DBEDT to make $3M in Hawaii electric vehicle grants

Hawaii’s Department of Business Economic Development and Tourism has nearly $3 million in federal stimulus grant money to award to businesses and nonprofits to install electronic vehicle charging equipment. The department expects to make between two and seven grants throughout the state ranging anywhere from $30,000 to $2 million each.

In 2008, the Lingle administration committed to reducing dependence on oil in the islands to 30 percent by 2030. Electric vehicles are one means of realizing that goal.

The application deadline is 11 a.m., July 26 and the funds must be expended by March 30 of next year. Announcement of the selected recipients will be made on Aug. 31. Grant applications are available at http://hawaii.gov/dbedt/info/energy/evrebatesgrants/Grant%20Opportunity%20Announcement%202010-06-08.pdf