HONOLULU — Hawaiian Electric is hosting six hybrid workshops in Oahu communities starting Oct. 24 to get input regarding viable locations for microgrids. Microgrids are connected to the grid, but can operate independently when an outage occurs to continue providing electricity to the area through solar panels, a battery and/or backup generator, according to a Hawaiian Electric news release.
The workshops will help Hawaiian Electric identify areas prone to prolonged outages that could benefit from developing microgrids. Public comments will also help to determine areas suitable for renewable energy projects.
The workshops also come at a time when climate change fuels increasingly severe weather events. Such events, as seen through the destruction caused by Hurricane Ian and Fiona, highlight the need to strengthen the resilience of local communities.
In-person participants will attend an open house, 6:30-7 p.m., followed by an in-person and virtual community workshop, 7-8:30 p.m. Schedule is as follows:
- Oct. 24 - Kahuku Elementary School, cafeteria (Waimea to Kaaawa)
- Oct. 26 - Agnes Kalanihookaha Community Learning Center, conference rooms 1-3 (Nanakuli to Keawaula)
- Nov. 1 - Kapiolani Community College, cafeteria (Moanalua to East Honolulu)
- Nov. 3 - Waialua Elementary School, cafeteria (Kaena to Kapaeloa)
- Nov. 15 - Windward Community College, Hale Ao 101/102 (Waimanalo to Kualoa)
- Nov. 17 - Leeward Community College, room ED201 (Honouliuli to Halawa)
Visit Hawaiian Electric’s community meetings webpage for the Zoom links to attend the workshops virtually. Links will be available closer to the first workshop date. Workshops will also be livestreamed and recorded.
Sarah Yamanaka covers events, environmental and community news for Spectrum News Hawaii.
