Skip to main content
VERGE Hawaii 2017 Home

Main menu

  • Home
  • Speakers
  • ProgramToggle submenu for Program
    • Schedule
  • Sustainable Tourism
  • Special ProgramsToggle submenu for Special Programs
    • Interconnect Expo
    • Microgrid
    • Networking App
    • Startup Showcase
    • Accelerate
  • AboutToggle submenu for About
    • Sustainability
    • Travel
    • 2016 Archive
  • Virtual Event Archive

In partnership with

Hawaii State Energy Office logo
VERGE Hawaii Virtual Event

Register for VERGE Virtual to gain full access to archived video footage of all VERGE Hawaii mainstage sessions and exclusive interviews between speakers and GreenBiz Sidebar hosts — all for free.

Register here for the Virtual Event Archive

Thank You — Registration Complete

Thank you for your interest in VERGE Hawaii 2017 Virtual Event. You will get an email with the link to the livecast with instructions.

Virtual Event Program

Tuesday, June 20th, 2017

1:15pm to 1:30pm

More Details

Sidebar: Virtual Welcome

Sidebar

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.  

Speakers

  • Elaine Hsieh
  • John Davies

Share

  • Twitter logo
  • Facebook logo
  • LinkedIn logo

1:30pm to 1:35pm

More Details

Oli: Blessing & Opening

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.

Speakers

  • Ramsay Taum

Share

  • Twitter logo
  • Facebook logo
  • LinkedIn logo

1:35pm to 1:45pm

More Details

Organizer's Welcome

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

Speakers

  • Eric Faurot
  • Elaine Hsieh
  • Ellie Buechner

Share

  • Twitter logo
  • Facebook logo
  • LinkedIn logo

1:45pm to 1:55pm

More Details

Governor's Address

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?

Tracks

  • Resilience and Security
  • Sustainable Tourism
  • Decarbonizing Transportation
  • Distributed Energy Systems
  • Grid-Scale Power
  • Models for Market Transformation
  • Building Efficiency

Speakers

  • Gov. David Ige

Share

  • Twitter logo
  • Facebook logo
  • LinkedIn logo

1:55pm to 2:05pm

More Details

Interactive: From Idealism to Realism — Truth or Dare

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

Speakers

  • Ramsay Taum

Share

  • Twitter logo
  • Facebook logo
  • LinkedIn logo

2:05pm to 2:30pm

More Details

Aligning Interests to Accelerate a Clean Economy

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.

Tracks

  • Distributed Energy Systems
  • Grid-Scale Power
  • Models for Market Transformation

Speakers

  • Luis Salaveria
  • Randy Iwase
  • Joel Makower

Share

  • Twitter logo
  • Facebook logo
  • LinkedIn logo

2:30pm to 2:35pm

More Details

VERGE Talk: How Policy Impacts Innovation

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.

Tracks

  • Resilience and Security
  • Decarbonizing Transportation
  • Distributed Energy Systems
  • Grid-Scale Power
  • Models for Market Transformation
  • Building Efficiency

Speakers

  • Aki Marceau

Share

  • Twitter logo
  • Facebook logo
  • LinkedIn logo

2:35pm to 2:45pm

More Details

VERGE Talk: The Business of Transition — Managing Risk, Resilience, & Opportunity

From physical impacts to infrastructure and assets, there are risks and opportunities in designing for clean energy transitions. What are the new models that work across the US and China? What are the local impacts? And what can be replicated for Hawaii?

Tracks

  • Resilience and Security
  • Models for Market Transformation

Speakers

  • Kate Gordon

Share

  • Twitter logo
  • Facebook logo
  • LinkedIn logo

2:45pm to 3:10pm

More Details

How Climate Change Creates Local Opportunities

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.

Tracks

  • Resilience and Security
  • Decarbonizing Transportation
  • Distributed Energy Systems
  • Grid-Scale Power
  • Models for Market Transformation
  • Building Efficiency

Speakers

  • Kate Gordon
  • Mayor Arakawa
  • Lorraine Akiba
  • Heather Clancy

Share

  • Twitter logo
  • Facebook logo
  • LinkedIn logo

3:10pm to 3:45pm

More Details

VERGE Accelerate Showcase

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.

Tracks

  • Resilience and Security
  • Decarbonizing Transportation
  • Distributed Energy Systems
  • Grid-Scale Power
  • Models for Market Transformation
  • Building Efficiency

Speakers

  • Shana Rappaport
  • Andrew Beebe
  • Dana Cotter
  • MAJ Dao

Share

  • Twitter logo
  • Facebook logo
  • LinkedIn logo

3:45pm to 4:15pm

More Details

Sidebar

Sidebar

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. 

Speakers

  • Elaine Hsieh
  • John Davies

Share

  • Twitter logo
  • Facebook logo
  • LinkedIn logo

4:15pm to 4:25pm

More Details

VERGE Talk: The Utility’s Story — How It Works and What’s Changing

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.

