Category: News Releases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 3, 2020

HONOLULU — The State Senate last Thursday confirmed Scott J. Glenn to serve as Hawaii’s first chief energy officer. Glenn, who was appointed to the position by Gov. David Ige last fall, will lead the Hawaii State Energy Office (HSEO) in its mission to promote energy efficiency, renewable energy, and clean transportation to help achieve a resilient, clean energy, decarbonized economy.

The chief energy officer position was created by the Legislature last year as part of Act 122, which expanded the HSEO’s responsibilities and gave the office more autonomy to carry out its mission. The legislation provides statutory authority for the CEO to lead the HSEO and guide the state to reach its clean energy and decarbonization goals.

“I appreciate the opportunity to serve as Hawaii’s first chief energy officer as we move ahead toward our 2045 goals for clean energy and a clean economy,” Glenn said. “I am grateful to Gov. Ige for his support in nominating me to this important position and to the Senate for its vote of confidence. I look forward to engaging with all our community and industry stakeholders as we work together to build a clean and equitable energy future.”

Gov. Ige appointed Glenn acting CEO on Oct. 16, 2019. His term runs through Dec. 5, 2022. Glenn’s nomination was supported by Sen. Glenn Wakai, Chair of the Senate Committee on Energy, Economic Development, and Tourism. The Committee received testimony from 51 individuals, organizations, businesses, and government agencies in support of Glenn’s nomination.

“Scott’s extensive experience in the private and public sector, as well as his dedication to helping the state reach its clean energy and decarbonization goals, make him a great fit for this job,” Gov. Ige said. “His command of energy, environmental and climate policy will prove invaluable as Hawaii transitions to a clean energy future.”

Wakai added, “Scott Glenn is the perfect person to lead Hawaii’s energy crusade. He has dramatically increased morale in the State Energy Office and made the office relevant. He is an exemplary collaborator and has a proven track record of achieving results. I have full faith in Scott Glenn’s ability to propel us towards our clean energy goals.”

Before being named CEO, Glenn served as director of the Office of Environmental Quality Control, where he led the modernization of the state environmental review process by developing new administrative rules and updating best practices.

In addition, Scott co-chairs the Sustainable Hawaii Initiative, and is the liaison to the U.S. Climate Alliance – a coalition of U.S. governors committed to the Paris Agreement. In these roles, he works with state, county, and federal agencies, as well as communities across the state and stakeholders nationally and internationally to coordinate state policy development on energy, climate change, and key sustainability initiatives.

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About the Hawaii State Energy Office
The Hawaii State Energy Office (HSEO) is an attached agency of the state’s Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism. HSEO is committed to developing and deploying high impact solutions that will maximize Hawaii’s renewable energy resources and improve efficiency and transportation standards. Through effective policies and innovative programs, HSEO has positioned Hawaii as a leader in clean energy innovation, which will generate quality jobs, attract investment opportunities and accelerate economic growth. For more information, visit energy.hawaii.gov.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Alan Yonan Jr.
Communications Officer
Hawaii State Energy Office
(808) 587-3860
[email protected]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 21, 2019

HONOLULU — The State of Hawaii has launched a new online mapping tool as part of its Hawaii Brightfields Initiative that will make it easier for land owners, developers, community members, and policymakers to assess the renewable energy potential of contaminated sites and other previously developed parcels statewide in support of Hawaii’s clean energy future.

The new tool may be found at the Hawai‘i State Energy Office’s (HSEO) Developer & Investor Center at: https://energy.hawaii.gov/developer-investor.

The tool was developed by HSEO and the Hawaii Department of Health’s Office of Hazard Evaluation and Emergency Response (HEER), with support from the Hawaii Statewide Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Program in the Hawaii Office of Planning, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory.

