The editors are spot-on in supporting this sensible win-win approach to offsetting  greenhouse gas emissions. Unfortunately they fail to mention the primary problem this approach solves: Aviation generated greenhouse gas emissions, Hawaii's #1 climate pollution challenge.   

2013 data indicated  that CO2 from tourist aviation alone was nearly twice that of all other sources in Hawaii combined.

Furthermore, unlike ground transportation and power generation, there are no viable clean energy alternatives to burning kerosene jet fuel.  The only practical solution is the use of carbon offsets. There is also significant opportunity in this approach. 

The nearly 10 million tourists coming to Hawaii each year are a potential source of revenue to support these carbon offset projects.

Capitalizing on this will take a cultural shift in the Hawaii tourism community, particularly with our Airlines. Marketing/educating visitors and facilitating their voluntary purchase of credits will be needed.