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.

Maui Economic Development Board (MEDB) has presented the conference since 2014 to explore the challenges and opportunities in Hawaii’s transition to renewable energy. Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen opened the two-day conference that featured dynamic keynote addresses, engaging panels, and in-depth discussions. 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 of Tauhara North No. 2 Trust, New Zealand delivered the keynote at the 2026 Hawaii Energy Conference

Jacqui Hoover, Chair of the conference program committee, Director of Hawaii Island Economic Development Board said, “The things we learn here, the innovations we put in place, the technologies we test – we’re really setting the bar and establishing the floor as well as the ceiling for energy overall. People who come, whether it’s from across the state of Hawaii or the continent, even international, we’re able to take our lessons learned and weave them together as we do in Hawaii — weaving together our mana’o, our knowledge, as well as the opportunities and our resources.”

People, Power and Place

Newton also joined a panel on day 2 that directly addressed the theme of People, Power and Place and looked at models from Hawaii, Tribal Nations, and the Pacific. Moderated by Nāʻālehu Anthony, Activist, changemaker and storyteller; the panel explored how communities design and govern their own energy projects. Wayne Yazza, Jr., Director of Utilities (and former Governor) of Picuris Pueblo; Andrea (Andy) Blair, also of New Zealand; and Keani Rawlins-Fernandez, County of Maui Council joined the discussion.

Panel discuss the theme People, Power and Place at HEC 2026

Wren Westcoatt, Vice President of Development for Longroad Energy and a member of the conference planning committee who moderated a panel on ‘Higher Solar Costs and 100% RPS’ said, “Hawaii has a law to reach 100% renewable energy by 2045. And that is really a guiding light for a lot of people that work in the renewable industry. The conference supports the goal in a lot of ways — hearing from professionals that are really in the trenches, trying to get those projects done so that we can get renewable projects, whether it’s solar or other types of renewables, geothermal, so that our state can reach that one hundred percent goal by twenty forty five.”

Deep Dive Session

A Deep Dive Session provided an opportunity to explore the topic of ‘Water and Energy’ in greater depth with an intimate group. Despite being surrounded by water, many communities in Hawaiʻi face ongoing water shortages— including those in areas impacted by the 2023 fires. 

The deep dive session at the 2026 Hawaii Energy Conference was led by Ben Sullivan

Featured Presentations

Featured Presentations included: The Maui Method, Presented by Christopher Wegner, Hazard Mitigation Specialist with the Maui Emergency Management Agency; Best Practices for Adding Large Load to the Grid, presented by Mark Kolesar, Senior Advisor with Ankura Consulting Group; Hardening the Grid, presented by Marc Asano, the Director of Wildfire Strategy for Hawaiian Electric; and Community-led Energy Efficiency with Caroline Carl, Hawaii Energy, and Jennifer Yoshimura, Sustainable Moloka‘i.

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.

“I look forward to that networking opportunity because it’s really a place where you get to look at the conversations that are happening out there in the industry and then start talking about them in person,” remarked Jennifer Potter, Faculty Energy Specialist with the Hawaii Natural Energy Institute and member of the 2026 Program Committee. “So, we’re solving problems here. The conversations that happen on stage, we take them away from this conference, and we continue that dialogue. Being able to inform those conversations as part of the program committee, selecting topics that are going to be relevant for the state and that are relevant for the state is really an awesome opportunity and it does it keeps me coming back every year.”

Visitors from Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Korea, Puerto Rico, and across the Continental U.S joined Hawaii-based attendees for networking with each other and with the exhibiting companies showcasing leading edge technologies in renewable energy.

“We came to listen, learn, and better understand how we can contribute to the local energy market in the future,” explained Seoyoung Jung, SK Gas, who came with four colleagues from Korea to attend the conference. “I had an opportunity to meet many great people and gain a deeper understanding of Hawaii’s energy landscape. It gave us a very positive perspective on how we might create synergies and contribute together going forward. This is my first time visiting Hawaii, so it’s been a really great experience both professionally and personally.”

Panelists discuss cultivating a clean energy workforce at HEC 2026

Students from James Campbell High School attended to support their Environmental Science teacher, Spencer Alexander, who spoke on the panel ‘Cultivating a Robust Clean Energy Workforce.’ The panel explored the needs for recruiting, training and retaining, to facilitate the development of the diverse workforce needed for Hawaii’s clean energy transition.

