Sunflower-based biodiesel project receives Hawaiian blessing to mark launch

Pacific Biodiesel Technologies has hosted a Hawaiian blessing to mark the beginning of the company’s scaled-up farming demonstration to grow biofuel crops including sunflowers in Maui's central valley.

The initial crop project on 115 acres will expand diversified agriculture by growing combine-harvested oil crops on land previously used for sugar cane production. This is the largest biofuel crop project in the state of Hawaii and the only biofuel farming operation in the state running on 100% renewable fuel, showcasing the company’s sustainable, community-based model of agriculture and renewable energy.

 Bob and Kelly King, founders of Pacific Biodiesel, were joined by invited guests, including project stakeholders, local farmers, legislators and other community supporters for a Hawaiian blessing on the crop site led by Kimokeo Kapahulehua.

In attendance were US Senator Mazie Hirono and US Representative Tulsi Gabbard who each provided remarks in support of this largest biofuel crop project in the state. “We’re designing a sustainable, zero-waste and economically viable system to grow food, animal feed and fuel. Short-term crops that harvest in 100 days or less can be planted, harvested, crushed, and converted to biodiesel, all in Hawaii,” said Pacific Biodiesel president Bob King.

“We’re focusing on several different crops in various crop rotations and experimenting with different soil amendments such as compost and others made from by-products of the production of our biodiesel, like glycerin and potassium sulfate.” Pacific Biodiesel is planting sunflowers as its first biofuel crop on Maui, applying the knowledge learned from its past experience and partnership with the US military as part of the Hawaii Military Biofuels Crop Program that demonstrated the planting, growing and processing of biodiesel feedstocks on Oahu and Hawaii island.

In a statement, Pacific Biodiesel said: “An eye-catching symbol of sustainability, acres of sunflowers can provide a solution for energy security while they sequester carbon from the atmosphere.”

“Think of it as 100+ acres of energy storage and carbon sequestration,” said Kelly King, vice president and Co-Founder of Pacific Biodiesel and recently inaugurated member of the Maui County Council.

He added: “There are 36,000 acres of fertile sugar cane lands on Maui that ceased operation at the end of 2016. It is important for the community and the state to keep this land in agriculture to benefit Maui’s economy and environment, and to help the state increase its energy security, reduce reliance on fossil fuel, and achieve its 100% renewable energy mandate by 2045.”