The proposed merger between Hawaiian Electric and NextEra is generating dialogue about what Hawai‘i’s sustainable energy future should look like.
The University of Hawai‘i's William S. Richardson School of Law has put together the Energy Justice Working Group to help the community submit community feedback on energy policy in the state. The group is holding a series of community meetings on the North Shore on September 19th, 26th and 27th. They’ll provide a general overview of the proposed merger – then form small listening groups so residents can share and discuss their thoughts, opinions and ideas.
Shalanda Helen Baker is the director of The Energy Justice Program. She says the meetings are not for - or against the merger – but are a way to facilitate a dialogue on renewable energy that will continue into the future.
Baker says the end goal is to create a workable document for reference by the community as well as lawmakers.
The meetings are free and open to the public. The schedule:
• Saturday, September 19, 6:30 to 8:00 p.m.: Haleiwa, Patagonia, North Shore Marketplace, 66-250 Kamehameha Highway, Haleiwa.
• Saturday, September 26, 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.: Kahuku High School, 56-490 Kamehameha Highway, Kahuku.
• Sunday, September 27, 2:00 to 5:00 p.m.: Sunset Beach Elementary School, 59 Kamehameha Highway, Haleiwa.
More information on the Energy Justice Working Group meeting can be found Here.
