The Energy Expo was the first venue the democratic and republican gubernatorial candidates have both shown up at since the primary. Their debates and forums kick off later this week but they gave separate speeches to the same crowd on the topic of clean energy.
Abercrombie said he'd create a Hawaii energy authority to take over regulatory oversight from the public utilities commission, leaving the PUC to just set utility rates.
"This has to do with is the PUC model we have before us now the most appropriate way to deal with the question of moving forward on a clean energy agenda," said Neil Abercrombie. "I suppose you could draw a rough parallel to port authorities or airport authorities."
Aiona called Abercrmobie's proposed reorganization a mistake, saying the PUC weighs many issues for the public interest.
"The state's policy is one and only one of the factors for the PUC to balance," said Lt. Governor James "Duke" Aiona. "My opponent's plan would be akin to merge the judge and the jury with the Prosecutors office."
Aiona instead said he would better fund and staff the often backlogged PUC, also the consumer advocate and state energy office. He would aim to cut dependence on foreign oil by half by 2018, and direct all barrel tax revenue to clean energy instead of any portion of it going to the general fund.
Abercrombie would seek to build more community buy-in and understanding of clean energy needs, maximize federal money and opportunities, and model clean energy usage and development through green government initiatives.
Both would support bonding through property tax payments to help consumers afford capital outlays for home and business clean energy projects.
Abercrombie headed off-island again right after his speech. The candidates square off in a Health Care forum on Thursday, Hawaiian Affairs Saturday, and Education Sunday.
