Kapolei Business Owner Advocates for Natural Gas as Transition Fuel

Letter writer argues natural gas is a practical step forward while Hawaii builds out renewable energy sources.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 10:05am

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An abstract illustration composed of overlapping triangles and rectangles in shades of green, blue, and gray, conveying the complex transition of Hawaii's energy infrastructure.As Hawaii charts its path to a renewable energy future, a local business owner argues for a pragmatic role for natural gas as a bridge fuel.Honolulu Today

In a letter to the Honolulu Star-Advertiser, a Kapolei business owner named Sage Adams expresses support for using natural gas as a transition fuel in Hawaii while the state continues to build out its renewable energy infrastructure. Adams states that natural gas generally costs less and burns cleaner than the oil currently used, making it a practical intermediate step before Hawaii fully transitions to solar, wind, and storage.

Why it matters

As Hawaii works towards its goal of 100% renewable energy by 2045, the debate over the role of natural gas as a bridge fuel has become a contentious issue. This letter provides a business owner's perspective on the tradeoffs and highlights the need to balance affordability, reliability, and environmental concerns as the state charts its energy future.

The details

In the letter, Adams states that as a business owner, he feels the burden of high electric costs every month. He supports practical solutions that lower energy costs, improve reliability, and serve the long-term good of Hawaii's communities. While Adams believes Hawaii should keep moving towards solar, wind, and storage, he argues that the real choice right now is between the oil currently being burned and natural gas, which he says generally costs less and burns cleaner.

  • The letter was published on April 10, 2026.

The players

Sage Adams

A Kapolei business owner who wrote the letter to the Honolulu Star-Advertiser advocating for the use of natural gas as a transition fuel in Hawaii.

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What they’re saying

“Hawaii needs an energy path that is affordable, reliable and aligned with our clean energy future.”

— Sage Adams, Kapolei Business Owner

The takeaway

This letter highlights the ongoing debate in Hawaii over the role of natural gas as the state works to transition to 100% renewable energy. While some see natural gas as a practical bridge fuel, others are concerned about locking in fossil fuel infrastructure that could delay the full transition to renewables. The business owner's perspective underscores the need to balance affordability, reliability, and environmental goals as Hawaii charts its energy future.