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A father’s influence on energy savings and sustainability

June 15, 2025 | Written by Alyssa Okamura


Our parents can influence our ideas, thoughts, and actions. From loading the dishwasher to educational endeavors, we often look to our parents or other role models in our life for inspiration. My dad, Dave Okamura, has been an electrical engineer for Hawaiian Electric on Hawaii Island for 31 years, and he is one of the many people in my life who has inspired me. While I may not be following his specific career path, mostly because I am bad at math, I grew up surrounded by chatter about energy. Years later, I wouldn’t have imagined that I’d be working for the same company.

Alyssa Okamura and Dave Okamura

From an early age, my dad instilled energy saving habits in my brother and me. We would get reminders to turn off lights, fans, and to unplug appliances or chargers. Additionally, we were often consumed with talk about Hawaii’s clean energy transition. This is clearly a topic I’ve latched onto.

In eighth grade, I even did a project for the Hilo Intermediate School Science Fair on solar energy, measuring the weather’s impact on photovoltaic (PV) production. I was fortunate to have my dad guide me through that project, helping me read the meter to track data from our PV panels and energy use.

Alyssa Okamura 8th Grade Science Project

My 8th grade science project on Weathers Impact on PV Production, and pictured with Dr. Pinner, my intermediate school science teacher.

While my dad tried to tutor me in math, it was no use. Doing calculus through teary eyes, I knew engineering would not be something I wanted to pursue in the future. Instead, I studied marketing, with hopes to work in social media, and after spending some time going to school on the mainland, I also made it a priority to come back home.

I often imagined myself working in more of the beauty/fashion space. However, I have always been interested in sustainability. So, when I had the opportunity to work for Hawaiian Electric, I took it. Upon reflection, I realized that even though I originally had other plans, maybe I did intend to work in the energy space after all.

Several months ago, while cleaning up my room at my parent’s house, I found a “lifetime bucket list” I made in high school. On it, one of my main goals was to “see/assist with Hawaii going 100% renewable.” A goal I completely forgot about and was undoubtedly influenced by my dad. Now, I’ll get to check that box on my bucket list. And while I don’t do the same job or live on the same island, I do get to work alongside one of my role models — my father.

Happy Father’s Day to my dad and all the father figures out there making a difference!

Lifetime bucketlist

A photo of my “lifetime bucket list” I found from high school.

Hawaii Island Community

About the Author: Alyssa Okamura

Digital Communications and Social Media Specialist at Hawaiian Electric

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