Tracks

  • Resilience and Security
  • Distributed Energy Systems
  • Grid-Scale Power
  • Models for Market Transformation

Speakers

  • Alan Oshima

Share

  • Twitter logo
  • Facebook logo
  • LinkedIn logo

4:25pm to 4:50pm

More Details

Cultivating an Environment to Unleash Innovation

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?

Tracks

  • Decarbonizing Transportation
  • Distributed Energy Systems
  • Grid-Scale Power
  • Models for Market Transformation
  • Building Efficiency

Speakers

  • Andrew Beebe
  • Brian Janous
  • Dave Bartlett
  • Rich Wacker

Share

  • Twitter logo
  • Facebook logo
  • LinkedIn logo

4:50pm to 5:00pm

More Details

VERGE Talk: Connecting the Dots — Why Energy Justice Matters

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.

Tracks

  • Resilience and Security
  • Distributed Energy Systems
  • Models for Market Transformation

Speakers

  • Shalanda Baker

Share

  • Twitter logo
  • Facebook logo
  • LinkedIn logo

5:00pm to 5:30pm

More Details

Accelerating Clean Energy Transitions in the Age of Trump

Stay tuned for details.

Tracks

  • Resilience and Security
  • Decarbonizing Transportation
  • Distributed Energy Systems
  • Grid-Scale Power
  • Models for Market Transformation
  • Building Efficiency

Speakers

  • Dennis McGinn
  • Connie Lau
  • Joel Makower

Share

  • Twitter logo
  • Facebook logo
  • LinkedIn logo
Wednesday, June 21st, 2017

8:15am to 8:30am

More Details

Sidebar: Virtual Welcome

Sidebar

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

Speakers

  • Elaine Hsieh
  • John Davies

Share

  • Twitter logo
  • Facebook logo
  • LinkedIn logo

8:30am to 8:35am

More Details

Day 2 Welcome

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

Speakers

  • Joel Makower

Share

  • Twitter logo
  • Facebook logo
  • LinkedIn logo

8:35am to 9:00am

More Details

Sustainable Pathways to Economic Prosperity

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. 

Tracks

  • Resilience and Security
  • Sustainable Tourism
  • Decarbonizing Transportation
  • Distributed Energy Systems
  • Grid-Scale Power
  • Models for Market Transformation
  • Building Efficiency

Speakers

  • Celeste Connors
  • Alan Oshima
  • Mark Dunkerley
  • George Szigeti

Share

  • Twitter logo
  • Facebook logo
  • LinkedIn logo

9:00am to 9:25am

More Details

Building a 21st Century Electricity System for Rural States

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?

Tracks

  • Resilience and Security
  • Decarbonizing Transportation
  • Distributed Energy Systems
  • Grid-Scale Power
  • Models for Market Transformation

Speakers

  • David Bissell
  • Kyle Datta
  • Terry Surles
  • Ron Whitmore

Share

  • Twitter logo
  • Facebook logo
  • LinkedIn logo

9:25am to 10:00am

More Details

VERGE Accelerate Showcase

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.

Tracks

  • Resilience and Security
  • Decarbonizing Transportation
  • Distributed Energy Systems
  • Grid-Scale Power
  • Models for Market Transformation
  • Building Efficiency

Speakers

  • Shana Rappaport
  • Carlton Reeves
  • Jill Sims
  • Captain La Duca

Share

  • Twitter logo
  • Facebook logo
  • LinkedIn logo

10:00am to 10:30am

More Details

Sidebar

Sidebar

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. 

Speakers

  • Elaine Hsieh
  • John Davies

Share

  • Twitter logo
  • Facebook logo
  • LinkedIn logo

10:30am to 10:40am

More Details

VERGE Talk: Scaling Clean Energy Investments with Equity as a Driver

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

Tracks

  • Decarbonizing Transportation
  • Distributed Energy Systems
  • Grid-Scale Power
  • Models for Market Transformation
  • Building Efficiency

Speakers

  • Holmes Hummel

Share

  • Twitter logo
  • Facebook logo
  • LinkedIn logo

10:40am to 11:00am

More Details

Rural Electrification: Lessons from Pan-Pacific Islands

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

Tracks

  • Resilience and Security
  • Distributed Energy Systems
  • Grid-Scale Power
  • Models for Market Transformation
  • Building Efficiency

Speakers

  • Pradeep Verma
  • Jeff Mikulina
  • Aliitama Sotoa
  • Ajay Raniga

Share

  • Twitter logo
  • Facebook logo
  • LinkedIn logo

11:00am to 11:10am

More Details

VERGE Talk: A New Way to Scale Energy Efficiency

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.

Tracks

  • Sustainable Tourism
  • Models for Market Transformation
  • Building Efficiency

Speakers

  • Matthias Kurwig

Share

  • Twitter logo
  • Facebook logo
  • LinkedIn logo

11:10am to 11:30am

More Details

Overcoming Sustainability Challenges in the Tourism Industry

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.

