Fallow Lands Could Produce Ethanol, Supporters Say

Critics are saying it’s time for Congress to reconsider ethanol as an alternative fuel, and Hawaii politicians are pushing full-speed ahead to promote ethanol production on fallow sugar lands.

KITV’s Denby Fawcett reported why supporters say ethanol production is still a good idea in Hawaii.

Critics said the diversion of corn into ethanol in the Midwest has made food costs soar and increased the cost of animal feed.

But in Hawaii, the state’s ethanol push is different because producers intend to use land currently not in food production.

“In Hawaii, so much of our (agriculture) land is lying fallow, and it is not growing anything but weeds, and many people are eying it for other developments — mainly housing projects, and why would we want to encourage that over energy independence or food independence?” House Majority Leader Rep. Kirk Caldwell, D-Hawaii, said.

Two local companies said they are considering growing sugar for fuel.

Gay and Robinson Sugar Plantation, on Kauai, with partner Pacific West, said it has a permit to go, but it said it still needs more financing.

“We are literally converting ourselves from being a sugar company into an energy company,” Gay and Robinson President Alan Kennett said.

Kennett said he expects to announce an ethanol deal in a few months.

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(Source: KITV 4 News)