Hawaii’s longest-running biodiesel producer just scored big. Operating since 1995 in Maui, this environmental maverick received an unprecedented state proclamation for nearly three decades of turning restaurant waste into clean energy. They pump out 5.5 million gallons annually, slashing greenhouse gases by 86%. Not bad for a company that started with used cooking oil. Their sunflower-to-fuel expansion shows they’re not done revolutionizing Hawaii’s energy landscape.
Innovation, thy name is Pacific Biodiesel. The Maui-founded company just snagged an unprecedented state proclamation, and let’s be honest – they’ve earned every bit of it. Since 1995, they’ve been churning out green fuel while the rest of us were still figuring out which bin to toss our recyclables in. Talk about ahead of the curve.
Pacific Biodiesel turned restaurant waste into environmental gold long before green became mainstream. Pioneers, not followers.
As America’s longest-running biodiesel operation, Pacific Biodiesel isn’t playing small ball. They pump out over 5.5 million gallons annually from their Hawaii Island refinery. Their secret sauce? Used cooking oil. Yes, that greasy stuff restaurants throw away. One person’s kitchen waste is another’s climate solution. Funny how that works.
The environmental numbers don’t lie. Their biodiesel slashes greenhouse gas emissions by a whopping 86%. Particulate matter? Down 47%. Hydrocarbons? Reduced by 67%. And unlike that mysterious goop that leaked from your car last year, this stuff is non-toxic and biodegradable. Go figure.
But this isn’t just about fuel. Pacific Biodiesel has their fingers in agricultural pies too. Since 2017, they’ve been growing sunflowers on Maui, and recently expanded to Kauai in 2024. “Food then fuel” is their mantra. Clever approach, using regenerative practices that don’t treat soil like dirt. Their approach mirrors the biochemical processes that have made biomass energy increasingly viable in recent years. Their zero-waste model ensures all by-products from crops are utilized, from oil to animal feed to biomass fuel.
The government’s on board, obviously. They’ve thrown money at the company – a $100K EPA grant back in 2007 and federal funding for their Kauai adventure. The military’s involved too. Because nothing says “national security” like locally-produced renewable fuel.
Their tech game is strong. Multi-feedstock capabilities. Premium distilled biodiesel. Even exploring algae as a future feedstock. They’ve mastered the crucial transesterification process that converts oils into biodiesel through catalyzed reactions with alcohols. These folks don’t rest on their laurels.
The proclamation recognizes what many already knew: Pacific Biodiesel isn’t just creating fuel – they’re creating jobs, supporting energy independence, and building a circular economy model in Hawaii. They’ve turned recycled oil into gold, and the state finally made it official. About time.
