FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Oct. 5, 2017
Energy office schedules community meetings on utility model study
HONOLULU — The Hawaii State Energy Office (HSEO) will host a series of community meetings across the state next week to solicit community input for a study being done on future models for utility ownership and regulation in Hawaii.
HSEO, a division of the State Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT), is undertaking the study at the request of the Hawaii State Legislature to evaluate the costs and benefits of various electric utility ownership models, as well as the viability of various utility regulatory approaches to help Hawaii in achieving its energy goals. The study will examine scenarios for each of Hawaii’s counties.
HSEO has contracted with Boston-based London Economics International (LEI) to carry out the study, which is expected to be completed by January 2019. LEI and subcontractor Meister Consultants Group will lead the community meetings for Oct. 9-13. The meeting schedule is as follows:
Maui County:
Wailuku, Oct. 9, 5:30 - 7 p.m.. Wailuku Community Center, 395 Waena St. Event Flyer | RSVP Link
Kaunakakai, Oct. 10, 5:30-7 p.m. Mitchell Pauole Center Main Hall, 90 Ainoa St. Event Flyer | RSVP Link
Lanai City, Oct. 11, 5:30-7 p.m. Lanai Community Center, Eighth St. and Lanai Ave. Event Flyer | RSVP Link
Hawaii County:
Kailua-Kona, Oct. 9, 5:30 - 7 p.m. NELHA Research Campus, Hale Iako Building, 73-970 Makako Bay Drive. Event Flyer | RSVP Link
Hilo, Oct. 10, 5:30 - 7 p.m. Waiakea High School, 155 W Kawili St. Event Flyer | RSVP Link
Kauai County:
Lihue, Oct. 12, 5:30 - 7 p.m. Chiefess Kamakahelei Middle School, 4431 Nuhou St. Event Flyer | RSVP Link
Honolulu County:
Waialua, Oct. 11, 5:30 - 7 p.m. Waialua High & Intermediate School, 67-160 Farrington Highway. Event Flyer | RSVP Link
Honolulu, Oct. 13, approx. 6 - 7:30 p.m. Hawaii Foreign Trade Zone #9, Homer Maxey Conference Center, 521 Ala Moana Blvd. Suite 201, Pier 2. Event Flyer | RSVP Link
Next week’s meetings will focus on the topic of utility ownership and the role the utility plays in achieving community and state goals, including achieving 100 percent renewable energy in the electricity sector and minimizing costs. There are two additional rounds of statewide meetings scheduled. The second round of meetings slated for next spring will focus on utility regulatory models, while the third round of meetings next fall will be used to gather community input on draft findings of the report.
Community members planning on attending the meetings are encouraged to RSVP at the link above. Light refreshments will be served. Those unable to attend a meeting in person can view a copy of the material presented, which will be posted on HSEO’s website after the meetings, and may participate by submitting feedback via email to: [email protected]. Questions about the meetings or the study can be emailed to the same address.