Despite the challenges in 2020, it was a record setting year for production at Pacific Biodiesel's refinery in Keaau, on Hawaii Island. |
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2021: New Year, Sustained Mission, Renewed Hope
Director of Operations Jenna Long Shares Company Updates
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Aloha,
As I reflect back on the immense challenges of last year, I am very thankful for the continued support we have received from our community. Our employees, customers, vendors and other partners have supported our mission and enabled us to remain productive in 2020. I am especially grateful that through a combination of hard work and a little luck, our employees have kept themselves and their families healthy so far during this pandemic.
Though our work environments look very different today than last year at this time, we have adapted to the changes and continue to move the needle forward. In fact, our Big Island facility produced over 5.8 million gallons of biodiesel in 2020, our highest production volume ever and above our rated capacity estimates. Kudos goes out to our entire team for achieving this great milestone!
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In This Issue
- 2021: New Year, Sustained Mission, Renewed Hope
- Pacific Biodiesel Offers Insight for Hawaii’s Energy Future
- Bob King Named Business Leader of the Year
- Kelly King Welcomed to ICLEI Board
- Pacific Biodiesel Named Among "Best Places to Work"
- Hemp Growers Webinar Features Kelly King
- Hawaii Programs Promote Local Farms & Food Producers
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Our Pacific Biodiesel Logistics branch, which provides used cooking oil collection and grease trap pumping services to restaurants, has experienced the greatest changes to its operations. While restaurants experienced closures and scaled back operations due to the pandemic that reduced the amount of feedstock available for collection, our teams worked diligently to maintain contact with all our customers and remained responsive and flexible to their changing needs. As tourism gradually increases in our state, our teams are poised to meet the needs of our hospitality partners. |
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We are glad that several projects that were started before the pandemic have come to fruition and helped us reduce our costs at this critical point. This year, our Oahu site has been recovering oil from the most concentrated portion of restaurant grease trap waste that was previously composted. We have continued to make enhancements in this system to reduce logistics costs and gain efficiency. Also, our biodiesel plant has begun shipping our glycerin byproduct to California to be used as an additive to improve wastewater processing at other facilities. |
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In another testament to our dedicated team, we bid a fond Aloha and heartfelt Mahalo to Moses Magno, at right, our long-time Oahu Operations Manager who retired at the end of 2020 after more than 13 years of unparalleled service to Pacific Biodiesel and our customers. We wish him the very best.
As we enter 2021 under the new Biden-Harris Administration, we are hopeful for an end to the pandemic, strong support for renewable fuels and other actions to combat the climate crisis. At Pacific Biodiesel, we look forward to supporting the increased availability of Hawaii’s agricultural feedstock and will continue to serve our communities with the local production and distribution of biodiesel to reduce both greenhouse gas emissions and the need for imported petroleum to the state.
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I wish you all good health and a productive new year. |
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Jenna Long
Director of Operations
Pacific Biodiesel
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Pacific Biodiesel Offers Insight for Hawaii's Energy Future |
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Hawaii State Energy Office and Hawaii Energy Policy Forum’s Legislative Energy Briefing
The Hawaii State Energy Office, the Hawaii Energy Policy Forum and the Hawaii Natural Energy Institute presented a virtual Legislative Energy Briefing with ThinkTech Hawaii in January.
Pacific Biodiesel President and Founder Bob King was one of 15 invited speakers from across the state, including energy representatives from industry and government.
As State House and Senate members consider legislation to support economic recovery, speakers were asked to share their current situation and challenges and provide input on the support needed to help Hawai`i achieve a resilient, prosperous, green economy.
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“In 2020, Pacific Biodiesel made 5.8 million gallons of the lowest lifecycle greenhouse gas fuel that you can put on the road: biodiesel,” explained Bob King in his presentation. “This biodiesel was produced predominately from local feedstocks, including used cooking oil, grease trap waste and agricultural oils.” King noted the challenge in 2020 was a reduction in local feedstock due to COVID-related restaurant closures, resulting in the company bringing in more feedstock from the mainland. “Our goal is to replace imported feedstock with agricultural oils for use in the production of biodiesel and other value-added products, which brings the potential for more jobs in biodiesel, ag and production,” he explained.
The briefing can be seen in its entirety here.
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Bioeconomy Hawaii Forum 2020: Ag+Energy:
How can we build back better?
Presented by the Hawaii Bioeconomy Trade Organization, this virtual conference addressed how to increase sustainability, resiliency, and diversified agriculture as the state recovers from the pandemic. The Forum brought together representatives from the commercial airline sector, petroleum refining, hospitality, ecotourism, waste management, and renewable fuel industries in Hawaii to discuss how we can innovate to “build back better.”
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Pacific Biodiesel’s President Bob King and Marketing Director Joy Galatro along with Pomai Weigert, AgBusiness Consultant with GoFarm Hawaii, spoke on the topic, “Agriculture for Food, Energy and Agri-Tourism in Hawaii.” Their presentation focused on how the pandemic has highlighted the need to grow food and energy locally to diversify the economy and the related opportunities for agri-tourism as visitors return to the state.