The Hawaii Brightfields Initiative supports HSEO’s mission to facilitate the efficient siting of renewable energy projects by informing preliminary site due diligence and reducing the soft costs associated with renewable energy development decisions. The tool encourages the reuse of previously developed, disturbed or contaminated lands, which can be more development-ready and helps to preserve untouched lands in Hawaii. The Hawaii Brightfields Initiative also supports HEER’s mission to protect human health and the environment by enabling the effective management and redevelopment of sites with known soil contamination.

“Assessing the potential to site renewable energy projects on contaminated sites is particularly relevant in Hawaii where it is imperative that we make the best use of our limited land,” said Scott Glenn, chief energy officer for the State of Hawaii. “We look forward to continuing to work with our partners and others in making information and data useful and accessible to the public,” he said.

The Brightfields tool is designed to be user-friendly without the need for special skills, software or experience. Users can find sites by viewing the map or research specific sites through a filtering feature.

“We are fortunate to work with our partners at the State Energy Office, the National Renewable Energy Office, and US EPA to market potentially contaminated sites, including brownfields and landfills that may be ideal for renewable energy projects,” said Keith Kawaoka, DOH Deputy Director of Environmental Health. “Encouraging redevelopment of these properties helps preserve currently undeveloped land for other important uses, like agriculture or conservation.   Competitive grants to assess and clean up brownfields for sustainable re-use are available from US EPA’s Brownfields Program.”

The Hawaii Brightfields Initiative database was originally developed by NREL with assistance from the US EPA. Significant technical contributions were provided by Symbinomics and the GIS Program, which will publish and maintain the tool on the State’s Geospatial Data Portal (https://geoportal.hawaii.gov). Numerous other government agencies and private entities also contributed to the development of the Hawaii Brightfields Initiative with review of the tool and suggestions for features.

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About the Hawai‘i State Energy Office
The Hawaii State Energy Office (HSEO) is an attached agency of the state’s Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism. HSEO is committed to developing and deploying high impact solutions that will maximize Hawaii’s renewable energy resources and improve efficiency and transportation standards. Through effective policies and innovative programs, HSEO has positioned Hawai‘i as a leader in clean energy innovation, which will generate quality jobs, attract investment opportunities and accelerate economic growth. For more information, visit energy.hawaii.gov

About the Hawaii Department of Health Hazard Evaluation and Emergency Response Office
The Hazard Evaluation and Emergency Response (HEER) Office provides leadership, support, and partnership in preventing, planning for, responding to, and enforcing environmental laws relating to releases or threats of releases of hazardous substances into the environment. Supported by US EPA, the HEER Office oversees the state’s active Brownfields Program, which  facilitates assessment, cleanup, and safe, efficient redevelopment of contaminated properties statewide through technical assistance, guidance and oversight to property owners, developers and prospective purchasers.

About the Hawaii Statewide GIS Program
Authorized under Chapter 225M-2(b)(4)(B), Hawaii Revised Statutes (HRS), as amended, the Hawaii Statewide GIS Program within the Office of Planning leads a multi-agency effort to establish, promote and coordinate the use of GIS data and technology among Hawaii state agencies. The program is critical to more than 600 state GIS data and system users across more than a dozen state departments that develop and maintain a wide variety of data, maps and applications — many of which are available to the public and/or relied upon by state personnel. For more information, visit the Hawaii Statewide GIS Program main webpage at: https://planning.hawaii.gov/gis or visit the Geospatial Data Portal at: https://geoportal.hawaii.gov.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Alan Yonan Jr.
Communications Officer
Hawaii State Energy Office
(808) 587-3860
[email protected]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Oct. 29, 2019

HONOLULU — Hawaii was one of four states selected by the National Governors Association to participate in a state-focused technical assistance project to enhance their experiences in the GridEx V energy security exercise.

GridEx is a remote, biennial exercise conducted by the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) to simulate a cyber and physical attack on the electric grid across North America. Participants include members of the electric sector, other critical infrastructure operators, law enforcement, and state, local and federal officials from across the country. The GridEx V exercise will take place Nov. 13-14, 2019.

