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Posted: Wednesday, May 9th, 2012 5:20 AM HST

Hawaii bills aim at reducing oil dependence

By Associated Press

Bills aimed at reducing Hawaii's dependence on imported fuel are awaiting the governor's review. Hawaii is the most oil dependent state in the nation, with only 10 percent of the state's energy coming from renewable sources. Bills introduced by state Sen. Malama Solomon could help change that by promoting development of geothermal resources. Solomon says Hawaii's energy costs are the highest in the country, so creating an environment that uses geothermal energy production could help residents save money. Geothermal energy, generated from underground heat, provides the Big Island of Hawaii with nearly 20 percent of its power. The legislation before the governor would allow for more geothermal energy production on state and public lands