Pacific Biodiesel Co-Founder and Maui County Councilmember Kelly King shared her perspectives on the circular economy with a group of delegates at one of the many sessions she addressed at COP26.
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Pacific Biodiesel Co-Founders Report from COP26 |
In November, Pacific Biodiesel co-founders Bob and Kelly King attended the UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) in Glasgow, Scotland, the premier global climate change conference. The goal, in part, was to determine how countries will accelerate action towards the goals of the Paris Agreement.
Kelly King, a Maui County Councilmember, was one of just a handful of U.S. ICLEI delegates invited to attend the November conference. As a business leader in renewable energy and an elected official of an island community, King was uniquely qualified to address the dire needs of island communities around the globe and the role local governments have in instituting change.
ICLEI is one of 9 constituents to United Nations and serves as the focal organization to the local governments and municipal authorities’ constituency to the UN in the areas of climate, biodiversity, and land use.
“The invitation to participate was a big surprise to me,” recounted King. “It emanated from ICLEI, the global organization I'm part of. In mid-September I received an email with a statement that said, 'as a female leader in Pacific islands, yours is a voice that needs to be heard globally, from Glasgow.' That's a pretty heavy responsibility and honor.”
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In This Issue
- Pacific Biodiesel Co-Founders Report from COP26
- Pacific Biodiesel Featured in Blue Planet's "Empowered: Hawaii's Clean Energy Future"
- Pacific Biodiesel Operations Exceeded 2021 Expectations
- Pacific Biodiesel Again Named as One of Hawaii's Best Places to Work
- Mobile Fueling Stations Prepped on Maui for Upcoming Installations
- Pacific Biodiesel Attends AOFA in Nashville
- Honolulu Theatre for Youth Addresses Food Waste and Recycling
- World Surf League Fuels with Biodiesel
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After returning from the UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) in Glasgow, Scotland held in November 2021, Kelly King shares her insights in the video above about the important role of biofuels and sustainable agriculture in fighting climate change, the benefits of a circular economy, and the multi-level collaboration needed among local governments to institute change.
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As a member of the Hawaii ʻOhana Delegation, King signed the Edinburgh Declaration. |
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King joined the panel for Womenʻs Leadership on Gender Equality and Climate Change. |
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King was originally scheduled to participate in 3 panel discussions during the conference. Before it concluded, King had spoken at 15 different events, lending her unique perspective to a variety of international audiences. |
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King addressed the importance of including biodiesel and biofuels in the global climate change conversation, a solution not widely addressed at the conference.
While wind and solar dominated the climate-solution talks at the conference, “Biodiesel is an established advanced biofuel, readily available for immediate greenhouse gas reductions utilizing existing infrastructure and advanced engine technologies,” King asserted.
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At the Japan Pavilion, King (fourth from right) discussed the importance of including biodiesel and biofuels in the global climate change conversation. |
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In recognizing King’s contribution to the conference, ICLEI-USA Senior Program Officer Kale Roberts noted, "I was always struck by the message of the circular economy that you brought to the space and really recognizing that the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted local governments, particularly Maui, a place that relies heavily on tourism as a primary industry... recognizing that this is an opportunity to both address the climate crisis--diversifying the economy, bringing jobs especially to the youth who want to stay on your beautiful island--and leverage all of the amazing human and cultural resources Maui has to offer. Thank you for sharing that with the ICLEI network and beyond to help island nations all over the world move forward. That’s what we’re about here at ICLEI." |
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Kelly King, fourth from left, stands with fellow panelists at the Multi-Level Action Pavilion in Glasgow. |
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A Round-Up of King's COP26 Speaking Engagements |
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In October, King participated in a UN climate change forum leading up to the global conference. |
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Feeling the Heat – Expectations for United Nations 26th Conference
Paths to Success and Priorities for Comprehensive Actions
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The United Nations Associations in California, Oregon, Washington and Hawaii joined together to present a groundbreaking forum in anticipation of the United Nations 26th Climate Conference. King joined renowned climate experts from federal and state governments, NGOs and the academic community, as well as youth advocates, who provided in-depth information about the context, content, and potential results of COP26.
Watch the presentation here or click on the image above .
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Since returning from Glasgow, King has shared her insights from the climate change conference in a variety of outlets, including council meetings, community events and publications. See the additional links below as well as a listing of her upcoming presentations: |
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King’s Perspective Reported in Biobased Diesel Magazine |
The Winter edition of Biobased Diesel Magazine features guest editorial by Kelly King titled, “COP26: A Code Red Wake-up Call for the Biodiesel Industry”.
