Join us as we kick off VERGE Virtual Hawaii 2017.  Get settled in with the Sidebar hosts with commentary and interviews, engage with others with the group chat.  

A traditional blessing used by Hawaiians throughout generations to preserve oral histories and traditions. Today, the oli is referred to as the soul of the aboriginal peoples of Hawaii and is recognized at the highest form of the Hawaiian language.

Setting the stage for Hawaii's second annual VERGE conference.

Two years ago, Governor Ige signed into law the most aggressive clean energy goal in the country. How is the State turning plans into action?

A short, interactive exercise to help set the tone for collaboration, transparency, accountability and finding common ground during the event — and beyond.

Our current energy systems often pit markets, regulators, utilities and consumers against one another, and to lay blame for whatever isn't working. As distributed energy clean energy resources become more widespread and affordable, a new model is needed. A prominent Hawaii regulator and policymaker share their experiences in aligning stakeholder interests.

It is rare to see the chair of a state's energy policy board also leading its innovation organization. But if you think about it, it makes sense. Energy policy and innovation are deeply intertwined. Dawn Lippert, the Chair of the Hawaii Clean Energy Initiative Advisory Board and CEO of Elemental Excelerator, shares what we've learned as Hawaii innovates its way to 100% clean energy.

A discussion about the various local economic opportunities associated with the physical impacts, regulatory risks and climate risks that come with changes in energy policy, infrastructure and market structure. Lessons and stories will be shared from energy transitions in China, Alaska, the Midwest U.S. and, of course, Hawaii.

This fast-paced start-up competition provides entrepreneurs in energy, transportation, water, agriculture and cybersecurity the opportunity to pitch to the VERGE audience. Industry experts provide commentary and audience votes determine the winner.

Sidebar interviews engage senior level executives from large corporates, government, NGOs, and innovative start-ups to discuss their insights into how to accelerate the clean economy. 

Who isn’t for "100% clean energy?" It’s a compelling goal, but everyone needs to know this is a team sport, a shared societal effort, not just another mandate for the local utility. Hawaiian Electric CEO Alan Oshima talks about the importance of community engagement and how renewable energy can also be part of the state’s long-term economic development plan.

While there is no shortage of clean technology innovations, political and social will remains a barrier for many of these promising solutions. What is needed to cultivate an environment where utilities, regulators and buyers will increase their risk appetite?

Energy justice has begun to find its way into the conversation concerning Hawaii’s energy transition, but what is energy justice?  Moreover, why does it matter?  The energy transition is not only a technological revolution but an unprecedented opportunity to shift the energy development paradigm to one that makes the state more resilient in the face of climate change, gives underrepresented communities a say over the environmental impacts of energy development, and provides lasting economic benefits to rate payers of all economic backgrounds.  This VERGE Talk connects the dots and makes the case for why Hawaii’s energy stakeholders cannot afford to ignore the principles of energy justice.

Stay tuned for details.

Get settled in with the Sidebar hosts with commentary and interviews, engage with others with the group chat.  

Kicking off the second day, with a recap from the organizers and messages from some special guests. Stay tuned!

This discussion will explore how tourism is a key economic driver in Hawai‘i and will continue to be so in the foreseeable future, even as Hawai‘i seeks to diversify in other sectors.  Hawaii Tourism Authority, Hawaiian Airlines and HECO will discuss Hawai‘i’s unique role in catalyzing economic prosperity and attracting investment, while reducing energy and water use, building community resilience, and supporting environmental stewardship through sustainable tourism initiatives and planning. 

While New York and California often get the spotlight for their energy system transformation initiatives, many states across the country have different challenges. What will it take to build a 21st century electricity system for rural areas all over Hawaii and beyond?

This fast-paced start-up competition provides entrepreneurs in energy, transportation, water, agriculture and cybersecurity the opportunity to pitch their startups to the VERGE audience. Industry experts provide commentary, and audience votes determine the winner.

Sidebar interviews engage senior level executives from large corporates, government, NGOs, and innovative start-ups to discuss their insights into how to accelerate the clean economy. 

