Discussion on Maui’s Renewable Energy Future, June 26

A public forum on Maui’s renewable energy future will be held on Wednesday, June 26, 2019 at the J. Walter Cameron Center Auditorium from 5:30 to 7 p.m.

The forum is tasked with answering the question: “What will it take for Maui to be powered by 100% renewable energy and what would the island’s landscape look like?”

Light refreshments will be served at 5:30 p.m. with discussion to follow from 6 to 7:30 p.m.

The forum features the following panelists who will share their perspective on working towards a clean energy future for Maui:

• Kumu Kapono‘ai Molitau
• Albert Perez, executive director, Maui Tomorrow
• Jennifer Potter, commissioner, Hawai‘i Public Utilities Commission
• Chris Reynolds, director of system operations, Maui Electric Company
• Alex de Roode, energy commissioner, County of Maui
• Dana Sato, director of asset management, community engagement & resources, Kamehameha Schools
• Rob Weltman, president, Sierra Club

“As part of our effort to promote ecologically sound development, Maui Tomorrow Foundation strives to provide information to the public about their energy options,” Perez said. “We look forward to exploring what Maui will be like when we have achieved 100% renewable energy.”

Private rooftop and utility-scale solar, biofuel and wind resources boosted the amount of renewable energy used to generate electricity on Maui to 38% as of 2018. This exceeds the state’s goal of 30% renewables by 2020.

“Achieving the ambitious mark of 100% renewables by 2045 will require all of us working together,” said Sharon Suzuki, president of Maui County and Hawai‘i Island Utilities. “As Maui Electric starts to put more bids out to procure more renewable energy projects for the island it will take informed energy developers, available land resources, and ongoing dialogue with our communities, regulators and government leaders.”

Weltman agreed and said, “Maui can and must be powered by carbon-neutral, local, environmentally friendly technologies, including solar and wind. Contributing to sea level rise and extreme weather events through continued dependence on fossil fuels is not an option for our vulnerable island community. Let’s get it done together.”

The event is presented in partnership with Maui Electric Company, Maui Tomorrow and the Sierra Club.