Oil consumption isn't pretty

Nadine Kam photos
A look at the Solar Lounge at Fishcake, at 307 Kamani St. in Kakaako.

The Blue Planet Foundation showed ways to live stylishly and sustainably at its Solar Lounge event at Fishcake on May 11.

The Watt Wheels solar-powered living room was lighted with luminaires and lamps designed by local artists Mark Chai, Keiko Hatano and Wendy Kim-Messier.

Blue Planet founder, chairman and visionary, Henk Rogers was there to evangelize for the cause. Many may be familiar with his name because he brought the video game Tetris to the United States game market almost two decades ago.

He said when he looked around the globe for a place where his foundation could make the most impact, he didn't have to look farther than his home here in the islands, where energy is costly—financially and ecologically—because of the distance involved in importing fossil fuel. Yet, it is a relatively small place, with plentiful energy sources—whether solar, thermal, wind or ocean current—that could provide for all our needs.

He said that we have the technology and money to essentially go cold turkey on oil right now, but what is lacking is the willpower. The willpower seems to be increasing though, as I overhear many more people talking about electric car options because of the rising cost of gasoline. (If it gets people out of SUVs and idiotic monster trucks I'd be happy.) Guests couldn't miss the big hint at the door, an electric Tesla parked at the entrance to the soiree!

The Blue Planet Foundation website offers tips on how you can avoid "energy vampires" at home and start conserving energy in ways that aren't costly.

Man of the hour, Henk Rogers, left, with Blue Planet Foundation executive director Jeff Mikulina, and their message imploring others to "Be the Change."

The gallery was full of mixed media artwork by Chasuk Majarone, created from recycled and found objects. In the foreground is the piece "Waiting for Yoyoma" ($800).

Mark Chai shows one of his hanging lamps made with recycled plastic industrial barrels. Beneath it is a grassy arrangement dotted with solar bugs that were given to guests as a reminder that solar cells have the energy to make them hop. Below is a closeup of a bug.

Lacy Matsumoto with the Blue Planet Foundation's electric Tesla.

Artist Wendy Kim-Messier with the textile lamps she created.

Candice Kraughto with KITV's Jill Kuramoto.

Chef Mark Noguchi, formerly of Alan Wong's and Town, will celebrate the grand opening of his He'eia Pier General Store & Deli partnership on May 15. He prepared the food at Fishcake, including the ahi and Reppun lo'i kalo mixture he's scooping for his island-style bruschetta.

The lights were turned off midway through the evening for dramatic effect, leaving only the artists' solar-powered lamps to cut through the darkness.