“It’s what we talk about in my environmental science class and taking it a step further to how we can apply it in the real world,” said student, Luvely Suguitan. “My biggest takeaway is that there are a lot of limitations in the energy sector and towards our energy goals. It helped me understand further that a lot of things limit us from being quicker, going forward.”

Nāʻālehu Anthony summed it up, “Fundamentally these two days of conference allows so many people with the diverse views to get to yes that it’s a really exciting place and space to be in.”

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 2026 Hawaii Energy Conference was sponsored by AES Hawaii, Ameresco, Hawaii Gas, Hawaiian Electric, Hawaii Natural Energy Institute, IBEW Local 1260, IBEW Local 1186, Ikehu Utility Solutions, Integrity Environmental, Island Energy Services, Jera Americas, JM Distributed Solutions, Johnson Controls, Kauai Island Utility Coop, Leadsun, Moss & Associates, Noresco, NovaTech Automation, Par Hawaii, Puna Geothermal Ventures, Tetra Tech, Trio Energy Alliance, Ulupono Initiative, WSP. Alaska Air/Hawaiian Airlines was the official airline for the 2026 Hawaii Energy Conference.

For more information about the 2026 program and access to session recordings, visit https://hawaiienergyconference.com/2026-hawaii-energy-conference/

The Hawaii Energy Conference is presented by Maui Economic Development Board (MEDB), a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation established in 1982 with a mission to diversify Maui County’s economy, building pathways to innovation, jobs and opportunities for our residents. Through partnerships with the public and private sector, MEDB undertakes projects that assist growth industries with navigating and thriving in our county, educates and trains residents for new careers, and engages our community in forums that determine future economic directions.

The countdown is on for the 13th Annual Hawaii Energy Conference (HEC) to be held at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center May 20 and 21 exploring the theme of Energy: Power, People and Place. Presented by Maui Economic Development Board (MEDB), with support by the County of Maui, the conference brings together leaders, policymakers, cooperatives, and energy innovators.

Speaking on a recent interview with Burt Lum on Hawaii Pacific Radio’s Bytemarks Café, the conference chair Jacqui Hoover explained, “Given the geopolitics of everything now – affordability, access, and reliability – I think we were very forward-thinking in coming up with the three P’s of the theme – Power, People and Place.”

Hoover is the Executive Director and COO Hawaii Island Economic Development Board (HIEDB); and President Hawaii Leeward Planning. “To the credit of the great people I have the opportunity to work with on the program committee, they’re all looking at opportunities to incorporate lessons learned from around the globe that we can bring back to Hawaii while simultaneously recognizing the importance and uniqueness of our geography here, our climate here, and very importantly, our culture and people.”

Jennifer Potter, HNEI, is on the HEC program committee and will moderate the panel “LNG in Hawaii”

Potter will moderate the panel, “LNG in Hawaii,” a controversial topic discussed in the legislature this year. “We are bringing the stakeholders to the table – the ones that are making the case for LNG, and the ones that are really questioning whether it’s a valid and reasonable decision for the state to pursue. This is one of the forums where disagreement is productive. You hear those competing viewpoints, and that’s where the real learning happens.”

“The conversations that people have after the conference are really what helps move our energy laboratory forward,” concluded Potter.

Another panel of the Hawaii Energy Conference will discuss “Higher Solar Costs and 100% RPS.” There are concerns that reduction/elimination of tax credits/incentives could slow adoption of solar. Hawaii has set a very ambitious goal of 50,000 rooftop systems across the state in the next five years. Last week Hawaii’s House and Senate committee agreed to eliminate the Renewable Energy Technologies Income Tax Credit, just when state incentives are even more important with the reduction of federal incentives. Legislators are yet to vote on measure. The impact of tariffs and costs for utility-scale and residential solar will also be discussed in this panel moderated by Wren Wescoatt, VP of Development, Longroad Energy.

Beyond generation sources (solar, geothermal, wind, hydro, ocean energy concepts), the panels also address Cybersecurity; Permitting and policy; and Workforce development. In addition to eight Panel discussions and the “Water and Energy” Deep Dive session, the Hawaii Energy Conference will feature four 15-minute presentations with topics ranging from disposal of lithium batteries to grid maintenance as well as sustainability efforts on Moloka‘i.

