Hawaii Energy Appoints New Executive Director

Brian Kealoha. Hawaii Energy photo.

Hawaii Energy has appointed Brian Kealoha as its new executive director.

Kealoha brings more than two decades of energy sector experience to Hawaii Energy, which includes many years developing and implementing energy programs at Pacific Gas & Electric, Avista Utilities and Maui Electric Company.

Most recently, he served as regional director of OpTerra Energy Services/Chevron Energy Solutions.

“I am excited to join the Hawaii Energy team to help the state achieve its clean energy goals,” said Kealoha. “Lowering energy demand from energy efficiency and conservation is the first and most cost-effective step. I look forward to collaborating with our community and energy stakeholders to help facilitate innovative solutions for Hawai‘i.”

Kealoha replaces Ray Starling, who is retiring after over 30 years in energy, including the past seven years leading Hawaii Energy’s successful startup as the state’s first public benefits fund administrator.

“I am honored to have been part of the Hawaii Energy program,” said Starling. “Our team members are passionate about their work. And the efficiency measures we’ve helped put in place since 2009 will save Hawai‘i ratepayers close to $2.5 billion in energy reductions, while making the grid much more tolerant of increasing renewable energy. This is a satisfying legacy to leave as I pass the stick to Brian, who will bring new ideas and fresh motivation to the program. I will miss the inspired team that brought us to where we are today, but I have a strong feeling they will continue to make me proud.

The Hawaii Energy program, which serves over 450,000 electric utility customers on Hawai‘i Island, Lāna‘i, Maui, Moloka‘i and O‘ahu, carries a strong track record in achieving the Hawaii Public Utilities Commission’s annual energy reduction goals.

Since the program’s inception in 2009, the commitment and efforts of all participants have resulted in nearly three billion kilowatt-hours in energy savings—the equivalent of five years of current photovoltaic generation or 90,000 electric vehicles driven for a year.

Hawaii Energy is the ratepayer-funded energy conservation and efficiency program administered by Leidos Engineering LLC, under contract with the Hawaii Public Utilities Commission.

Hawaii Energy offers cash rebates and other incentives to residents and businesses to help offset the cost of installing energy-efficient equipment.

In addition to rebates, the program offers education and training for residents, businesses and trade allies to encourage the adoption of energy conservation behaviors and efficiency measures.

For more information, go online.