“We appreciate the National Governors Association’s inclusion of Hawaii in this important exercise at a time when increasing attention is being focused on grid security,” said Hawaii Chief Energy Officer Scott Glenn. “We look forward to sharing Hawaii’s unique experience with its isolated electric grids and learning about the best practices being employed by other states as they deal with grid security issues.”

The Hawaii State Energy Office and the State of Hawaii Department of Defense Office of Homeland Security jointly submitted Hawaii’s application to participate in the exercise.

“The NGA workshop and technical assistance is a great opportunity to advance our critical energy infrastructure planning and resiliency activities, and specifically our strategic communications strategy,” said Delores Cook, administrator for the Hawaii Office of Homeland Security.

“This exercise will give us a chance to strengthen crisis communications relationships and identify and discuss interdependencies between the energy sector and other lifeline critical infrastructure sectors relevant to response and recovery from a prolonged power outage with physical and cyber elements,” said Mark Want, HSEO energy analyst.

Supported by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Cybersecurity, Energy Security, and Emergency Response, NGA teams will work with the four states to prepare for, participate in, and share lessons and best practices from the exercise via phone consultations, an in-person workshop and action planning. Other states participating besides Hawaii are Colorado, Idaho and Maryland.

During the exercise, participants will remotely respond to simulated cyber and physical events to determine how their organizations, including governors and states, might respond in a real-world event. Governors play critical roles during widespread electric grid outages and NGA’s project will help participating states improve their ability to respond and recover from these incidents, enhance emergency communications, build relationships with electricity and other critical infrastructure operators, and identify infrastructure resilience needs.

After the exercise, the four selected states will contribute to an after-action report to identify state-focused challenges and lessons learned. The state teams also will participate in a two-day, post exercise workshop with experts, in which they will explore these results and lessons further and develop action plans to improve energy security in their states.

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ABOUT HAWAII STATE ENERGY OFFICE
The Hawaii State Energy Office (HSEO) is an attached agency of the state’s Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism. With the state’s goal to reach 100 percent renewable energy generation by 2045, HSEO is committed to developing and deploying high impact solutions that will maximize Hawaii’s renewable energy resources and improve efficiency and transportation standards. Through effective policies and innovative programs, HSEO has positioned Hawaii as a leader in clean energy innovation, which will generate quality jobs, attract investment opportunities and accelerate economic growth.

ABOUT THE NATIONAL GOVERNORS ASSOCIATION
Founded in 1908, the National Governors Association (NGA) is the nonpartisan organization of the nation’s 55 governors. Through NGA, governors share best practices, address issues of national and state interest and share innovative solutions that improve state government and support the principles of federalism.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Alan Yonan Jr.
Communications Officer
Hawaii State Energy Office
(808) 587-3860
[email protected]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Oct. 24, 2019

Chief Energy Officer Scott Glenn issued the following statement in response to President Donald Trump’s affirmation that he plans to pull the United States out of the Paris climate agreement less than two weeks before his administration can formally start the process:

“Hawaii is extremely disappointed with the failure of climate leadership at the federal level. Our small state has big ambitions, and by joining forces with the 25-governor U.S. Climate Alliance, we’re already producing significant actions. For Hawaii, climate change is an existential threat, and we cannot back down now—in fact, we need to ratchet up this ambition—to go well beyond the U.S.’s Paris pledge and keep warming to under 1.5 degrees.”

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MEDIA CONTACT:
Alan Yonan Jr.
Communications Officer
DBEDT State Energy Office
(808) 587-3860
[email protected]

For Immediate Release: Sept. 25, 2019

HONOLULU — The nonprofit Energy Services Coalition (ESC) recognized Hawai‘i for the eighth consecutive year as the nation’s cumulative per capita leader for investment in state and county energy efficiency projects, which are helping Hawai‘i meet its clean energy goals.

