The 12th Annual Hawaii Energy Conference (HEC), held May 21–22 in Maui, brought together 365 energy leaders, policymakers, innovators, and community advocates to explore actionable strategies for Hawaii’s transition to a clean energy future under the theme “Offering Solutions.”
Hosted by the Maui Economic Development Board, the two-day conference featured dynamic keynote addresses, engaging panels, and in-depth discussions on the state’s most pressing energy challenges ranging from affordability and grid reliability to community priorities and advanced technologies.
Mayor Richard Bissen gave opening remarks with a focus on Maui County’s commitment to sustainability through energy efficiency, water conservation, and culturally rooted decision-making. He highlighted completed upgrades at 139 county facilities and solar battery installations at 34 more, which are reducing costs, conserving over 81 million gallons of water annually, and creating local jobs.
Mark Glick, Chief Energy Officer of the Hawaii State Energy Office, delivered an extended introduction to the first panel of the day, replacing Governor Josh Green, M.D., who was unable to attend due to commitments in Washington, D.C. Glick[SR1] outlined the state’s bold goal—accelerating to 100% renewable energy for Maui County, Hawaii, and Kauai by 2035. He emphasized the importance of reducing oil price volatility, improving grid reliability, and investing in local biofuels like sunflower-based biodiesel. Glick also raised critical questions about the alignment between Hawaii’s decarbonization laws and its renewable portfolio standards, urging a thoughtful balance between emissions reduction and energy self-sufficiency.
Glick was then joined on the stage by energy and regulatory leaders Shelee Kimura, President & CEO, Hawaiian Electric: Leo Asuncion, Chair, Public Utilities Commission; and Michael Angelo Executive Director, Division of Consumer Advocacy; and Rick Rocheleau, Director, Hawaii Natural Energy Institute; to discuss ‘Repowering & Resilience.’ The conversation focused on the dual imperatives of meeting Hawaii’s Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) and Act 238 carbon neutrality goals, while ensuring affordability, reliability, and community engagement.
“It takes every one of us in this room, everybody on this stage, all of our partners here to make all of these things happen—to achieve these very aggressive goals Hawaii has,” said Kimura.
This year’s conference saw the introduction of a Deep Dive Session to provide an opportunity to explore a complex topic in greater detail with an intimate group. Led by economist Dr. Ahmad Faruqui, Jeremy Kwock, Manager of Pricing for Hawaiian Electric, and Jennifer Potter, Faculty Energy Specialist, Hawaii Natural Energy Institute, the session examined the design of Time-of-Use (TOU) rates for Hawaii. Drawing from case studies in California, Michigan, Australia, and beyond, the group discussed how TOU structures could be adapted to Hawaii’s unique context—where solar is abundant, electric rates are high, and energy equity is paramount.
In addition to the general sessions, the conference provided networking opportunities for attendees with breakfast, lunch and receptions. The exhibit venue showcased organizations with the latest renewable energy technologies and services.
“What keeps me coming back, I think is this is really the premier energy focused conference for Hawaii, said Jack Shriver, Power Engineers. “I mean people are really here to engage and to solve problems.”
“Hawaii and Puerto Rico are so similar,” said Antonio Torres-Miranda, Associate Commissioner, Energy Bureau of the Puerto Rico Public Service Regulatory Board. “I’m taking a lot of solutions that they’ve given to Hawaii to Puerto Rico and implement them in Puerto Rico. It’s been good for us. For me, it’s been a learning experience.” Torres-Miranda spoke on a panel on Puerto Rico’s emerging VPP initiatives.
“I feel like I’ve been here since the beginning and I haven’t missed one since,” said Brian Keoloha of VEIC. “This is just the place to be for discussions around energy policy — How do we push and move the needle in Hawaii around energy issues? Having discussions in the panel form with some of the best practices and things that we can learn from other jurisdictions. The conversations that we need to have amongst our peers and other folks that are working in this space — it’s just a great convening.
The conference closed with a final networking opportunity; a Pau Hana reception sponsored by Women in Renewable Energy (WiRE). WiRE’s mission, to advance the role and recognition of women and other underrepresented groups working in the energy sector.
The 2025 Hawaii Energy Conference was sponsored by Ulupono Initiative, Hawaii Natural Energy Institute, Moss & Associates, Hawaii Energy/Leidos, Hawaiian Electric, IBEW Local Union 1186, Island Energy Services, Johnson Controls, Par Hawaii, TerraForm Power, Aeroseal, AES Hawaii, Ameresco, Bitzer, Generac, Hawaii Gas, JM Distributed, Kuaui Island Utility Cooperative, NovaTech Automation, Pacific Panel Cleaners, POWER Engineers, RevoluSun, and Trio Energy Alliance.
Read full highlights of discussions at https://hawaiienergyconference.com/energy-leaders-convene-in-maui-to-tackle-tough-challenges-and-offer-real-solutions/