The newly formed Energy Justice Working Group at the University of Hawaiʻi will begin reaching out during September for community feedback on the proposed merger between and Florida-based , one of the nation’s largest energy providers.
In a series of public meetings scheduled on the North Shore for September 19, 26 and 27, the group will provide a general overview of the proposed merger, and then form small listening groups so residents can share and discuss their thoughts, opinions and ideas.
The North Shore was chosen as a template for the island as a whole, and because of interest expressed by that community for a public discussion of plans, options and alternatives.
Associate Professor Shalanda Baker, director of the new at the law school, sees the community meetings as an opportunity to begin a statewide conversation about energy justice.
“Energy justice is universal access to affordable, renewable energy,” said Baker. “Energy justice is also the implementation of clean energy solutions rooted in democratic, stakeholder-driven processes that equitably allocate the costs and benefits of energy development.”
Event information
All meetings are free and open to the public.
Schedule
- Saturday, September 19, 6:30–8 p.m., Haleʻiwa, Patagonia, North Shore Marketplace, 66-250 Kamehameha Highway
- Saturday, September 26, 11 a.m.–2 p.m., Kahuku High School, 56-490 Kamehameha Highway
- Sunday, September 27, 2–5 p.m., Sunset Beach Elementary School, 59 Kamehameha Highway
For more information, see the .
to view the event flyer.