HONOLULU — A California company is planning to build a network of charging stations on four Hawaii islands to fuel electric-powered cars.

Electric vehicles are expected to be available in Hawaii’s auto showrooms in 2011. Palo Alto, Calif.-based Better Place intends to power these electric cars by tapping into the state’s growing renewable energy industry. Pete Cooper, in charge of global development for Better Place, said Hawaii is an ideal market because of the relatively short distances traveled by most motorists.

Hawaiian Electric Co. spokesman Darren Pai says the utility supports renewable energy in transportation as a way to reduce Hawaii’s dependence on fossil fuels.