Hawai‘i received the ESC’s 2019 “Race to the Top” award for its “outstanding commitment to energy efficiency, environmental stewardship and economic development through guaranteed energy savings performance contracting (GESPC).” GESPC is a creative financing tool that enables building owners to use future energy savings to pay for costs of energy-saving projects, eliminating the need for upfront capital expenditures. Hawai‘i, with cumulative investment of $372.81 per capita in energy performance contracts, outpaced second place Washington State at $211.83 per capita. For a full list of states, see: https://www.energyservicescoalition.org/espc/table.

“The state is leading by example in using this innovative financing program to help fund its energy transformation to a carbon-neutral economy. In the process, we’re saving over a billion dollars in electricity costs. That’s a double win,” said Gov. David Ige.

Mike McCartney, director of the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism, said energy performance contracting demonstrates how Hawai‘i’s clean energy agenda helps the environment, creates good jobs, grows local businesses and reduces the amount of money sent overseas to buy imported oil. “Efficiency gains from these major projects are having a significant impact on reducing greenhouse gas emissions while providing businesses a healthy return on investment,” McCartney said.

GESPC uses the savings from upgrades such as digital controls for energy systems, and lighting, plumbing and air conditioning improvements to repay the cost of the equipment and its installation. The Hawaii State Energy Office has been providing technical assistance to state and country agencies entering into energy performance contracts since 1996.

“With the U.S. Green Building Council projecting greenhouse gas emissions from buildings to grow faster than any other sector over the next 25 years we need to do everything we can to make buildings more energy efficient and climate friendly,” said Carilyn Shon, the state’s Chief Energy Officer. “Government agencies are demonstrating that energy performance contracting is a cost-effective way to tackle the problem of carbon emissions while saving on energy bills.”

GESPC projects include office buildings, schools, hospitals, airports, highways, harbors, and prisons. In a typical energy performance contract, the building owner contracts with an energy service company to install the energy improvements and guarantee the energy savings over the contract term. The contractor is then paid out of the energy savings and captures the incentives made available by Hawaiʻi Energy to promote investment in energy efficiency.

Jim Arwood, executive director of the ESC, praised Hawai‘i and other states for their efforts to promote energy performance contracting. “It has been a wonderful experience working with the folks at the Hawaiʻi Energy Office and celebrating their success with our network of more than 30 state chapters located throughout the country,” Arwood, said. “The Hawai‘i program is a model of how to do things right.”

Performance contracts signed by state and local government agencies in Hawaiʻi since 1996 include 295 buildings and facilities covering more than 112 million square feet. The $507.1 million of energy performance contracts put in place will save the state an estimated $1.2 billion in electricity costs over the life of the contracts. Hawai‘i is one of only nine states that have surpassed the half-billion-dollar mark for cumulative investment in GESPC.

“Hawai‘i continues to be a national leader in clean energy and energy efficiency,” said Brian Kealoha, executive director of Hawaiʻi Energy. “Since 1996, Hawai‘i government agencies have saved, on average, more than 5 million kilowatt hours a year, equating to over $24 million in savings, with the majority of this coming through energy performance contracts.”

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About the Hawaiʻi State Energy Office
The Hawaiʻi State Energy Office (HSEO) is a division of the state’s Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism. With the state’s goal to reach 100 percent renewable energy generation by 2045, HSEO is leading the state’s charge toward clean energy independence. HSEO is committed to developing and deploying high impact solutions that will maximize Hawai‘i’s renewable energy resources and improve efficiency and transportation standards. Through effective policies and innovative programs, HSEO has positioned Hawaiʻi port as a leader in clean energy innovation, which will generate quality jobs, attract investment opportunities and accelerate economic growth. For more information, visit energy.hawaii.gov

About the Energy Services Coalition
ESC is a national nonprofit organization, composed of a network of experts from a wide range of organizations, working together at the state and local levels to increase energy efficiency and building upgrades through energy savings performance contracting. For more information visit https://www.energyservicescoalition.org/

About Hawaiʻi Energy
Hawaiʻi Energy helps educate island families and businesses about the many, lasting benefits of energy efficiency and conservation. Hawaiʻi Energy encourages and rewards smart energy choices which will allow our state to reach 100 percent clean energy faster and cheaper. To date, Hawaiʻi Energy has collectively saved the people of Hawaiʻi more than a billion dollars off their energy bills. For more information visit https://hawaiienergy.com/

