Energy Office seeks public input for study on utilities

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, is undertaking the study at the request of the state Legislature to evaluate the costs and benefits of various electrical 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 to carry out the study, which is expected to be completed by January 2019. Representatives from LEI and subcontractor Meister Consultants Group will lead the community meetings.

The meeting schedule is as follows:

Maui County:

>> Wailuku: Monday, 5:30-7 p.m. Wailuku Community Center, 395 Waena St.

>> Kaunakakai: Tuesday, 5:30-7 p.m. Mitchell Pauole Center Main Hall, 90 Ainoa St.

>> Lanai City: Wednesday, 5:30-7 p.m. Lanai Community Center, Eighth Street and Lanai Avenue

Hawaii County:

>> Kailua-Kona: Monday, 5:30-7 p.m. NELHA Research Campus, Hale Iako Building, 73-970 Makako Bay Drive

>> Hilo: Tuesday, 5:30- 7 p.m. Waiakea High School, 155 W. Kawili St.

Kauai County:

>> Lihue: Thursday, 5:30-7 p.m. Chiefess Kama­kahelei Middle School, 4431 Nuhou St.

Honolulu County:

>> Waialua: Wednesday, 5:30-7 p.m. Waialua High & Intermediate School, 67-160 Farrington Highway

>> Honolulu: Friday, approximately 6-7:30 p.m. Hawaii Foreign Trade Zone No. 9, Homer Maxey Conference Center, 521 Ala Moana Blvd. Suite 201, Pier 2

Community members planning on attending the meetings are encouraged to RSVP. For questions, email dbedt.utilitybizmodstudy@hawaii.gov.