free and open to the public.
Kawakami said in his announcement climate change poses an existential threat to the planet and is caused by greenhouse gas emissions.
“Approximately 65 percent of Kaua’i’s greenhouse gas emissions come from the transportation sector, and approximately 40 percent of transportation emissions come from petroleum-powered road vehicles,” Kawakami said.
He said the transport sector needs support to move closer to adopting clean energy technologies, including plug-in electric vehicles, which will reduce the island’s dependence on foreign fuels and support a healthy environment and economy.
“Kaua’i is committed to building a 100 percent zero-emission light-duty fleet by 2035,” said Kawakami. “Kaua’i County is committed to being a leader in the use of clean energy and establishing policies and programs that conserve energy and promote sustainability.”