MEDIA CONTACT:
Alan Yonan Jr.
Communications Officer
DBEDT State Energy Office
(808) 587-3860
[email protected]

For Immediate Release: Sept. 10, 2019

HONOLULU — The Hawaii Clean Energy Initiative (HCEI) is seeking nominations for participants to be members of an Advisory Group to provide input to the HCEI Executive Management Team (EMT). Nomination forms can be downloaded at the HCEI Advisory Group web page.

The Advisory Group will consist of up to 16 voting members selected from the following stakeholder groups: government, economic development, utility, non-profit, community, academia and private industry. The Advisory Group will report to the EMT on issues and challenges relevant to the pursuit of Hawaii’s clean energy goals.

HCEI is a partnership launched by State of Hawaii and the U.S. Department of Energy in 2008 to provide a comprehensive framework to pursue their joint clean energy goals and serve as model to catalyze similar efforts nationally and abroad. HCEI brings together policymakers, business leaders and concerned citizens committed to leading Hawaii’s energy independence.

The nomination period closes Sept. 30, 2019. Applicants in 2019 will be assigned a term of 1, 2 or 3 years. Beginning in 2021 Advisory Group members will serve 3-year staggered terms.

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About the Hawaii State Energy Office
The Hawaii State Energy Office (HSEO) is an attached agency of the state’s Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism. HSEO is committed to developing and deploying high impact solutions that will maximize Hawai‘i’s renewable energy resources and improve efficiency and transportation standards. Through effective policies and innovative programs, HSEO has positioned Hawai‘i as a leader in clean energy innovation, which will generate quality jobs, attract investment opportunities and accelerate economic growth. For more information, visit energy.hawaii.gov.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Alan Yonan Jr.
Communications Officer
DBEDT State Energy Office
(808) 587-3860
[email protected]

For Immediate Release: Aug. 15, 2019

HONOLULU — The Hawaii State Energy Office (HSEO) has launched a new online Energy Dashboard that features 26 charts providing Hawaii-specific energy and transportation data that will support sound decision-making as Hawaii moves forward with its clean energy transformation.

In addition, HSEO released its 2019 edition of Hawaii Energy Facts & Figures publication and completed updates to its Hawaii Renewable Energy Projects Directory.

The Energy Dashboard, created jointly with the Research & Economic Analysis Division (READ) of the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT), provides Hawaii-specific data under four main categories: efficiency, electricity, transportation, and economy/environment. The Dashboard is intended to inform all stakeholders, including private industry, regulatory agencies, and consumers.

“Good policy decisions depend on good information, especially when the issues are as complex as ensuring a clean energy future for our state,” said Gov. David Ige. “These new tools provide the accurate, easily accessible and understandable information needed to achieve Hawaii’s clean energy transformation.”

The Dashboard includes data sets pertaining to the pricing and consumption of electricity and fuel, energy sources, transportation means and carbon dioxide emissions, The Dashboard was built as a dynamic resource that can be updated regularly. HSEO and READ plan to enhance and expand the tool by adding new charts, including ones relating to Hawaii’s renewable energy production.

HSEO’s Hawaii Energy Facts & Figures, updated annually, provides a detailed look at Hawaii’s energy ecosystem and the programs and initiatives contributing to meet the state’s clean energy goals. The 49-page publication includes updates on energy efficiency, renewable energy, energy systems and planning, and clean transportation.

The Hawaii Renewable Energy Projects Directory is an interactive online map that identifies all existing and proposed large-scale renewable energy projects throughout Hawaii. It currently lists 75 operational projects and 39 projects proposed or under development. The Directory is updated on a regular basis as needed.

“Decision-makers need access to accurate, timely data in order to pursue the policies and actions that will help Hawaii break its dependence on fossil fuel,” said DBEDT Director Mike McCartney. “These tools developed by the Hawaii State Energy Office ensure that all stakeholders will have the best information possible as they tackle the challenges ahead.”

