Convening State Legislators on Energy Successes in Hawai'i 

On December 2 – 6, 2024, state legislators from seven states and territories convened in Hawai’i, for a policy workshop on the success of renewable energy deployment in Hawai’i hosted in partnership with the Blue Planet Foundation. 

These seven state and territory legislators began the policy workshop with a discussion on how state action is more important than ever with the federal administration change this year. See our blog on why state action is paramount in the 2025 legislative session.

Delegation

Day One

The event started with a tour of the Puu Waawaa Ranch Ranch on the Big Island of Hawai’i, led by the Foundation’s founder, Henk Rogers. 

Legislators then gained insights into how Hawai’i state leaders have successfully implemented renewable energy projects and policies, as well as how lawmakers can replicate those successes in their states. Elemental Impact–a non-profit investor that advances innovative technology projects for maximum climate impact a–spoke on what the growth in clean energy means for jobs, the economy, and the climate. The final presentation of the day featured discussion on creative financing for clean energy and equity led by the Hawai’i Green Infrastructure Authority’s Managing Director, Gwen Yamamoto-Lau. Day one wrapped up with dinner at Pueo Osteria. 

Day Two

Day two began with a tour of Puna Geothermal Ventures – a conversion plant that brings steam and hot liquid up through underground wells to create electricity through a turbine generator. Legislators learned about ways they can use geothermal energy to increase grid reliability and lower rates for consumers. 

This was followed by a quick hop, skip, and a jump to Mililani Solar Park on Oahu- Hawai’i’s first utility-scale solar and battery storage power plant. Legislators learned about the park and its current agrivoltaic research project exploring dual use of lands for both energy and food production. 

Day Three

On Thursday legislators dove into how Hawaii’s energy policy has been so successful while at the East-West Center IMIN Conference Center (University of Hawai’i at Manoa). Richard Wallsgrove of the University of Hawai’i at Manoa and Earthjustice’s Isaac Moriwake first led a discussion  on the foundational legislation for successful clean energy policy in the state. Hawai’i Public Utilities Commission’s Dr. Jay Griffin spoke on how clean energy wins in Hawai’i provide insights for global clean energy. Kaua’i Island Utility Cooperative (KIUC) spoke on how the small island is working towards 100% renewable energy – 60% of Kaua’i’s energy production is attributed to renewable energy. Further, Hawaiian Electric’s Colton Ching shared their experiences and lessons learned from navigating pathways to a clean energy future. Having collaborated with local communities to develop seven of Hawaii’s largest energy projects, Longroad Energy discussed their challenges and solutions to renewable project advancement. 

Day Four

At the East-West Center IMIN Conference Center, legislators kicked off the final day of the policy workshop with ideation and plan development. The group reflected on what they had learned during various points of the trip and what ideas they were excited to take back to their states this year.  Each legislator presented their climate plans and vision for the short and long term, and the trip concluded with a farewell reception at Henk Rogers’s family residence in Honolulu, featuring the home’s photovoltaic system with 99 PV panels producing 30 kW of power, 90 kWh of energy storage, and a solar water heating system. 

Looking Ahead

After attending NCEL and Blue Planet’s Policy Workshop, these state legislators are equipped with first hand knowledge  on ways to successfully implement clean energy policy in their states. The 7 states and territories represented on this trip vary widely in terms of climate ambition and progress, political makeup, and geographical diversity, but all were able to learn from the successes and challenges in Hawai’i as well as from each other’s experiences. Each legislator left with concrete policy ideas for the 2025 session and beyond, and NCEL is excited to continue to support these innovative efforts across the country. 

Hear from our attendees on their major takeaways from the workshop, how they became involved in clean energy, and more!