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“I was astonished to find that biodiesel and biofuels were virtually absent from the global climate-change conversation,” said King. “In my panel discussions at COP26, I repeatedly brought up community-based biodiesel as an example of the circular economy – utilizing local resources to create products jobs and industries, which in turn, benefit that local community through positive economic, social and environmental impacts.” |
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Pacific Biodiesel Co-Founder Kelly King's editorial was featured in the Winter edition of Biobased Diesel magazine. |
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“The agriculture component of biodiesel particularly for rural communities created ‘light bulb moments’ in the audience during my talks. People got it: biodiesel as an existing climate-change solution resonated, especially for folks from countries where diesel vehicles and generators are still rolling out of factories.”
Read the full article here.
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COP26 Attendees Share Insights at WiRE Webinar |
“Insights from COP26: Inspiration and Action Items for Hawaii” was the theme of the January webinar hosted by WiRE (Women in Renewable Energy) as part of their monthly Talk Story series. Moderated by Anu Hittle, Hawai‘i Climate Change Mitigation & Adaptation Coordinator, State of Hawaii, DLNR-OCCL, invited panelists were Pacific Biodiesel co-founder and Maui County Councilmember Kelly King and BLNR Chair Suzanne Case.
The conversation focused on stories of what most inspired the panelists at COP26 for climate action initiatives at home in Hawaii, especially centered around renewable energy, and what they believe are key opportunities and challenges for our unique island state.
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LGiU Publishes Kelly King Blog "Hawaii's Biodiesel Production Supports Circular Economy Model" |
After speaking at COP26, Kelly King was asked to write a blog for the LGiU website.
LGiU (Local Government Information Unit) is a local authority membership organization with an interest in local government from across England, Wales, Scotland, Ireland and Australia. The group focuses on climate action and sustainable development; communities and society; democracy, devolution and governance; economy and regeneration.
In the article, King explains how the community-based biodiesel production is a model for the circular economy.
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King Participates in Online Series Hosted by United Nations University in Tokyo |
Kelly King was an invited by the United Nations University Institute for the Advanced Study of Sustainability (UNU-IAS) to present for the online expert dialogue series “Climate Action Talk”. This is a series that UNU-IAS has started after COP26 by inviting experts to share their reflections on COP26 and their views on the future course of climate action.
A report from this dialogue will be included as a part of the UNU research project to introduce the best practices on local sustainability actions while a short, highlighted version of the recorded session will be made available to the public through the UNU channel.
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Hawaii Okinawa Clean Energy Partnership – 12th Clean Energy Workshop, Feb 16-25
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Pacific Biodiesel co-founders Bob and Kelly King will have a joint presentation in this workshop panel discussion, hosted by the Okinawa Prefecture and supported by GOSEA, the Global Ocean reSource and Energy Association. GOSEA was founded in July 2014 to harness the energy and resources available in the ocean and to develop a sustainable community model for the world’s island and coastal regions.
Kelly King, as Maui County Councilmember and Chair of its Climate Action, Resilience, and Environment Committee, will focus on Maui's Circular Economy Initiatives, while Pacific Biodiesel’s Ag & Energy initiatives will be covered by Bob King.
Videos from the Clean Energy Workshop will be available after the event, subtitled in both English and Japanese.
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Pacific Biodiesel Featured in Episode of Blue Planet’s “Empowered: Hawaii’s Clean Energy Future” |
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Pacific Biodiesel is featured in a recent episode of Blue Planet Foundation’s 12 part series, “Empowered: Hawaii’s Clean Energy Future.” Director of Operations Jenna Long discusses the benefits of biodiesel in Hawaii’s renewable energy mix, including the company’s expanding focus on sustainable agriculture to farm crops for food then fuel. Airing monthly on KHON2 this informative series discusses the importance of renewable energy for our islands.
Watch the Pacific Biodiesel segment below.
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Pacific Biodiesel Operations Exceeds Expectations in 2021 |
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Despite the many challenges of 2021, Pacific Biodiesel’s operations teams realized some notable successes.
“The last half of the year was the most challenging due to Covid,” said Plant Manager Alfred Leung, “but our employees pushed through, going above and beyond to meet the needs of our 24-hour, 7 day-a-week operation. People stepped up, filling in positions and shifts. We even got help from other departments.”
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Pacific Biodiesel's Hawaii Island refinery exceeded its nameplate production capacity in 2021. |
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“The credit goes to our entire team, not just here on Hawaii Island, but also the teams on Maui and Oahu who provide us with much of the used cooking oil feedstock to make biodiesel," he continued. “They really stepped up the volume this past year which was so important given the national supply chain issues.”
“With the support of our leadership team, we were able to make it work and exceed the plant’s nameplate production capacity in 2021.”
With a new fan press system ready to go online, Leung anticipates even better results in the coming year.
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Hawaii Island Plant Manager Al Leung credits the entire Pacific Biodiesel team for 2021's success. |
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The Oahu facility at Sand Island set the bar with a record amount of feedstock recovery from grease trap waste in 2021, exceeding the goal set at the beginning of the year.