Featured Presentations Topics Include:

The Maui Method – Presented by Christopher Wegner, Hazard Mitigation Specialist with the Maui Emergency Management Agency, The Maui Method turns dangerous and damaged lithium batteries into non-hazardous waste.

Best Practices for Adding Large Load to the Grid – In this presentation, Mark Kolesar, Senior Advisor with Ankura Consulting Group, presents an overview of best practices in rate design for large loads with examples that provide adequate revenue, avoid cost shifting, maintain affordability, manage load adequacy, and manage utility risk.

Hardening the Grid – Presented by Marc Asano, the Director of Wildfire Strategy for Hawaiian Electric who oversees design and execution of quality assurance and control processes and continuous monitoring of system performance to ensure wildfire mitigations effectively reduce risk.

Energy Efficiency – Caroline Carl, Hawaii Energy, and Jennifer Yoshimura, Sustainable Moloka‘i chat about coordinated energy efficiency programs on Molokai over the last 12 years.

Caroline Carl, Hawaii Energy

The HEC program includes an exhibit venue featuring the latest renewable energy technologies and services, as well as social events to facilitate networking and collaboration. Program details  can be viewed here. An advance rate offers savings to those registering before May 12.

Maui Economic Development Board is a 501c3 not-for-profit and appreciates the support of 2026 Hawaii Energy Conference sponsors: AES Hawaii, Ameresco, Hawaii Gas, Hawaiian Electric, Hawaii Natural Energy Institute, IBEW Local 1260, IBEW Local 1186, Ikehu Utility Solutions, Integrity Environmental, Island Energy Services, Jera Americas, JM Distributed Solutions, Johnson Controls, Kauai Island Utility Coop, Leadsun, Moss & Associates, Noresco, NovaTech Automation, Par Hawaii, Puna Geothermal Ventures, Tetra Tech, Trio Energy Alliance, Ulupono Initiative, WSP.

View more speakers here

Listen to HPR Bytemarks Interview

The 2026 Hawaii Energy Conference will explore the theme of Energy: Power, People and Place as it explores pathways to resilience and sustainability using firm power, while incorporating the lessons learned from successful indigenous projects. Presented by Maui Economic Development Board, with support by the County of Maui, the conference will be held over two days at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center May 20 and 21, bringing together leaders, policymakers, cooperatives, and energy innovators.

“As Hawaii and the global community evaluate resources, development, and energy usage, we acknowledge that the methods we employ to produce, distribute, and secure energy for future generations are essential components of the energy equation,” said Jacqui Hoover, Conference Chair and Executive Director and COO Hawaii Island Economic Development Board (HIEDB); and President Hawaii Leeward Planning. “These components will be examined separately and regarded as a collective whole at the Hawaii Energy Conference 2026.”

The conference seeks a balance in topics and viewpoints for its audience – looking outward to lessons in energy in other states and countries to bring best-practice to Hawaii; as well as looking inward, having the local conversations to share these lessons with our neighbors.

Mana Newton, Tauhara North No. 2 Trust will deliver the keynote at HEC 2026

Deep Dive Session

The conference will include a Deep Dive session that complements the main stage discussions, providing an intimate setting for up to 40 participants to engage directly with experts. This year the topic will be ‘Water and Energy’ exploring current and emerging options for seawater desalination, the status of desalination plans on Oahu and Maui, and the energy challenges that influence the feasibility and cost of these technologies. Ben Sullivan owner of LeaHi Design will lead the discussion, with panelists Barry Usagawa of Honolulu Board of Water Supply and Lauren Roth Venu CEO of 3Water, Inc.

Lauren Roth Venu, CEO, 3Water, Inc.

Panel Topics Include:

Resilience & Microgrids – Learn lessons from remote and island communities with selected areas sharing lessons on microgrids, storage, and resilient infrastructure.

Higher Solar Costs & 100% RPS – If tariffs and decreasing tax credits make solar more expensive, should Hawaii re-think its commitment to clean energy? Changing state and federal policies could make electricity costs from utility-scale and distributed PV projects in Hawaii higher than “avoided cost” of burning fossil fuel for the first time in decades. Will this effect customers’ appetite for solar? How will the industry and regulators adjust? Should this change Hawaii’s quest for 100% renewable generation by 2045?