King addressed the status of biodiesel and local feedstock, along with farming practices that help combat climate change. Community interest in Pacific Biodiesel’s “full circle of sustainability” was discussed by Galatro, as she highlighted the support for local farming, food products and farm tours. And Weigert spoke about the need for multi-industry collaboration, community reinvestment and education to support growth of agri-tourism opportunities in the state.
View the presentation here.
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Bob King Named Business Leader of the Year by PBN |
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King’s nomination was bolstered by letters of support from local and national industry leaders.
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“Bob is an incredibly gifted business and community leader who embodies hard work, passion, persistence, and creativity in service of Hawaii’s healthy, sustainable economy,” wrote Jeff Mikulina, Executive Director of Blue Planet Foundation. “Bob is a collaborative, values-driven leader whose work has literally changed the energy landscape statewide.”
“Bob and his family and company have long done what's right for Hawaii,” said Ron Kotrba, then Editor in Chief of Biodiesel Magazine, “and while his contributions to the global biodiesel community are innumerable, his more recent refocusing on and concentrating operations in Hawaii are equally impressive and noteworthy.”
Joelle Simonpietri, Chairwoman of the Hawaii Bioeconomy Trade Organization, wrote, “Bob is a true entrepreneur and business leader, taking Pacific Biodiesel from a mere concept to ‘do something’ about waste grease being poured into the landfill on Maui, to a solid and dependable firm that provides renewable fuel, waste management, and farming services and employs dozens of employees.”
King was one of just seven Hawaii leaders in the big business category to be honored by Pacific Business News, which announced the awards in November. Find the full list of 2020 honorees here.
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ICLEI Welcomes Kelly King to the Board
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Last month, Pacific Biodiesel Co-Founder Kelly King was named to the Board of ICLEI–Local Governments for Sustainability, the leading global network of more than 1,750 local and regional governments committed to sustainable urban development. ICLEI USA is the United States country office of ICLEI-Local Governments for Sustainability and the leading technical experts on greenhouse gas emissions accounting, climate action, and resilience and sustainability planning.
“Island leaders operate on the frontlines of the climate emergency. We are delighted to welcome Kelly King to our Board. Her ability to develop innovations in the public and private sector serves as an ambitious example for our members across the country,” said Angie Fyfe, Executive Director of ICLEI USA.
King will serve on a Board comprised of fellow local leaders from across the country. A Maui County Councilmember, King said “I am truly honored to join this impressive group and look forward to action-oriented discussions on renewable energy, managed retreat and other solutions to our climate crisis. I’m especially excited to bring the unique perspective of island resiliency to the membership!”
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Pacific Biodiesel Awarded Best Places to Work for 11th Consecutive Year |
Based on input from employee surveys, Hawaii Business magazine has once again named Pacific Biodiesel one of Hawaii's Best Places to Work for 2021. Employees cited the company’s proactive safety protocols during the pandemic, fuel discounts, employer match to 401Ks, and a commitment to Hawaii's renewable energy future as some of the benefits of working for the company.
"Each day our employees strive to make this a great place to work," noted Director of Operations Jenna Long. "It’s extremely gratifying to receive this honor during a year of unprecedented challenges and to know that our employees appreciated the commitment Pacific Biodiesel has made to ensure a safe and productive workplace. This award is as much an honor to our employees as it is to our leadership.”
Beginning in 2011, Pacific Biodiesel has received this honor each and every year, making 2021 the 11th year in a row.
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NBB report: Now is the Time to Cut Carbon with Biodiesel
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"Renewable diesel and biodiesel blends are readily available, drop-in fuels that can be used in any diesel engine, today. Fleets can instantly lower their carbon footprint, without investing in costly new vehicles or waiting years for the build-out of new electric charging infrastructure," notes the National Biodiesel Board. Click here for the NBB article in Biodiesel Magazine.
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2020 Diesel Vehicle Sales up 28% as Overall Auto Sales Decline |
As reported in Biobased Diesel Daily, sales of pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles with diesel engines grew 28 percent in the U.S. during 2020, even as overall auto sales declined by over 14 percent for the year. Find the complete article here.
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Vilsack: Biofuels, bioenergy can help meet climate goals |
Secretary of Agriculture nominee Tom Vilsack stressed the important role biofuels and bioenergy will play in meeting the Biden administration’s climate goals. Read the Biodiesel Magazine article here.
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Fleets Use Pure Biodiesel |
Fleet operators including the Washington, D.C., Department of Public Works and the city of Ames, Iowa, are turning to B100, pure biodiesel as a way to further reduce greenhouse gas emissions and attain sustainable energy goals. Read the full article in Fuel Oil News here.
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Pacific Biodiesel’s Bob King Reports on Biodiesel History and Technology Advancements at National Conference |
Bob King, founder and president of Pacific Biodiesel, opened the national Biodiesel Production Technology Summit with a keynote address that provided an inside view of his company’s unique 25-year history as a founding member of the U.S. biodiesel industry. Click here to read the article featured in Biodiesel Magazine.