“With a targeted maintenance plan, our team was able to focus on consistency and ensured that our vehicles had the capacity to deliver additional grease trap waste for processing,” reported Oahu Plant Manager Brian Leighton. The facility also processed the muck layer from the grease trap waste and effectively processed wastewater which added to the record recovery efforts.
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Pacific Biodiesel Again Named One of Hawaii’s Best Places to Work |
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Pacific Biodiesel has been named by Hawaii Business Magazine as of the 2022 Best Places to Work in Hawai‘i . For the 12th consecutive year, the company has received this recognition based on feedback from employee surveys.
“We are grateful to be recognized once again as one of Hawaii’s Best Places to Work,” said Director of Operations Jenna Long. “Our employees are the backbone of our business, and we were diligent in keeping our workplaces both safe and productive during another challenging year. This award is an honor to our employees, our leadership team and our founders for maintaining our values, as together we strive for sustainability in our impact on the environment, economy and community.”
The Best Places to Work in Hawai‘i winners will be highlighted in the April issue of Hawaii Business Magazine.
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Mobile Biodiesel Fueling Stations Prepped on Maui for Upcoming Installation
At our founders’ farm in central Maui, two of Pacific Biodiesel’s new mobile biodiesel fueling stations were delivered recently for assembly and training with the factory representative.
The new solar-powered stations will provide easy access for customers to purchase 100% biodiesel via an interactive App. Locations for the new stations will be announced soon.
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One of Pacific Biodieselʻs mobile biodiesel stations is dropped into place for assembly at the founderʻs central Maui farm. |
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Pacific Biodiesel Marketing Director Joy Galatro, Dispatch Coordinator Ferd Ballesteros and Neighbor Islands Operations Manager Jason Imamura receive training on the new system by Shayne Lowrie, the manufacturer's representative. |
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Pacific Biodiesel Attends AOFA in Nashville |
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Pacific Biodiesel President Bob King and Director of Operations Jenna Long attended the American Fats and Oils Association annual meeting last October. Held in Nashville, Tennessee, the conference focused on feedstock issues that are critical to the production of biodiesel.
As government mandates and incentive programs call for increased use of renewable fuels globally, there is an increased demand for feedstocks, biodiesel, and renewable diesel production.
Sessions included those on the container shortage and record shipping rates in the industry, the current marketplace for food and feedstocks in the vegetable oil trade, and how decarbonization is reshaping the animal fats trade.
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Honolulu Theatre for Youth Addresses Food Waste and Recycling in The HI Way |
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The Honolulu Theatre for Youth, in partnership with the City and County of Honolulu Department of Environmental Services, tackles food waste in a recent episode of the Emmy winning youth series, The HI Way. In the Food Waste Heroes segment, Pacific Biodiesel explains how used cooking oil is recycled into the renewable fuel biodiesel. Also featured is Aloha Harvest, the Oahu non-profit agency that rescues and redistributes quality food to feed our communities in need.
Segments of the episode were shot on location at Kōkua Hawaii Foundation’s Kōkua Learning Farm. The HI Way television show is aimed at Hawaii’s youth and runs across the Hawaiian News Now stations.
Watch the full show or individual segments here.
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World Surf League Fuels with Biodiesel |
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Although the 2020 season was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, The World Surf League (WSL) returned to Hawaii in November of last year for the Michelob ULTRA Pure Gold Haleiwa Challenger, the final WSL Challenger Series event of the year. Pacific Biodiesel provided the biodiesel blend to generate power for this event that determined the men’s and women’s qualifiers for this year’s Championship Tour. Event winners were local surfers John Florence and Bettylou Sakura Johnson.
Biodiesel will also fuel the diesel generators for the upcoming Billabong Pro Pipeline (1/29 - 2/10) and Hurley Pro Sunset Presented by Shiseido (2/11 - 2/23) events on Oahu’s North Shore. These two back-to-back Championship Tour events will kick off the 2022 season right here in Hawaii.
With a focus on sustainability at all their events, late last year The World Surf League delivered the We Are One Ocean petition to the United Nations Convention on Biodiversity, in Kunming China, calling on world leaders to protect and conserve 30% of the global ocean by 2030. To learn more go to: https://www.worldsurfleague.com/pure
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Vilsack says the future for biofuels remains bright |
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack discussed the important role biofuels and biobased manufacturing play in the rural economy and highlighted the agency’s efforts to support those industries during a Jan. 20 hearing held by the House Agriculture Committee.
Read the full article here.
