Kauai HS Wins "Pursuit of Sustainable Energy Through Renewable Gas and Hydrogen" Video Contest

Kauai High School Named Winner of the "Pursuit of Sustainable Energy Through Renewable Gas and Hydrogen" Video Contest
The Hawaiʻi Agricultural Foundation (HAF) and Hawaiʻi Gas are thrilled to announce a team from Kauai High School as first-place winner of the "Pursuit of Sustainable Energy Through Renewable Gas and Hydrogen" video contest. The competition, which launched in October 2023, invited local public and charter school students to create videos highlighting clean energy technologies used today by Hawaiʻi Gas. The contest aimed to raise awareness around Hawaiʻi Gas’ clean energy solutions and its connection to local agriculture, food security and community resiliency. The first-place video will be used as a PSA for Hawaiʻi Gas, running on local broadcast stations this summer.
The winning video, “Clean Energy,” produced by Kauaʻi High School students Rachel Chidester, Aubrey Bechard, Stella Blanchard, and Gabriel Go, was selected from among more than 27 entries submitted by students from schools across the state. The 30-second video will serve as a public service announcement and air across a variety of multi-media platforms in Hawaiʻi to help raise awareness about current renewable energy solutions in the Islands.
“We’re incredibly proud of the creativity and passion displayed by all the participants in this contest,” said Denise Yamaguchi, executive director of HAF. “This contest has expanded our educational programs to include clean energy, illustrating its vital connection to agriculture, food security, and community resiliency.”
“We were so impressed by each of the contest submissions, and grateful to all the students who took the time to participate. We’re all looking forward to showcasing the winning video to help tell the Hawaiʻi Gas story and raise awareness around forging a cleaner, more sustainable future for our communities.” said Alicia Moy, president and CEO of Hawaiʻi Gas.
The winning video explores the innovative uses of clean energy by Hawaiʻi Gas, including its use of Renewable Natural Gas (RNG), captured at Oʻahu’s Honouliuli Wastewater Treatment Plant, and its incorporation of up to 15% hydrogen into the utility fuel mix on Oʻahu.. The video highlights the critical role of these technologies in reducing carbon emissions and fostering a sustainable future for Hawaiʻi.
“This opportunity to work with Hawaiʻi Gas allowed us to improve on our messaging in the sense that we were able to hone in on aspects that the company valued and produce what they viewed as a good ad. We were thrilled that we could clearly and effectively communicate what Hawaiʻi Gas represents,” said Leah Aiwohi, Kauaʻi High School media teacher. “And I feel like we incorporated that by including a business aspect, a community aspect and a family aspect, all of which that’s important to Hawaiʻi Gas.”
Upon receiving all video submissions, a team of judges from Hawaiʻi Gas-representing areas including executive leadership, operations, marketing, and clean energy-scored each student video on creativity and originality, clarity and impact, adherence to the theme, production quality, and overall presentation. Winners were announced to the students in February, and $18,000 in grants were awarded to support the creative arts programs of the winning teams’ respective schools.
Contest winners
• 1st Place ($8,000 award): Kauai High School students Rachel Chidester, Aubrey Bechard, Stella Blanchard, Gabriel Go for their video "Clean Energy"
• 2nd place ($5,000 award): Waianae High School students Dillon Catlett and Denise Pawleen Cabrera for their video "Make the Aina Mo Fina"
• 3rd place ($3,000 award): Kaiser High School student Caden Koehl for his video "Hawaii Gas PSA”
• Honorable Mentions ($1,000 awarded to each): Teams from Kauai High School students David Braman and Lohgan Hanna and Baldwin High School students Andreah-Kayte Cardon, Boyu Liu, and Miya Silva for their videos.
The winning video from Kauaʻi High School will be showcased on the Hawaiʻi Agricultural Foundation and Hawaiʻi Gas websites, as well as broadcast as a PSA on local television stations.
For more information:
www.hawaiiagfoundation.org
www.hawaiigas.com