How inclusive financing can help scale clean energy investments in distributed energy solutions from better buildings to clean transit.

Lessons, challenges and goals for rural electrification from utility executives from American Samoa, Solomon Islands and other parts of the Pacific.

A simple score can save Hawaiians more than $100 million in energy cost annually. There is tremendous savings potential from energy efficient appliances, electronics and cars. The right mix of behavioral science, big data and digital engagement can unlock it at scale.

While hotels focus mainly on costs, they consume resources at a rate that is simply unsustainable for the long term. It's a paradox as old as the industry. While some argue about the value of "greening" in the industry, others understand that it is also about resilience and security. Two veterans in the industry discuss potential solutions to overcome sustainability challenges, and what it will take hotels, airlines, cabs and other major tourism stakeholders to take necessary action.

Hawai‘i may be the most isolated populated landmass, but its experiences, challenges, and solutions have global relevance. Building on the forty-year journey of Hōkūle‘a to revive and share Hawaiian ancestral wisdom and innovation, Hawai‘i applied these values and principles to launch the Aloha+ Challenge: He Nohona ‘Ae‘oia, A Culture of Sustainability — an integrated statewide platform and framework for collaboration. Endorsed by the Governor, all four County Mayors, Office of Hawaiian Affairs, and State Legislature, the Aloha+ Challenge engages partners to help achieve Hawai‘i’s sustainability goals and build a culture of sustainability for future generations. This expert panel will explore the role of island economies and catalyzing action on sustainability globally, exploring innovative platforms and initiatives that bridge the gap between conservation, energy, and economic development.

Internationally acclaimed poet and storyteller Kealoha performs a special piece for the VERGE Hawaii audience.

How can we untangle challenges at the nexus of nature and humanity? A holistic "radical remedy of the commons" is within reach. But we need better design thinking and far greater energy and urgency to bring it into being. By transforming markets and scaling enabling technologies, programs, and platforms that offer differentiated solutions for critical, systems-level challenges, we can strengthen the symbiosis between nature and humanity. 

Get settled in with the Sidebar hosts with commentary and interviews, engage with others with the group chat.  

Closing plenary thoughts from the organizer and host.

Hawaii, California, and New Zealand share at least one thing in common: they're all on a path to clean energy. While utilities and regulators serve a defined geographic region, they see many of the same challenges. This opens up a world of opportunities for collaboration - in some unexpected ways. Join us as Commissioner Carla Peterman of California's Public Utilities Commission, Simon MacKenzie, CEO of New Zealand's largest electricity network, Vector, and Hawaii's newly appointed PUC Commissioner Jay Griffin share what they've learned, what challenges they're still struggling with, and what they think the future holds for local and global energy markets.

The founder of Earth Day and developer of world’s greenest office building tells his story — and what it may mean for Hawaii.

Henk Rogers joins the Assistant Secretary of the U.S. Navy Energy Installations & Environment and CIO for Command, Control, Comms & Cyber Directorate at U.S. Pacific Command (PACOM)  to discuss their frameworks for thinking about driving more resilience, energy security and sustainability solutions across islands. 

Hawaii has the opportunity to serve as a model for the rest of the world, but how are we going to live on the planet going forward?  DBEDT Director Luis Salaveria takes a closer look at how solutions to our current sustainability problems may lie in the past.  Get ready for a reality check on Hawaii’s path to a 100% renewable energy future.

Ukulele virtuoso, Taimane, graces our stage with her her musical talents.

What happens to a community when it feels accountable for and included in the clean energy transition? And how can we better engage those who have been disenfranchised for so long? The head of national climate justice non-profit Green For All and a long-standing energy equity advocate and corporate leader from Nevada join University of Hawaii's Shalanda Baker for a discussion of the how's and why's of community inclusion and engagement as Hawaii pursues its 100% renewables mandate.

One of Hawaii’s most gifted storytellers and business influencers puts a lei around the “Orchestra.”