Cybersecurity for Hawaii’s Resilient Energy Future – Hawaii sits at the crossroads of the Indo Pacific, making the resilience of its energy systems not only a local priority but a matter of national security. As the state advances toward a cleaner, smarter, and more distributed energy grid, the cyber risks facing utilities, microgrids, and critical infrastructure continue to grow in scale and sophistication. At the same time, Hawaii hosts one of the largest concentrations of U.S. military forces in the world, with installations that depend on reliable, secure energy to support missions across the region.  This panel brings together leaders from the energy sector, cybersecurity community, and the Federal government to discuss how Hawaii can strengthen its cyber posture through coordinated action.

Best Practices in Permitting and Policies – As communities work to deploy resilient and dispatchable energy resources, permitting and regulatory processes often become a major barrier. Projects frequently cross local, state, federal, and indigenous jurisdictions, creating complex approval pathways that can delay urgently needed energy investments. At the same time, permitting systems exist for important reasons: to protect environmental resources, respect cultural values, and ensure meaningful community engagement. This panel will explore how governments, utilities, and project developers can streamline permitting processes while maintaining these essential safeguards, and share lessons on cross-agency coordination, early stakeholder engagement, and policy approaches that help accelerate responsible energy development.

Power, People and Place – Starting plenary conversation with cultural leaders, energy executives, and policymakers on how Hawaii is redefining “generation” –power generation, cultural generation, and generational responsibility. Models from Hawaii, Tribal Nations, and the Pacific. How communities are designing and governing their own projects, what works, what fails, and what others can learn. Geothermal energy in Hawaii.  What is the right model?

LNG in Hawaii – Liquefied natural gas (LNG) has periodically surfaced in Hawaiʻi’s energy discussions, but many key assumptions about its costs, emissions, and infrastructure requirements remain uncertain. This panel will explore what it would actually take to introduce LNG into the state’s energy system. Panelists will examine potential supply pathways, landed cost considerations, infrastructure needs, and the economic and regulatory challenges associated with LNG development in Hawaiʻi. The discussion will focus on identifying key barriers, risks, and opportunities as stakeholders evaluate whether and how LNG could fit within Hawaiʻi’s evolving energy landscape.

Renewable Fuel Supply for Hawaii – HECO is preparing its next round of Firm Renewable Energy procurement and has announced several contract awards. Hawaii Gas has published its Integrated Resource Plan and filed its first-ever Renewable Gas Tariff with the Public Utilities Commission.  Where is the biofuel going to come from?  Who’s working on this? What kind of fuel, what is it made from, and where from?  What’s the lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions carbon intensity?  What’s the status of projects?  What is the assessed beneficial impact?

Cultivating a Robust Clean Energy Workforce – A session exploring the needs for recruiting, training and retaining, to facilitate the development of the diverse workforce needed for Hawaii’s clean energy transition.

Featured Presentations

Mark Kolesar, Ankura Consulting Group

The HECprogram includes an exhibit venue featuring the latest renewable energy technologies and services, as well as social events to facilitate networking and collaboration. Program details and registration can be viewed at www.hawaiienergyconference.com. An advance rate offers savings to those registering before May 12.

The cross-section of attendees at the annual Hawaii Energy Conference include: renewable energy industry professionals; developers and contractors interested in microgrids and off-grid; workforce development experts and organized labor representatives; those interested in the intersection between energy and housing; climate and energy policymakers and regulators; entrepreneurs and innovators; and environmentalists and sustainability advocates.

Maui Economic Development Board is a 501c3 not-for-profit and appreciates the support of 2026 Hawaii Energy Conference sponsors: AES Hawaii, Ameresco, Hawaii Gas, Hawaiian Electric, IBEW Local 1186, IBEW Local 1260, Integrity Environmental, Island Energy Services, JM Distributed Solutions, Kauai Island Utility Coop, Leadsun, Moss & Associates, NovaTech Automation, Par Hawaii, Puna Geothermal Ventures, Terraform Power, Tetra Tech, Trio Energy Alliance, Ulupono Initiative, WSP.