OUR MISSION

To increase the adoption of sustainable transportation in Hawaii.

MEMBERS

The Big Island EV Association (BIEVA) is a group of electric vehicle enthusiasts (owners, would-be owners, and supporters) who actively promote the adoption of EVs on the island of Hawaii.  We educate the general public about the advantages of EVs – the environmental and cost-of-ownership benefits, and superior driving experience – and address questions regarding purchase experiences, charging infrastructure, and ownership.

We also work on expanding our charging infrastructure. We collaborate with local government and business leaders and charging station companies to encourage investment in charging stations across our island.

We are part of the Hawaii Electric Vehicle Association, a chapter of the Electric Auto Association.

Club Leaders

Noel Morin

Noel Morin is a climate action advocate. He is motivated to help Hawaii achieve its sustainability goals by enabling the transition away from fossil fuels. Noel is a Silicon Valley veteran with Product Management and Leadership experience. Noel powers his Hilo home and his electric cars with solar energy.

Richard Castro

Rick has been in the renewable energy field for the last 4 years and is the owner of a Nissan LEAF and Chevy Volt. He has worked closely with 3 EV charger companies to locate and maintain their charging stations. Rick works daily to help people in Hawaii reduce their energy use and eliminate their electric bill. Rick is based in Waikoloa.

Cody Osborne

Cody is an enthusiastic EV advocate and experienced Chevy Volt owner on the east side of the Big Island. He owns a Marketing Consultancy business in Hilo town. Interestingly enough, he’s lived in just about every “EV hot spot” in the nation – first Colorado, then Georgia, briefly in California, then Oregon and now, Hawaii. His thirst for knowledge in the EV sector ranges from the mighty Tesla to the minuscule iMEV, and even the Ford Energi twins. He writes occasionally for the largest EV news site on the web (www.insideevs.com) and will be blogging here every chance he gets. His thirst for coffee might even surpass his thirst for cars and electric mobility, but he welcomes anyone to talk story over a brew or two. Contact him via email at marketing@reelakamai.com

Bill Bugbee – Kona Advisor

Bill relocated to Hawai’i in 2013.  He has committed time and resources in assisting Hawaii’s advancement towards a sustainable environment and economy.  For over 10 years, he has been active in the advancement of electrified transportation, and a global exit from fossil fuels.

Bill was an early EV adopter, taking delivery of his first EV in 2012.  Bill took delivery of his second EV in 2016, both cars are fueled by the sun, not the utility.

Lorn Douglas — Puna Advisor

Lorn and his wife are an example of sustainable living and “walking the talk”. They are on their 4th EV with a brand new Kia EV6. An engineer by education, Lorn has determined that 9 solar panels run his Model S’ 1,000 miles per month. He is happy to communicate about solar options and electric vehicles, including ownership experiences and tips in Puna. He can be reached directly at lornd@yahoo.com.

Tam Hunt – Policy Committee Chair

Tam is a renewable energy lawyer and policy expert, working mainly in California since 2001 at Community Renewable Solutions. He leads the BIEVA Policy Committee.

“I am a Chevy Bolt driver since 2018 and have lived on the Big Island off and on since 2014 (full-time for the last three years). I’m also a writer and academic philosopher in my free time. Here are my columns at GreenTechMedia.com, and here’s a recent piece of mine summarizing my theory of consciousness: The Hippies Were Right: It’s All about Vibrations, Man!.”

Mike Kane — Advisor

Mike is one of PlugInAmerica’s founders and is an early solar and electric vehicle adopter. Mike was involved in the movie “Who Killed the Electric Car”! He has owned a variety of EVs before moving to the Big Island:  Think Neighbor, 2001 S10 Pickup 2001, 2003 RAV 4, and Fiat 500 Electric. He now drives a Kia Niro EV. Mike is providing our association with strategic guidance.

Thomas Kraft — Kau Advisor

Tom is retired and residing in Ocean View. He has two electric vehicles and harvests solar energy for his home and cars. He offers insights into ownership in a part of the island that is not very well supported by charging infrastructure (something we are working to address).

“I had two careers, first the Air Force and second teaching. The genesis of my interest in EVs started in 1999 when I was teaching at Hana School on Maui. As a shop teacher, my students and I designed, built, tested and competed with a single person electric vehicle. Fast forward to today – for local trips I drive a converted 1981 Mercury Lynx and for longer hauls a Tesla Model S.” – Tom

Gary Miller — Photographer, Hamakua Advisor

Gary and his wife moved to the Big Island a few years ago. They live a few miles north of Hilo, on the Hamakua Coast. Gary has owned a hybrid since 2003 and a Chevy Volt. He now drives a Tesla Model 3. Gary is a professional photographer – he sells his stock photos online. He is our official photographer.

Russell Ruderman — Advisor

State Senator Russell Ruderman owns a Nissan LEAF, is an advocate for electric vehicles and sustainability, and a business owner. He is familiar with the need for charging infrastructure and its importance in the adoption of sustainable transportation in Hawaii. Russell serves on a number of committees, including Water, Land, and Agriculture; Health and Consumer Protection; Technology and Environment; and Human Services Committees. He represents Puna and Kau on Hawaii Island.

Jared Terpak – Kohala Advisor

Jared is a life-long Kohala resident and a Chevy Bolt owner. This is his first EV and he loves it. He is constantly testing its range and capabilities – ask him about his adventures, including his epic trip to Mauna Loa! Jared is a strong promoter of the Chevy Bolt and has been active in educating the public about the vehicle’s qualities. Jared teaches high school at Hawaii Preparatory Academy in Waimea, is a strong advocate for sustainability, an outdoor adventurer, and a surfer.

PARTNERS

We collaborate with national and local entities that are dedicated to the electrification of transportation and the transition to renewable energy.