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Biofuels - The Marine Fuel of the Future is Here |
"With low and zero carbon fuels set to deliver the emission reductions required to achieve this, new market demand has resulted in a range of ‘future low carbon fuels’ that are contending for viability and dominance in the ever-changing marine energy supply chain. One such existing fuel which has made significant progress is biofuel." Read the article in Biofuels Digest here.
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Biden Executive Orders Set Broad Federal Role in Clean Energy and Climate Change Mitigation |
The orders combine federal clean energy and technology procurement, R&D support and environmental justice. According to a White House fact sheet, the overarching aim is to “center the climate crisis” in U.S. foreign policy and national security, and to create a “whole-of-government approach” to shifting the country from reliance on fossil fuels to sources of low- or no-carbon energy. Click here to read the article in GreenTech Media.
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Biden’s climate crisis order addresses biobased fuels, products |
“This executive order is another reminder of how inextricably linked addressing climate change is to our economy, and we’re eager to help President Biden’s administration deliver on his promise to unleash biofuels as a key solution to climate change and restore economic opportunity for rural America,” said Emily Skor, CEO of Growth Energy. Click here to read the Biodiesel Magazine article.
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Pacific Biodiesel Participates in ReTree Hawaii |
On October 30th, Pacific Biodiesel joined with ReTree Hawaii and its goal to plant 100,000 trees, with 10,000 volunteers, on 1,000 sites throughout the state on that day. Rob Weltman, President of the Maui Sierra Club, spearheaded the effort. In a press release issued at the start of the campaign, Weltman stated, “planting trees is one of the most effective actions ordinary citizens can take to mitigate climate change.” In a September 29th announcement, Governor David Ige proclaimed October 30th, 2020 as Statewide Tree Planting Day in Hawai‘i and encouraged the people of the Aloha State to join him in recognizing the value of trees and plants in combating climate change, asking all residents and visitors to protect the health and environment of our island state.
Several Pacific Biodiesel employees and supporters were joined at our founders’ farm in Maui’s central valley by staff and students from Kihei Charter School in this effort to invest in our island's resilience and reduce climate change. Together, the group planted 181 trees including coconut, moringa, papaya, ti, neem and mango.
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Employee Kurt Galatro digs a hole in preparation for the planting of a coconut tree. |
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Supporter Phyllis Robinson and Pacific Biodiesel co-founder Kelly King plant seedlings in pots. |
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Kimokeo Kapahulehua explains the best planting days according to the Hawaiian Moon Calendar. |
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US Hemp Growers Webinar Features Kelly King |
Kelly King was a featured speaker at the Farm Journal Field Days August webinar sponsored by the U.S. Hemp Growers Association. The session, Hemp: Helping Regenerate the Soil was hosted by Mike Bowman, Chair of the Board of Directors at US Hemp Growers Association. Other panelists were David Hill, First Crop, Mark Lewis Ph.D., Trailhead Capital and John Porterfield, Hemp Holding Company.
View the presentation by clicking here or on the video above.
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Supporting Food Security In Hawaii: Innovative Programs Promote Local Farmers and Food Producers |
Maiden Hawaii Naturals, the company created by Pacific Biodiesel founders Bob and Kelly King, was involved in a number of recent events and initiatives, including new “virtual” marketplaces, designed to support local farmers and food producers. |
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Last quarter Maiden Hawaii Naturals and Kuleana Beauty were featured during November’s Made in Maui County Festival featuring over 75 local vendors and hundreds of products. During the first online-only version of this annual event, shoppers could visit each “virtual” booth and video chat with the vendors about their product offerings. Award-winning chef and owner of Kamado Maui, Taylor Ponte, gave a live demonstration on the festival’s virtual center stage featuring Maiden Hawaii Naturals culinary oils. Download his recipes and many others here and watch the video of his cooking demonstration here.
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Maiden Hawaii Naturals locally made culinary oils were also available at Pop-Up Mākeke, a limited-time virtual marketplace created by the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement to support local businesses impacted by the pandemic. Vendors were featured on weekly shows that aired on KITV. Click here to watch as hosts Billy V and McKenna Maduli prepared dishes with our Hawaiian Macadamia and Maui Sunflower culinary oils.
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Maiden Hawaii Naturals was also a sponsor of the Eat Local Maui 2020 Challenge. The team at Project Locavore created a platform to celebrate the abundance of healthy, locally grown food and ingredients available on Maui while supporting and spotlighting our farmers, ranchers, restaurants, markets and other food providers. This community-building initiative encourage the sharing of recipes made with local ingredients as a way towards building a more resilient and sustainable food community and future.
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- CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) has become a safe and popular way for consumers to buy local, seasonal food directly from farmers and producers. We’re happy to report that Maiden Hawaii Naturals culinary oils are available through a number of food hubs and CSA providers around the state. The vendors below offer a variety of delivery and pick-up options.
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Founded in 1995, Pacific Biodiesel is the nation's longest operating and most experienced biodiesel producer, and the only commercial liquid biofuel producer 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 two decades 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 distillation technology to produce the highest-quality biodiesel in the country and in 2016 became the first facility in the world to be certified by the Sustainable Biodiesel Alliance. 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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