Engaging Hawaiʻi’s Communities: Building Partnerships for a Just and Resilient Clean Energy Future

Meaningful stakeholder engagement is key to advancing Hawai'i's clean energy goals while honoring the islands' cultural values and indigenous communities. This session explores best practices for collaboration among utilities, regulators, community groups, workforce organizations, and Native Hawaiian stakeholders. Discussion will highlight lessons learned from previous utility-scale and community solar projects, emphasizing how inclusive workforce development and local hiring can strengthen trust, create shared economic benefits, and build lasting community support. Panelists will also discuss how to build strong partnerships to overcome community objections and build support from local and native Hawaiians.