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About the Hawaii State Energy Office
The Hawaii State Energy Office (HSEO) is an attached agency of the state’s Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism. HSEO is committed to developing and deploying high impact solutions that will maximize Hawai‘i’s renewable energy resources and improve efficiency and transportation standards. Through effective policies and innovative programs, HSEO has positioned Hawai‘i as a leader in clean energy innovation, which will generate quality jobs, attract investment opportunities and accelerate economic growth. For more information, visit energy.hawaii.gov.

About the Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism (DBEDT)
DBEDT is Hawai‘i’s resource center for economic and statistical data, business development opportunities, energy and conservation information, and foreign trade advantages. DBEDT’s mission is to achieve a Hawai‘i economy that embraces innovation and is globally competitive, dynamic and productive, providing opportunities for all Hawai‘i ’s citizens. Through its attached agencies, the department fosters planned community development, creates affordable workforce housing units in high-quality living environments, and promotes innovation sector job growth.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Alan Yonan Jr.
Communications Officer
Hawaii State Energy Office
(808) 587-3860
[email protected]

For Immediate Release: Aug. 1, 2019

HONOLULU — This year’s Hawaii Green Business Program (HGBP) awards ceremony has been expanded to include a new “HGBP Alaka‘i 10-Entry Level” category that encourages smaller restaurants and food service companies to take steps to become more sustainable while improving their bottom line. The awardees are among 35 businesses, organizations and events in several categories recognized today for adopting energy efficiency and sustainable business practices that will help them save money while advancing Hawai‘i’s clean energy agenda.

“It’s encouraging to see more and more businesses joining the movement to conserve energy and implement sustainable practices that will protect our environment and help Hawai‘i meet its clean energy goals,” Gov. David Ige said. “The Hawaii Green Business Program creates a profitable partnership among business, government and a concerned public.”

HGBP provides technical assistance to businesses committed to operating in an environmentally and socially responsible manner. HGBP, now in its 17th year, is a partnership among Hawai‘i’s Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism (DBEDT); Hawai‘i Department of Health; Hawai‘i Lodging and Tourism Association; and Honolulu Board of Water Supply. DBEDT participates in the program through the Hawaii State Energy Office (HSEO), a DBEDT attached agency.

“Participating in the Hawaii Green Business Program is a great way for businesses to market, advertise and increase their competitive advantage while enhancing their overall productivity,” said DBEDT Director Mike McCartney.

The new “HGBP Alaka‘i 10-Entry Level” program offers businesses 10 simple actions they can take to become more sustainable while improving their bottom line.

“Businesses that successfully complete the entry level checklist are encouraged to take the next step and participate in the more rigorous, flagship HGBP program,” said HSEO Chief Energy Officer Carilyn Shon.

From 2009 through 2019 HGBP has assisted and recognized more than 100 businesses and government entities, from the hospitality, commercial office, retail, grocery, venue, restaurant and food service sectors.

The honorees of this year’s Hawaii Green Business Awards are:
• Four Seasons Resort at Ko Olina
• Hale Koa Hotel
• Hokulani Waikiki by Hilton Grand Vacations
• Hyatt Centric Waikiki Beach
• Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort
• The Cliffs at Princeville
• The Kahala Hotel & Resort
• The Westin Nanea Ocean Villas
• Waialae Country Club
• Whole Foods Market, Queen
• Honeywell Smart Energy
• Hawaii State Federal Credit Union, Ali‘i Branch

The Hawaii Green Business Awards also honored green events:
• Blue Zones Community Event
• Verge 2018
• Hawai‘i Tourism Authority’s Global Tourism Summit
• Hawai‘i Library Association’s Annual Conference
• USGBC Hawaii’s Pau Hana – at Bethel Union and Anaha
• Hawaii State Energy Office’s Holiday Party
• Sony Open
• Good Neighbor and Environmental Hero Awards – C&C of Honolulu
• Kona Brew Brewfest
• Mason Architects Firm Crawl
• O‘ahu Surfrider Foundation’s – Moana Lani Fest and Ocean Friendly Restaurant’s Pau Hana at the Kahala Resort

