The Lingle administration's ambitious efforts to wean Hawai'i from fossil fuels — most notably the Hawai'i Clean Energy Initiative, with its goal of 70 percent clean energy by 2030 — has failed to impress the House Finance Committee.

In its report attached to the House version of the state budget (HB 200), the committee sharply criticizes the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism for "prolonged ineffectiveness and lack of mission" in promoting energy independence and alternative-energy programs. "Therefore," the report concludes, "the approval of any further funding for the Clean Energy Initiative as currently proposed would be irresponsible."

These are strong, sweeping words. They're also imprecise and unhelpful in advancing the initiative's critical role in Hawai'i's economic future.

Certainly in this tough budgetary climate, every nickel must be accounted for. No agency, DBEDT included, can be spared a critical eye as policymakers struggle to preserve essential services for the most vulnerable.

But when it comes to alternative energy in Hawai'i, tangible progress has been made — and that progress must continue. An island economy that's 90 percent dependent on imported oil, will always be vulnerable to spikes in oil prices.

The Hawai'i Clean Energy Initiative, developed in partnership with the federal Department of Energy, lays the groundwork for advancing locally produced energy. It's a clear step in the right direction and deserves support.

An agreement with Hawaiian Electric Co. has set the stage for advancing feed-in tariffs, smart metering, decoupling and other smart policies tailored for renewable energy. Other goals, such as more efficient inter-island electricity grids, raising renewable portfolio standards and promoting electric and hybrid vehicles, are in the state's best interest to pursue.

We must cut our thirst for imported oil — and it's certainly within our ability to do so. In 2008, foreign oil imports dropped 10 percent from the previous year. Between 2006 and 2008, HECO's use of oil for electricity generation declined by 5.9 percent, attributed primarily to increased use of renewable sources.

These are tough times. DBEDT's energy efforts must be scrutinized to ensure it's spending our money wisely. It's possible the full extent of the administration's energy ambitions will have to be scaled back this year.

But the goals are worth reaching for; Hawai'i's long-term prosperity depends on it.