Hawaiians concerned with economy, oil

Hawaii may not be an industrial hub of the U.S., but the state is feeling the impact of the economy in poor real estate sales.  Hawaii real estate is doing better than most markets on the mainland, but sales are down 30%, which is making a big difference for real estate agents.  The state is already strongly supportive of Barack Obama, and this should simply back up the conviction.  Obama is generally seen as the candidate more capable at dealing with the economy.

A new company in Hawaii called Better Place has begun to develop a plan for the state to decrease its need for gas.  Better Place is a sustainable transportation company, and Hawaii has proven a welcoming market for the electric cars and re-charging networks they offer.  Advocates for the company said that the new market would bring new jobs as well as opportunities to decrease Hawaii's dependence on oil.  In January 2008, local government in Hawaii declared that the state would decrease its oil use by 70% over the next two decades.  Hawaii is without doubt dependent on oil, and in January Hawaii had the highest gas prices and electricity rates in the country.  Hawaii's isolated location makes threats of oil shortages even more daunting.  So, for many reasons, Better Place's proposed influx of electric cars resonates well in the small state.