People, Power and Place
The 13th Annual Hawaii Energy Conference was held May 20, 21 at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center bringing together nearly 400 energy leaders, policymakers, innovators, and community voices to examine this year’s theme: Energy: Power, People and Place.
This year’s program actively explored pathways to resilience and sustainability using firm power, while incorporating the lessons learned from successful indigenous projects.
Mana Newton, Group CEO, Tauhara North No. 2 Trust, New Zealand delivered a powerful keynote sharing the journey and story of geothermal energy in their community. It was a story of inclusion; ownership; and of regeneration; balancing cultural stewardship with commercial viability to strengthen resilience.
In addition to the general sessions, the Hawaii Energy Conference provided networking opportunities for attendees with breakfast, lunch and receptions. The exhibit venue showcased organizations with the latest renewable energy technologies and services.
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News for HEC2026
2026 Program Committee
Beth Amaro | Member Services and Communications Manager, Kauai Island Utility Cooperative
Colton Ching | Senior Vice President, Planning & Technology, Hawaiian Electric
Michael Colón | Director, Energy Sector, Ulupono Initiative
Jacqui Hoover | Chair, Conference Program Committee; Executive Director and COO Hawaii Island Economic Development Board (HIEDB); and President Hawaii Leeward Planning
Damien Kim | Business Manager/Financial Secretary, International Brotherhood Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 1186
Jonathan Koehn | Director, Climate Initiatives Department, City of Boulder
Doug McLeod | Member, DKK Energy Services, LLC
Robert “Rocky” Mould | Executive Director, Hawaii Solar Energy Association
Jennifer Potter | Faculty Energy Specialist, Hawaii Natural Energy Institute (HNEI)
Joelle Simonpietri | Owner, Simonpietri Enterprises LLC
Wren Wescoatt | VP of Development, Longroad Energy
Jennifer Zelko-Schlueter | Director, Government and Community Relations, Hawaiian Electric
2026 HAWAII ENERGY CONFERENCE SPONSORS
