2023 LEGISLATIVE BRIEFING:

8:00-9:00 am: Complimentary Continental Breakfast

9:00 am: Welcome from Mark Glick, Chair, Hawaiʻi Energy Policy Forum. 

The Hawaiʻi Energy Policy Forum 20th Anniversary Legislative Briefing has come full circle since 2003 as a precursor to Hawaiʻi’s clean energy initiative, helping to chart the course to energy self-sufficiency and a net-zero carbon future. This year’s briefing features the Deputy Secretary of Energy, David Turk, and the newly inaugurated Governor of Hawaiʻi, Josh Green. The Briefing also concludes Climate Week, a collaboration organized by HEPF and the State of Hawaii’s Climate Change and Adaptation Commission. 

9:03 am: Charting the Course of Hawaii’s Clean Energy Future Video Presentation and Timeline

9:06 am: Message from the Governor of Hawaii and Introduction of the US Deputy Secretary of Energy

9:15 am: Keynote Address: Shaping the Nation’s Renewable Future: David Turk, U.S. Deputy Secretary of Energy

9:20 am: Interview Jeffrey Mikulina in conversation with David Turk

9:40 am: Deputy Secretary Panel & Q&A (60 minutes) Decarbonization, Resilience and Grid Transformation

• Moderator: Mark Glick, Chair, HEPF
• Panel Members:
  • David Turk, U.S Deputy Secretary of Energy
  • Josh Green, M.D, Governor, State of Hawaii
  • Michael Bruno, Provost, University of Hawaii at Manoa

10:35 am: Decarbonization Pathways: Energy in Transportation 

Hawaiʻi’s efforts to decarbonize energy supplying the transportation sector are beginning to accelerate after a slow start. Among the developments to be explored are the latest in electrification of ground and air transportation, fuel switching and road use fees.

• Moderator & Discussant: Mark Glick, Chair, HEPF
• Speakers/Panel Members:
  • Ed Sniffen, Director of Transportation
  • Kirsten Turner, Acting Chief Energy Officer, Hawaii State Energy Office 
  • Rep. Nicole Lowen, Chair, Committee on Energy and Environmental Protection
  • Avi Mannis, Chief Marketing Officer, Hawaiian Airlines

11:35 am: Transforming the Grid: High Penetration Renewable Integration: Hawai‘i Update: Firm Renewable Analysis Findings, firm Renewable Focus (pumped hydro, geothermal, third-party solutions)

As Hawaiʻi reaches high rates of renewable energy integration, challenges to electrical grid stability and reliability are being met by new research, technological solutions, and innovative approaches. State and federal leaders will reveal how they see renewable energy integration of 70% and beyond  through innovation in energy storage systems and what constitutes enough“firm” renewable energy. 

• Moderator: Brandie Williams, Senior Vice President, Pathion
• Panel Members:
  • Rick Rocheleau, Director, Hawaiʻi Natural Energy Institute
  • Colton Ching, Senior Vice President, Hawaiian Electric Company  
  • David Bissell, President & CEO, Kauaʻi Island Utility Cooperative 

12:35 pm:  Lunch Hawai’i Climate Pledge Presentation by Jeffrey Mikulina, HEC (Hawai’i Executive Collaborative) 

1:50 pm: Malama ‘Āina: Place and Value-Based Energy Planning & Deployment: A Panel Discussion on Community-Driven Energy Planning & Deployment  

The future success of energy transitions to carbon-free energy resources will increasingly be determined by how effectively communities are substantially involved and engaged. This panel explores groundbreaking community-driven energy plans and deployment efforts that are defining the next wave of transition success.  

• Moderator: Jim Laehy
• Speakers/Panel Members:
  • Leilani Chow, Sustʻāinable Molokai /MCEH
  • Alex De Roode, Former Maui Energy Commissioner
  • Noel Morin, Chair, Sustainable Energy Hawai’i 
  • Concluding Keynote: John De Fries, Chair, HTA

3:05 pm Building Resilient Communities

The effects of climate change and extreme weather events are particularly impactful in island and remote communities.  Once again, communities are the source of innovative solutions to transform some of our most vulnerable energy systems. This session probes into the state-federal partnerships that are providing support to communities in the quest for energy security and resiliency. 

• Moderator:  David Lopez, Executive Officer, Hawaii Energy Management Agency 
• Speakers/Panel Members:
  • Dotty Kelly-Paddock, Executive Director, Hui o Hau’ula re: Ko ‘olaulea Community Resilience Hub
  • Leah Laramie, Hawaiʻi Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission Co-ordinator
  • Dr. Henry McKoy, Director, Office of State and Community Programs, U.S. Department of Energy 
  • Jill Lowry, Executive Director, Anaina Hou Community Park on behalf of the County of Kauaʻi

4:30 pm: Finale

The 20th Anniversary HEPF Legislative Briefing concludes with final remarks and highlights of Climate Week and the 20th Anniversary HEPF Legislative Briefing. Presented by Climate Resilience and Adaptation Commission Coordinator Leah Laramie and HEPF Chair Mark Glick.

5:00 pm: Adjourn