Alaka’i 10 Entry-Level – Small Restaurants and Food Service businesses:
• Puka’s – at Whole Foods Market – Kahala
• Two Tides – at Whole Foods Market – Queen
• Kalapawai – Kailua
• Kalapawai – Kapolei
• Morning Brew
• Via Gelato
• ‘Umeke
• Banzai Sushi
• Ali‘i Coffee
• Bibas
• Banan
• Lanikai Juice at Whole Foods Market – Queen

For a description of the awardees and their energy efficiency efforts, please see the separate awardee accomplishments document. For more information on the Hawaii Green Business Program, visit greenbusiness.hawaii.gov

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About the Hawaii State Energy Office
The Hawaii State Energy Office (HSEO) is an attached agency of the state’s Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism. HSEO is committed to developing and deploying high impact solutions that will maximize Hawai‘i’s renewable energy resources and improve efficiency and transportation standards. Through effective policies and innovative programs, HSEO has positioned Hawai‘i as a leader in clean energy innovation, which will generate quality jobs, attract investment opportunities and accelerate economic growth. For more information, visit energy.hawaii.gov

About the Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism (DBEDT)
DBEDT is Hawai‘i ’s resource center for economic and statistical data, business development opportunities, energy and conservation information, and foreign trade advantages. DBEDT’s mission is to achieve a Hawai‘i economy that embraces innovation and is globally competitive, dynamic and productive, providing opportunities for all Hawai‘i ’s citizens. Through its attached agencies, the department fosters planned community development, creates affordable workforce housing units in high-quality living environments, and promotes innovation sector job growth.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Alan Yonan Jr.
Communications Officer
DBEDT State Energy Office
(808) 587-3860
[email protected]

For Immediate Release: June 4, 2019

HONOLULU—The Hawaii State Energy Office (HSEO) has completed a study analyzing alternative models for utility ownership and regulation in Hawaii.

The study was produced in response to Act 124, Session Laws of Hawaii 2016, which provided funding to HSEO “for a study evaluate alternative utility and regulatory models including, but not limited to, cooperative, municipal and independent distribution system operators; and evaluate the ability of each model to:

• Achieve state energy goals;
• Maximize consumer cost savings;
• Enable a competitive distribution system in which independent agents can trade and combine evolving services to meet customer needs; and
• Eliminate or reduce conflicts of interest in energy resource planning, delivery and regulation; and to include a long-term cost-benefit analysis of each model and the steps required to carry out each scenario for each county.”

The study examined the costs and benefits, as well as the viability of, various electric utility ownership and regulatory models to help Hawaii in achieving its energy goals. The full report can be viewed here.

Through a competitive procurement process a contract to undertake the study was awarded to Boston-based London Economics International LLC (LEI), a global economic, financial and strategic advisory professional services firm specializing in energy, water and infrastructure. The study was informed by a robust outreach effort that included three rounds of stakeholder meetings and workshops on all islands as well as numerous one-on-one meetings over the past 18 months. A public briefing on the final report is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. June 5, at the Hawaii Convention Center, Emalani Theater.

The study, the most extensive analysis of its kind ever conducted in Hawaii, examined existing ownership and regulatory models in each county and evaluated them in comparison to alternative models. Ownership models evaluated included: investor owned utility (IOU), IOU with a new parent company, cooperative utility, municipal utility, single buyer, hybrid ownership with majority government owned, integrated distribution energy resources systems operator, and grid defection. Regulatory models reviewed included: status quo, status quo with Hawaii Electricity Reliability Administrator, independent grid operator, distribution system platform provider, performance-based regulation (PBR), lighter PUC regulation and combinations thereof.

