Employees In Our Community
At Hawaiian Electric, we strive to work with our communities to achieve a renewable energy future. Through volunteerism, financial support, and pursuing innovative initiatives, we will protect our aina, build community capacity and become a world leader in sustainability.
Throughout our long-standing partnerships with the community, nonprofit organizations, and government agencies, we contribute our people power and resources for a stronger, sustainable, and more resilient Hawaii.
Community Spotlight
Dedicated volunteers make the holidays brighter
During the holiday season, drivers heading east on the H-1 Freeway past the Koko Head cutoff can see the Puu O Kaimuki Park Christmas tree twinkling colorfully in the night skies. It’s a sight that draws gasps of delight and inspires feelings of joy and hope.
But here’s something you may not know … the annual tradition is a testament to the dedication of a group of volunteers from Hawaiian Electric and the IBEW Local 1260 who devote their time and skill year after year to make the holidays brighter for the community.
Volunteers placed flags at the East Hawaii Veterans Cemetery
This past Veterans Day, our employees and their ohana on Hawaii Island partnered with the Scouting Hawaii Pukahi District to honor our veterans. Volunteers placed flags at the East Hawaii Veterans Cemetery No. 2, paying their respects to those who served our country. Mahalo to all who served or are currently serving.
Holoholo Kaa Maui Event
On Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025, our employees on Maui volunteered for Holoholo Kaa Maui, presented by Punana Leo O Maui! This free family event was held at the UH Maui College parking lot and provided a hands-on experience for keiki to explore the "big trucks" and vehicles that keep the island safe and thriving!
Adopt-A-Highway
On Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025, our Maui employees picked up trash for Adopt-A-Highway, alongside volunteers from American Savings Bank! Thank you to everyone for your hard work and willingness to spend the day keeping the community clean and caring for the aina!
From “No Can” to “How Can”: The power of relationships in Lahaina
As Hawaiian Electric’s West Maui Community Liaison, a recent volunteer workday with community partners to protect Lahainaluna High School with a firebreak reminded me that our community relationships continue to be the strongest infrastructure that we build together across our islands.
Cultivating a corporate culture of giving back
When I agreed to be among the 104 Hawaiian Electric volunteers at this year’s Okinawan Festival on Oahu in late August, it slipped my mind that it was during Labor Day weekend, and I had already signed up for a shift at our company’s annual golf tournament on Labor Day to benefit Aloha United Way. But for so many of us at Hawaiian Electric, volunteering two days out of a three-day weekend didn’t feel like a sacrifice. It’s our kuleana, or responsibility, to give back to our communities — and we do it with an incredible sense of pride.
Meet the 2025 Kokua Champions: Ellen Nashiwa & Chelsey Nabor
The Kokua Community Champion Service Award honors individual employees at HEI and Hawaiian Electric who’ve demonstrated exemplary volunteer service over the past year and rewards them by donating $1,000 to a charitable organization of their choice. In 2025, six outstanding employee volunteers were nominated by their peers and selected based on their level of involvement and impact on the community.
Community Events
Volunteers from Hawaiian Electric participate in various events in support of our community. Check out our community events.
