Pūlama Lāna‘i, Hawaiian Electric End Talks on Potential Sale of Lāna‘i Utility

Maui Now courtesy file photo.

Hawaiian Electric and Pūlama Lānaʻi have ended discussions about a potential sale of the electric system on Lānaʻi, which will continue to be owned and operated by the utility.

Hawaiian Electric was approached by Pūlama Lānaʻi in 2019 about acquiring the assets of the utility after Hawaiian Electric issued a request for proposals for renewable energy projects on Lānaʻi. The deadline for responding to the RFP was postponed because of the sale discussions.

With the discussions ended, Hawaiian Electric is working with the Public Utilities Commission and other stakeholders to revise the RFP and continue the effort to transition from using fossil fuels to renewable resources to generate electricity for the island’s residents and businesses.

“We’ll continue working with Pūlama Lānaʻi and the community to develop options for a sustainable energy future that can work to everyone’s benefit,” said Sharon Suzuki, president of Hawaiian Electric’s Maui County and Hawaiʻi Island utilities in a press release.