2026 PROGRAM
Energy: Power, People & Place
Bringing together leaders, policymakers, cooperatives, and energy innovators, the 2026 Hawaii Energy Conference will discuss pathways to resilience and sustainability using firm (dispatchable source) power, while incorporating the lessons learned from successful indigenous projects.
From geothermal in Hawaii to energy projects on tribal lands and cooperative models across the U.S. and New Zealand, participants will share experiences and strategies for advancing energy solutions while maintaining harmony with local landscapes and traditions.
Join us May 20 and 21 to engage in meaningful dialogue on how policy, technology, and cultural wisdom can shape a resilient and more affordable energy future across all generations.
A program committee establishes the theme, identifies speakers and develops the program.
2026 PROGRAM AT A GLANCE
Wednesday May 20
|
7:00 AM – 8:00 AM |
Registration and Continental Breakfast |
|
8:00 AM – 10:00 AM
|
E KOMO MAI (WELCOME) KEYNOTE ADDRESS: Mana Newton, Tauhara North No. 2 Trust, New Zealand PANEL: Resilience & Microgrids |
|
10:00 AM – 10:30 AM |
Coffee Break and Exhibit Session Break (30 min) |
|
10:30 AM – 11:45 AM |
Featured Presentation | The “Maui Method” |
|
10:30 AM – 12:00 PM |
Deep Dive Session (concurrent with main stage program) |
|
11:45 AM – 1:15 PM |
Networking Lunch & Exhibit Session (90 min) |
|
1:15 PM – 2:30 PM |
Featured Presentation |
|
2:30 PM – 3:00 PM |
Refreshment Break (30 min) |
|
3:00 PM – 4:00 PM |
PANEL: Best Practices in Permitting and Policies |
| 4:00 PM – 5:30 PM | Networking Reception |
Thursday May 21
|
7:00 AM – 8:00 AM |
Registration and Continental Breakfast |
|
8:00 AM – 8:30 AM |
Overview of Day One and Deep Dive |
|
8:30 AM – 10:o0 AM |
Panel: Power, People and Place |
|
10:o0 AM – 10:30 AM |
Coffee Break and Exhibit Session Break (30 min) |
|
10:30 AM – 11:45 AM |
Featured Presentation |
|
11:45 AM – 1:15 PM |
Networking Lunch & Exhibit Session (90 min) |
|
1:15 PM – 3:00 PM |
Featured Presentation |
|
2:30 PM – 3:00 PM |
Refreshment Break (30 min) |
|
3:00 PM – 4:00 PM |
PANEL: Cultivating a Robust Clean Energy Workforce |
| 4:00 PM – 4:15 PM | Closing |
| 4:15 PM – 5:45 PM | Women in Renewable Energy (WIRE) Pau Hana |