Blue Planet's annual Honua Award is given to an individual or organization who has made significant contributions toward moving Hawai'i down the path to a clean energy future. The 2010 Honua Award recipient was former Commander Robert Rice of Marine Corps Base Hawai'i, who had implemented bold energy initiatives that will help make the 3,000-acre Kane'ohe facility energy self-sufficient by 2015. The 2009 Award was given to Darren Kimura, a clean energy entrepreneur and current President and CEO of the concentrating solar company Sopogy. Maurice Kaya—former state energy office director and current president of the Hawaii Renewable Energy Development Venture—received the inaugural 2008 award.

2011 Honua Award Winner -- first wind

As a developer, owner, and operator of wind farms, First Wind has installed more megawatts of clean energy capacity in Hawai'i than any other renewable energy company to date. The company currently has two major projects in operation—Kaheawa Wind on Maui and Kahuku Wind on O'ahu—totaling 60 megawatts of production capacity. Two more projects in development, which when completed, will bring the total to 150 megawatts of clean, renewable wind energy for the islands. The Kahuku wind farm also features cutting-edge battery technology to help the utility absorb more of the renewable energy onto the power grid.

"It is a tremendous honor to receive this award from Blue Planet," said Kekoa Kaluhiwa, Director of External Affairs for First Wind in Hawai'i. "Hawaii and its people are leading the country toward a more sustainable, renewable future, and we’re proud to help deliver clean, renewable energy to homes and businesses on Maui and O'ahu."

While giving the award, Blue Planet highlighted that First Wind has been a true community partner in building the wind facilities and has taken meaningful steps to mitigate impact on wildlife and the environment.

"We work hard to build projects that not only provide clean energy, but respect and protect the beautiful natural resources we have here in Hawai'i," said Kaluhiwa. "It’s very nice to be recognized for that work. This award is a credit to the excellent employees we have working in Hawai'i, as well as our customers and the many people who have helped us to build and operate our projects."