Hawaii green businesses honored by state, chamber
By Robbie Dingeman
Advertiser Staff Writer
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Ten Hawai'i businesses and government agencies — including five hotels — were recognized as "green" businesses for their environmental practices.
The state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism and the state Department of Health in partnership with the Chamber of Commerce of Hawai'i presented the Hawai'i Green Business Recognition honors last week to businesses and government entities that have developed and implemented environmental practices in their operations.
The two state agencies and Chamber of Commerce work together with county agencies such as the recycling and water offices to assist and recognize businesses that operate in an environmentally responsible way.
The Hawai'i Green Business Program (www.hawaii.gov/greenbusiness) helps businesses comply with environmental regulations, to go beyond compliance to conserve energy, water and other resources, and reduce pollution and waste. This program provides opportunities to share information on practices that can save money and resources.
Gov. Linda Lingle recognized these companies and agencies, including two of her state departments, under the green government challenge:
"Through innovative 'green' practices, these businesses are doing their part to ensure that our residents and visitors can continue to enjoy a healthy environment while also helping to increase Hawai'i's energy security," Lingle said.
This year's award recipients chose to participate and completed a self-audit checklist developed by the program. In addition to hosting free public workshops promoting "green" practices, the hotels demonstrated exemplary energy and water conserving practices, pollution prevention, solid waste reduction and recycling efforts, according to the program.
The Hawai'i Green Business Program has focused on working with resorts because of the visitor industry's cumulative impact on the environment. Program participants help conserve valuable resources, reduce waste and ultimately protect Hawai'i 's environment.
The hotels were chosen based on different criteria, which included: completing a self-audit checklist evaluating their environmental practices, ranging from pollution prevention to water and energy conservation; recycling; environmental purchasing; sharing their information with other participants; attending forums and workshops on greening practices; and participating in quarterly meetings.
Participation is open to all hotels, resorts, offices, retail establishments and government entities.
Reach Robbie Dingeman at rdingeman@honoluluadvertiser.com.
