The Move Aligns with the Governor’s Goal to Achieve 100% Clean Energy

HONOLULU - The state is investing in more green-energy lawnmowers to maintain its greens. The Department of Accounting and General Services (DAGS) is concluding a trial period using an electric lawnmower and has decided to move forward with obtaining more electric lawnmowers as the need arises, to replace an aging fleet.

“This is in line with Hawai‘i’s commitment to achieve the nation’s first-ever 100 percent renewable portfolio standards (RPS), as stated in The Hawai‘i Clean Energy Initiative ,” said Governor Josh Green, M.D. On Tuesday, Governor Green outlined new policy objectives and directives for the state of Hawai?i, including accelerating renewable development for neighbor island communities to hit 100% renewable portfolio standards from 2045 to 2035, setting a statewide goal of 50,000 distributed renewable energy installations (such as rooftop solar and battery systems) by 2030, and directing state departments to streamline and accelerate the permitting of renewable developments to reduce energy costs and project development timelines.

In March 2024, DAGS’ Central Services Division (CSD) leased-to-own its first battery-powered mower. DAGS Director and Comptroller Keith Regan said, “It’s faster, quieter and more economical. By leasing the vehicle, we are given a free loaner if it breaks. Therefore, we don’t lose productivity waiting for a mower to be fixed.”

CSD’s Grounds Maintenance Program services 115 sites across 98 acres statewide, including public office buildings, libraries, health centers and civic centers. CSD owns three diesel-powered mowers and two gas-powered mowers.

It costs about $800 a month to power a gas mower compared to $260 for an electric one. Administrator James Kurata estimates this saves the state about $6,500 a year. He added, “We’re pleased to be part of the solution to reduce our dependency on oil.”

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(Image courtesy: DAGS)

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