Hawaiian Electric to host ‘Renewable Energy Zones’ public workshops to share info, receive feedback
Evening meetings scheduled April 6 at LCC, April 9 at WCC
Release Date: 3/30/2026
HONOLULU, March 30, 2026 – Hawaiian Electric is seeking community feedback on an initiative to help guide where future renewable generation projects should be sited. It's why the company is hosting public workshops on Renewable Energy Zones, or REZ, from 6 to 8:30 p.m. on April 6, at Leeward Community College and April 9, at Windward Community College.
REZ are designated areas with high potential for clean energy generation, such as solar, that can be easily connected to the grid. They help focus development where renewable projects will be most efficient, cost-effective and impactful. The Hawaii Public Utilities Commission has directed Hawaiian Electric to designate at least two REZ on Oahu by June 2026.
Community members are invited to join Hawaiian Electric to:
- Learn about the key criteria used to evaluate different sites for REZ
- Ask questions and interact with subject matter experts
- Provide anonymous input and comments on an interactive online map
Third-party data analysis and input from community working group members narrowed a pool of eight REZ to the four best suited for siting renewable projects:
- Zone 1 – Kunia/Schofield
- Zone 4 – Mililani Mauka, Waipio-Waiawa
- Zone 5 – Kualoa/Hauula to portions of Halawa/Moanalua
- Zone 6 -- Koolaupoko
Hawaiian Electric Renewable Energy Zones public meetings are as follows:
- Zones 1 and 4: Monday, April 6, 6 – 8:30 p.m., Leeward Community College
Education Building, room 201, 96-045 Ala Ike St., Pearl City, 96782 - Zones 5 and 6: Thursday, April 9, 6 – 8:30 p.m., Windward Community College,
Hale Akoakoa, room 113, 45-720 Keaahala Rd. Kaneohe, 96744
For both workshops: 6 – 7 p.m. Open house with displays, refreshments provided; 7 – 8:30 p.m. Presentation and Q&A.
The presentation portion will be streamed live on Hawaiian Electric’s Facebook page starting at 7 p.m. for those unable to attend in person.
To learn more about Renewable Energy Zones and to comment anonymously on the interactive map, please visit https://hawaiipowered.com/rez/cycle2/
