The rich natural resources of Pacific island Hawaii are being promoted as a responsible alternative to the ever-increasing costs of gas, petrol and electricity.

Hawaii first dipped its toes into the electric car market in the 1990s, but the fact that few companies were on board meant the initiative fizzled out. Now that the island's businesses and residents alike are more aware of the benefits to using renewable energy, the necessary infrastructure to support it is coming on in leaps and bounds.

In the last week, the state of Hawaii has opened its first electric charging station, capable of charging green vehicles such as the smart fortwo electric drive, with the station seen as a sign of things to come.

The charging station is open to the public and offers a range of easy payment methods, such as a freephone number, swiping an ID card, using a smartphone application or by using a good old credit card.

Local businessman Michael Leone owns the charging station. He is aiming to open more across the state for the benefit of promoting greener driving, as well as providing a viable income stream for companies that choose to open charging stations of their own. He explained, "So that they can be producing energy at their businesses and start selling that to their customers who need to be recharged when they're out on the road."

As Mr Leone's electric charging station was officially opened in Honolulu in a ‘ribbon recycling' ceremony, many of Hawaii's residents are hoping that this is the start of the island making the most of its natural resources. Electric car owner Dan Davids said, "To the extent that Hawaii is bathed with renewable energy - solar, wind and wave - we can be completely independent of foreign oil."

Another local resident is keen to join the ranks of electric car owners, especially now the charging station has made charging cars like the smart fortwo electric drive even easier. "Not having to go to the gas station, you know how fun it's going to be to drive past gas stations!" potential electric smart car owner Kathryn Morrow said. "We're excited to be a part of the old, new revolution that's finally really coming out now."

It certainly seems as though Hawaii is in a great position to switch to smarter driving, especially as the island aims to reduce its imported energy from its current 90% to only 30% within 20 years, supported by federal and state tax credits.

Mr Leone knows this is achievable as he has done his sums. "I would have a local investor that would come on board and customers could buy a solar carport, a wind turbine and an electric vehicle and make one low monthly payment. It's time for Hawaii to step up and start taking care of ourselves."

For more information on the smart electric drive, click here.