Each model was assessed for its ability to achieve state energy goals, maximize customer cost savings, enable a competitive distribution system, eliminate or reduce conflict of interest and align stakeholder interests. As part of that assessment the report took into consideration costs required to change from the existing model to a new model, legal and regulatory approvals needed for the change, impact on revenue requirements and rates, and effects on distributed energy resources, such as rooftop solar, batteries and smart appliances.

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About the Hawaii State Energy Office
The Hawaii State Energy Office (HSEO) is a division of the state’s Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism. HSEO is committed to developing and deploying high impact solutions that will maximize Hawaii’s renewable energy resources and improve efficiency and transportation standards. Through effective policies and innovative programs, HSEO has positioned Hawaii as a leader in clean energy innovation, which will generate quality jobs, attract investment opportunities and accelerate economic growth. For more information, visit energy.hawaii.gov

MEDIA CONTACT:
Alan Yonan Jr.
Communications Officer
DBEDT State Energy Office
(808) 587-3860

For Immediate Release: March 4, 2019

HONOLULU — Electrify America selected Honolulu as one of 18 metropolitan areas to receive investment in electric vehicle DC fast chargers as part of the second phase of the organization’s National Zero Emissions Vehicle (ZEV) Investment Plan.

Electrify America said it will spend $300 million in Cycle 2 of its National ZEV Investment Plan in areas “where the need for electric vehicle charging stations and technology are greatest or are most likely to be used regularly.” Cycle 2 is a 30-month investment period that begins this July.

Electrify America’s investment in Honolulu will support from three to eight direct current fast charging (DCFC) stations. The exact number charging spaces at each station will depend on expected utilization and the available site utilities. With a focus on both future and present-day electric vehicles, Electrify America’s charging systems have a range in power from 50 kilowatts (kW), the most commonly used charging power for EVs today, up to 350 kW which is capable of adding up to 20 miles of range per minute to a vehicle.

“We welcome Electrify America’s investment in Hawaii’s electric vehicle charging infrastructure,” said Carilyn Shon, Hawaii State Energy Office administrator. “Expanding electric vehicle charging opportunities will play an important role helping achieve Hawaii’s goal of reducing fossil fuel consumption in the ground transportation sector.”

In 2017 Hawaii had the second highest concentration of plug-in EVs in the nation with 5.12 vehicles per 1,000 people, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Only California was higher, with 8.64 EVs per 1,000 people. The national average was 2.21 EVs per 1,000 people.

Besides Honolulu, other metro areas receiving investment in Cycle 2 are: Atlanta; Baltimore; Las Vegas; Phoenix, Boston, Chicago, Denver, Miami, New York, Philadelphia, Portland, Ore.; Seattle, the District of Columbia, Boulder, Colo.; Olympia, Wash.; Bremerton, Wash.; and Bridgeport, Conn. A total of 29 metro areas received funding in Cycle 1 and Cycle 2. Some metro areas received funding in both cycles.

“At Electrify America, we understand that we have a significant role to play in bringing the United States into the age of electric cars,” said Giovanni Palazzo, president and chief executive officer of Electrify America. “This Cycle 2 plan allows us to further accelerate progress on our goal of making electric vehicle charging more available, more accessible and easier for drivers to use.”

Electrify America was established to implement the “ZEV Commitment,” a part of Volkswagen’s court-approved settlement involving 2.0 liter vehicles in the United States.

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ABOUT HAWAII STATE ENERGY OFFICE
The Hawaii State Energy Office (HSEO) is a division of the state’s Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism. HSEO is committed to developing and deploying high impact solutions that will maximize Hawaii’s renewable energy resources and improve efficiency and transportation standards. Through effective policies and innovative programs, HSEO has positioned Hawaii as a leader in clean energy innovation, which will generate quality jobs, attract investment opportunities and accelerate economic growth.
For more information, visit energy.hawaii.gov.

For more information, contact:
MEDIA CONTACT:
Alan Yonan Jr.
Communications Officer
DBEDT State Energy Office
(808) 587-3860
[email protected]