In partnership with the William S. Richardson School of Law’s Evening Part Time program, the Environmental Law Program hosted a discussion on energy law on Tuesday, September 19, 2017.

Breaking down the “Environmental Law” dichotomy of tree huggers against money-grabbers, Professor Wallsgrove highlighted the growing numbers of professional opportunities for energy advocates and noted that that  “the timeline for our state’s transition to 100% renewable electricity coincides almost perfectly with the career span for today’s law students.”   With the State of Hawaiʻi working towards this mandate, the opportunity and need for attorneys will be increasingly important throughout various fields throughout the state.  

The programming included WSRSL graduates already working in the field: Melissa Miyashiro (’10), Chief of Staff at Blue Planet, Wil Yamamoto (’02), Counsel at Yamamoto Caliboso, and Jamila Jarmon (’10), Special Projects at Elemental Excelerator.  Both Melissa and Jamila are also ELP certificate holders.  Together, they spoke about their individual pathways to their current career.  Though it was not always a direct or intentional path, they each emphasized the importance of networking and pursuing your interests.  Ultimately, they each stood as an illustration of their expertise in and passion for the future of energy law in Hawaiʻi.

The discussion moved to new and exciting things in energy law and industry.  Wil Yamamoto highlighted that with government support being coupled with businesses and industries finding it profitable, there is a big – and promising – push to a successful transition to 100% renewable energy.  Other hot topics included battery storage, navigating the community and industry friction during transition, and educating leaders to implement critical policies.

Overall, the program was a success; it not only left excited prospective students, but also a clear impression of William S. Richardson School of Law and the Environmental Law Program’s alumnae success.