About 70 Oahu residents joined NextEra Energy Inc. and Hawaiian Electric Industries at public meetings in Pearl City and Kapolei hosted by the two companies Wednesday evening to discuss the $4.3 billion sale of HEI to the Florida-based company.

Residents asked NextEra representatives how the company plans to lower electric bills and expand rooftop solar.

The meetings — held at the Pearl City High School cafeteria and the Kapolei High School cafeteria — were the first on Oahu. The companies held meeting on Maui, Lanai, Molokai and Hawaii island last week and earlier this week.

On Thursday they will hold two more meetings on Oahu at the Kakaako Conference Room at Ward Warehouse and Hale Akoakoa at Windward Community College. The meetings will be held from 5 to 8 p.m.

In Pearl City, 31 residents signed in to talk with the 27 representatives from HEI and NextEra.

Pearl City resident Donald Johnson, 66, said he was concerned what the sale would mean for solar owners.

"I just want to see what’s going on, if we are going to get a fair shake," Johnson said. "I have photovoltaic and I just want to see what they are going to do about it."

Pearl City resident Thomas Ai, 65, said he wasn’t satisfied with the informal meeting, during which residents spoke one-on-one with company representatives.

"I would rather have a forum where we can discuss something," he said. "These guys are here and they are just going on about their company. What does it mean for us here?"

Ai, who also has a rooftop solar system on his home, said, "They seem to have set answers. I want to know how it affects me directly."

Rob Gould, a spokesman for NextEra who attended the Pearl City meeting, said his company learned through the sessions that the islands each have different energy concerns.

"Every island is different and what we have learned is no one-size solution fits all," Gould said. "We are far better educated now on the issues. It doesn’t mean we have a plan yet. We understand and appreciate that now what the concerns are."

Aiea resident Kathrine Wada, 83, said she was concerned about what would happen to her HEI shares if the sale is finalized.

"Because I’m a retiree, I’m concerned because I rely on the dividends that it pays to supplement me," Wada said. "It’s going to affect my income down the road.

The companies announced the sale in December, saying NextEra will help Hawaii reach its renewable-energy goals and reduce customer bills at a faster pace.

The deal still needs to be approved by the Hawaii Public Utilities Commission. The PUC review is expected to be complete by June 3.