What Hawaiʻi’s energy future means for restaurants

Hawaiʻi Restaurant Association on Aug. 24 joined business and community leaders for the Coalition for Hawaiʻi’s Energy Future Gathering with Hawaiʻi Gov. Josh Green.

The Coalition — which now includes more than 100 organizations — brought together businesses, nonprofits, community leaders, energy experts and affordability advocates to discuss practical solutions for Hawaiʻi’s energy future.

Green during his remarks specifically recognized and thanked Hawaiʻi Restaurant Association for attending and for our participation in the coalition, underscoring the importance of having Hawaiʻi’s restaurant industry represented in these conversations.

The conversation comes at an important time for Hawaiʻi businesses, including our restaurant and food service industries.

Hawaiʻi continues to face some of the highest electricity costs in the nation. The coalition advocates for an energy transition that balances affordability, reliability and cleaner energy while modernizing Hawaiʻi’s aging power plants.

Green made reducing Hawaiʻi’s dependence on imported oil and lowering energy costs priorities while continuing the state’s transition toward renewable energy.

His administration is also exploring investments in new energy infrastructure and technologies that could strengthen grid reliability and provide more stable energy costs for Hawaiʻi residents and businesses.

Energy affordability and reliability are critical for the state’s restaurants.

Refrigeration, freezers, air conditioning, cooking equipment, dishwashing and other essential operations make restaurants some of the businesses most directly affected by high electricity costs.

Reliable power is equally important.

Even a short disruption can affect restaurant operations, while prolonged outages can result in significant food loss, closures and lost revenue.

Hawaiʻi Restaurant Association’s participation in the Coalition for Hawaiʻi’s Energy Future gives Hawaiʻi’s restaurant industry a voice in these conversations as the state considers its future energy policies and investments.

The association will remain engaged as these discussions continue and advocate for solutions that provide Hawaiʻi restaurants with more affordable, reliable and resilient energy without placing additional financial burdens on restaurants already facing increasing operating costs.

We will continue to keep our members informed as Hawaiʻi’s energy plans develop.

Click here to join the Coalition for Hawaiʻi’s Energy Future.

This was submitted and written by Hawaiʻi Restaurant Association. It is the mission of the association to provide exceptional value through membership benefits, industry advocacy, community involvement, educational resources and networking opportunities. Email to restaurantsofhawaii1@gmail.com with any questions.