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DERA grant allows DC Water to expand fleet to include 31 vehicles powered by 100% biodiesel
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Through funds granted by the EPA’s Diesel Emissions Reduction Act program, the Greater Washington Region Clean Cities Coalition and DC Water have secured funds to purchase an additional 12 trucks equipped with Optimus’ revolutionary 100 percent biodiesel (B100) advanced fuel-system technology. Using B100 allows DC Water to reduce its Scope 1 CO2 emissions in heavy-duty fleet vehicles by more than 90%. Read the article by Biobased Diesel Daily.
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Pilot project drives more than 600,000 miles on B100 |
B100 is one step closer to being a reality for commercial fleet operations thanks to the results of a pilot program that tested the fuel in five class-8 over-the-road trucks.
The program ran from February of 2020 to July 2021 with the five trucks fueled with B99.9 totaling 623,922 miles during the trial. Find the full article here.
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Denmark to make domestic flights fossil fuel free by 2030 |
In her New Year's address, Denmarkʻs Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said she wanted to "make flying green".
Denmark is aiming for a 70% cut in overall carbon emissions by 2030, compared to 1990 levels. Read more here.
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Iowa governor calls for improved statewide access to B20 biodiesel |
Kicking off the 2022 Iowa legislative session on Jan. 11, Gov. Kim Reynolds issued a promising call for passing biofuels legislation this year. Reynolds said she is introducing new legislation that will improve access to both 20 percent biodiesel (B20) and 15 percent ethanol (E15), and upgrade Iowa’s fuel infrastructure to offer higher blends. Read the article i n Biobased Diesel Daily.
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CSL successfully completes world’s largest B100 biofuel tests |
In late November 2021, CSL successfully completed the world’s longest-running trials of B100 biodiesel on marine engines, accumulating nearly 30,000 running hours. Conducted on half of CSL’s Canadian fleet, the tests resulted in a 23 percent total fleet life cycle reduction of CO2 as compared to marine gas oil (MGO). Find the full article here.
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To date, McDonald’s UAE’s supply trucks have traveled 20 million kilometers on pure biodiesel, saving 16,761,117 kg of carbon dioxide and related greenhouse gasses - equivalent to the weight of 33,522 camels. Read the article here.
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Maui County Enacts Historic Bill Prohibiting Non-Mineral Sunscreens |
Maui County continues to lead efforts to protect the environment with the enactment of a bill prohibiting the sale, distribution, or use of non-mineral sunscreens.
Bill 135, introduced by Councilmember Kelly King, was signed into law as Ordinance 5306 by Mauiʻs Mayor on Dec. 6. It will take effect on Oct. 1, 2022. Find the details here.
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B20 biodiesel powers Chicago Park District vehicles as temperatures plunge |
Biodiesel blends up to 20 percent (B20), and sometimes even higher, are being used successfully throughout the nation year-round even in challenging winter climates. Since 2013, the Chicago Park District has powered its diesel vehicles and equipment with biodiesel blends. The district uses biodiesel blends as high as 50 percent seasonally, in a variety of unmodified equipment ranging from lawnmowers to log-loader trucks. . Read the article here.
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Commercial vehicle firms join new list of biodiesel compliance |
A new list shows the trucks, buses, engines, and other commercial vehicles that have been approved by the manufacturers to run on higher blends of biodiesel - from B10 to B100.
By using biodiesel, operators of heavy-duty vehicle fleets contribute to climate protection, because depending on the feedstock, biodiesel emits between 70-90 % less greenhouse gases than fossil diesel. Read more here.
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USDA announces $800 million in support for biofuels |
“ When it comes to tackling the climate challenge, these new findings underscore the large and significant role that low carbon biobased diesel fuels are playing in California today and should also inform current and future climate and transportation policy considerations at the national and regional levels outside of California. Read the full article here.
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Founded in 1995, Pacific Biodiesel is the nation's longest operating and most experienced biodiesel producer, and the only commercial producer of liquid biofuels in the state. A Maui-based company with nearly 100 employees statewide, we established the first retail biodiesel pump in America and for more than 25 years we've been an innovative leader in the renewable energy industry. With a nameplate production capacity of 5.5 million gallons annually, our refinery on Hawaii Island utilizes advanced technology to produce premium distilled biodiesel. Our company has always focused on recycling with a zero waste philosophy that incorporates development of value-added co-products. Today, our collaborative, community-based "agriculture and energy" production model demonstrates a full-circle sustainability system designed to fight climate change and help Hawaii achieve a clean, sustainable energy future. |
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Founded on Maui in 1995, Pacific Biodiesel is Hawaii's only commercial producer of liquid biofuels.
Our Mission: To promote a clean, sustainable energy future through the community-based production of renewable fuels
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Pacific Biodiesel
40 Hobron Avenue, Kahului Hi 96753
Editor: Joy Galatro, Marketing Director
Staff Writer & Layout: Beth Mathias, Marketing Associate
For more information visit our website
or contact Beth Mathias at
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