WASHINGTON -- Hawai'i Gov. Linda Lingle's plans to use the National Governor's Association winter meeting, which kicks off Saturday, as a chance to swap ideas with other state executives on how to move Hawai'i to its goal of getting at least 70 percent of its power from clean sources by 2030.

The governor's plan dovetails with the three-day meeting, which focuses on securing a clean energy future for the nation through developing clean energy and alternative fuels, increasing energy efficiency and adopting clean energy techniques throughout the country.

The association's program also ties in with the nonbinding agreement the state recently struck with the Energy Department to help Hawai'i become a model in using renewable energy sources such as wind, solar, ocean, geothermal and bioenergy to supply most of its power needs.

"Hawai`i is the most oil-dependent state in American with more than 90 percent of our energy supply dependent on imported fuel," Lingle said. "Many of the innovative steps we are taking to increase Hawai`i's energy independence and use of clean, renewable energy can serve as a model for the nation."

The governor has said the state now gets about 8 percent of its energy from renewable resources and is on track to get to 20 percent by 2020.

Lingle, a member of the association's energy task force, said Hawai`i also could learn a lot of renewable energy strategies from other states.

The governor's schedule also includes meetings on the national surface transportation policy, ways to turn around struggling schools and the future of long-term care.

Nearly 50 governors are expected to attend the winter meeting, which includes sessions with President Bush, Cabinet members, congressional leaders and other experts.

Reach Dennis Camire at dcamire@gns.gannett.com.