Tracks

  • Resilience and Security
  • Sustainable Tourism
  • Decarbonizing Transportation
  • Distributed Energy Systems
  • Models for Market Transformation
  • Building Efficiency

Speakers

  • Ernie Nishizaki
  • Heather Clancy
  • Jim Alberts
  • Dean Nakasone

Share

  • Twitter logo
  • Facebook logo
  • LinkedIn logo

11:30am to 11:55am

More Details

Bridging the Energy and Conservation Gap through a Systems-Based Approach

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.

Tracks

  • Resilience and Security
  • Distributed Energy Systems
  • Grid-Scale Power
  • Models for Market Transformation

Speakers

  • Celeste Connors
  • Mayor Carvalho
  • Kate Brown
  • David Lassner

Share

  • Twitter logo
  • Facebook logo
  • LinkedIn logo

11:55am to 12:05pm

More Details

Entertainment: Poetry by Kealoha

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

Speakers

  • Kealoha (Poet)

Share

  • Twitter logo
  • Facebook logo
  • LinkedIn logo

12:05pm to 12:30pm

More Details

The Power of Transformative Change

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. 

Tracks

  • Resilience and Security
  • Sustainable Tourism
  • Decarbonizing Transportation
  • Distributed Energy Systems
  • Grid-Scale Power
  • Models for Market Transformation
  • Building Efficiency

Speakers

  • Dawn Lippert
  • Andy Karsner
  • Joel Makower

Share

  • Twitter logo
  • Facebook logo
  • LinkedIn logo
Thursday, June 22nd, 2017

9:45am to 10:00am

More Details

Sidebar: Virtual Welcome

Sidebar

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

Speakers

  • Elaine Hsieh
  • John Davies

Share

  • Twitter logo
  • Facebook logo
  • LinkedIn logo

10:00am to 10:05am

More Details

Day 3 Welcome

Closing plenary thoughts from the organizer and host.

Speakers

  • Joel Makower

Share

  • Twitter logo
  • Facebook logo
  • LinkedIn logo

10:05am to 10:30am

More Details

Pathways to a Clean Energy Future: Global Perspectives

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.

Tracks

  • Resilience and Security
  • Decarbonizing Transportation
  • Distributed Energy Systems
  • Grid-Scale Power
  • Models for Market Transformation
  • Building Efficiency

Speakers

  • Carla Peterman
  • Simon MacKenzie
  • Dawn Lippert
  • Jay Griffin

Share

  • Twitter logo
  • Facebook logo
  • LinkedIn logo

10:30am to 10:40am

More Details

VERGE Talk: Living in a "Living Building” — A Real-World Report

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

Tracks

  • Resilience and Security
  • Decarbonizing Transportation
  • Distributed Energy Systems
  • Grid-Scale Power
  • Models for Market Transformation
  • Building Efficiency

Speakers

  • Denis Hayes

Share

  • Twitter logo
  • Facebook logo
  • LinkedIn logo

10:40am to 11:05am

More Details

Accelerating Resilience and Energy Security on Islands

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. 

Tracks

  • Resilience and Security
  • Sustainable Tourism
  • Models for Market Transformation

Speakers

  • Henk Rogers
  • Joel Makower
  • Randall Cieslak

Share

  • Twitter logo
  • Facebook logo
  • LinkedIn logo

11:05am to 11:15am

More Details

VERGE Talk: Renewable Energy, Climate Change, and the Tragedy of the Commons

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.

Tracks

  • Models for Market Transformation

Speakers

  • Luis Salaveria

Share

  • Twitter logo
  • Facebook logo
  • LinkedIn logo

11:15am to 11:25am

More Details

Entertainment: Ukulele Virtuoso Taimane

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

Speakers

  • Taimane Gardner

Share

  • Twitter logo
  • Facebook logo
  • LinkedIn logo

11:25am to 11:50am

More Details

The Power of Community Inclusion

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.

Tracks

  • Resilience and Security
  • Distributed Energy Systems
  • Models for Market Transformation

Speakers

  • Shalanda Baker
  • Vien Truong
  • Rose McKinney-James
  • Heather Clancy

Share

  • Twitter logo
  • Facebook logo
  • LinkedIn logo

11:50am to 12:00pm

More Details

Closing: Embracing Aloha, Preparing the Orchestra

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

Tracks

  • Resilience and Security
  • Sustainable Tourism
  • Decarbonizing Transportation
  • Distributed Energy Systems
  • Grid-Scale Power
  • Models for Market Transformation
  • Building Efficiency

Speakers

  • Pono Shim

Share

  • Twitter logo
  • Facebook logo
  • LinkedIn logo

Footer menu 1

  • Upcoming GreenBiz Events
  • VERGE 22
  • VERGE Net Zero
  • Code of Conduct

Footer menu 2

  • All Events
  • Executive Network
  • GreenBiz.com
  • Sustainability Jobs

Footer menu 3

  • About GreenBiz Group
  • Contact Us
  • Subscribe
  • VERGE is a registered trademark of GreenBiz Group
Twitter
Facebook
Instagram
LinkedIn
This site (RSS)
GreenBiz
© 2023 GreenBiz Group Inc. GREENBIZ® and GREENBIZ.COM® are registered trademarks of GreenBiz Group Inc.