Newsletters

February 2025

Ulupono’s 2025 legislative agenda: advancing sustainability and resiliency in Hawai‘i

As the 2025 legislative session kicks into full gear, the Ulupono team is actively championing bills that aim to make meaningful impacts in local food production, renewable energy, clean transportation, and freshwater management.

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New grant supports land conservation and local food production

Ulupono Initiative is excited to announce a new $200,000 grant award to The Trust for Public Land to support its Sustainable Hawai‘i Program. This grant, provided through the Ulupono Fund at the Hawai‘i Community Foundation, adds to more than $65 million in past support the organization has leveraged to protect more than 14,000 acres of land.

Hawaiʻi leads the way in performance-based energy regulation

Ulupono Initiative President Murray Clay recently sat down with journalist Herman K. Tabish, host of the United States Energy Association’s Power Sector Podcast, to discuss Hawaiʻi’s bold transition to Performance-Based Regulation for its electricity sector.

Plate lunches feature local healthy options

If you stop by L&L Hawaiian Barbecue in Kihei, you now can have healthy options with your plate lunch. Instead of two scoops of rice or mac salad, you have a choice of a sides, including steamed or mashed locally grown taro or sweet potato. The plate lunches were featured in a story on Hawaii News Now in January.

Hawai‘i Department of Agriculture launches Hawai‘i Ag Buzz newsletter

The Hawai‘i Department of Agriculture recently launched a new e-newsletter called “Hawaiʻi Ag Buzz.” The newsletter informs the state’s agricultural community on critical issues and initiatives. The “Issue Insights” column highlights a challenge impacting the agricultural community.

Investing in local food helps address food insecurity and build a more sustainable future

Hawaiʻi continues to face food insecurity challenges, with 30% of households struggling to access food — a problem exacerbated by the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and more recent 2023 Maui wildfires. A recent Hawaiʻi Food Bank report revealed severe food insecurity, particularly among Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders.

February 03, 2025
Statement from Ulupono Initiative on governor’s executive order to promote and expedite renewable energy initiatives

Ulupono Initiative today commended Gov. Josh Green for issuing Executive Order No. 25-01, “Accelerating Hawai‘i’s Transition Toward 100 Percent Renewable Energy,” which strengthens Hawai‘i’s commitment to its clean energy and decarbonization goals.

See Statement from Ulupono Initiative on governor’s executive order to promote and expedite renewable energy initiatives

December 18, 2024
Ulupono urges streamlined approach to keep state energy goals on track

Hawai‘i stands at a critical juncture in its renewable energy transformation. The state’s innovative regulatory approach, Performance-Based Regulation (PBR) — approved in 2020 by the Hawai'i Public Utilities Commission — has positioned Hawai‘i as a national leader in reimagining electric utility incentives to accelerate clean energy adoption.

See Ulupono urges streamlined approach to keep state energy goals on track

November 25, 2024
‘Talk Story’ with Hawai‘i County’s Department of Water Supply manager-chief engineer

In this new episode of “The Talk Story Room,” Jeremy Kimura, Ulupono Initiative’s director, fresh water sector, sits down in a candid interview with Keith Okamoto, County of Hawai‘i Department of Water Supply’s manager-chief engineer.

See November 2024

October 28, 2024
‘Talk Story’ with Chief Energy Officer Mark Glick

Tune in to our latest “Talk Story” episode as Ulupono Initiative’s Michael Colón sits down with Mark Glick, Hawaiʻi’s chief energy officer, to discuss the state’s commitment to achieving 100% renewable energy by 2045. Since returning to his role in January 2023, Glick has focused on reducing energy costs and carbon emissions while enhancing infrastructure resilience, especially in the wake of the Maui wildfires.

See October 2024

September 29, 2024
Electric Vehicle Adoption Among Hawaiʻi’s Biggest Gasoline Users Could Save Them Millions and Reduce Emissions at the Same Time

A report released earlier this month identifies a high-impact strategy for Hawaiʻi’s clean energy future: targeting gasoline “superusers.” The report, titled “Power Pivot — Transitioning Hawaiʻi Gasoline Superusers to Electric Vehicles,” demonstrates how addressing this small but key group of drivers could dramatically help those most economically burdened by gasoline expenses and reduce the state’s overall fuel consumption while accelerating its transition to cleaner transportation.

See September 2024

August 28, 2024
Public Safety Power Shutoff program is a call to embrace on-site energy solutions

Hawaiian Electric recently rolled out its Public Safety Power Shutoff program statewide. As part of this program, the company may shut off power in certain areas it identifies as high risk for wildfires during high winds and dry conditions.

See August 2024

July 29, 2024
Talk Story Room: A new era of transportation with Jon Nouchi

In the latest episode of our Talk Story series, Jon Nouchi, deputy director of the Honolulu Department of Transportation Services, looks ahead to the expansion of Skyline in 2025, when it will become five miles longer and provide a station at the airport that he expects to be transformative for commuters.

See July 2024

June 25, 2024
Governor Green teams up with Ulupono Initiative to boost Hawai‘i’s access to federal funds

Governor Josh Green, M.D., is partnering with the Ulupono Initiative as part of the Governor’s Investing in Hawai‘i’s Future, a collaboration between federal, state, and community partners to maximize federal funding for the state. The new partnership will provide tailored technical assistance to state departments and agencies to strengthen their ability to apply for and secure federal awards.

See June 2024

May 28, 2024
Hawai‘i residents overwhelmingly support more renewable energy with electricity costs being the main factor

At the 11th Annual Hawaiʻi Energy Conference on Maui, Ulupono Initiative released a summary of what is believed to be the most extensive and comprehensive public opinion survey on the topic of energy in Hawaiʻi.

See May 2024 eUpdate

April 29, 2024
New innovation center aims to grow Hawaii’s agricultural industry

The Wahiawa Value-Added Product Development Center hosted a blessing ceremony in commemoration of its April opening.

See April 2024

March 27, 2024
New ‘Talk Story Room’ episode features PUC Chairperson Leo Asuncion

Listen in as Ulupono Initiative President Murray Clay talks story with Leo Asuncion, chairperson of the Hawaii Public Utility Commission (PUC), in Ulupono’s video podcast series.

See March 2024 eUpdate

February 28, 2024
Ulupono stands behind key bills on local food and fresh water

As the 2024 legislative session nears the First Crossover deadline, we’d like to highlight measures that hold potential for the future of local food and fresh water in Hawaii.

See February 2024 eUpdate

January 29, 2024
Ulupono Initiative highlights key priorities as 2024 legislative session kicks off

Members of the Ulupono team recently shared several policy priorities with the overall goal to help make Hawaii more sustainable and resilient.

See January 2024 eUpdate

November 28, 2023
HDOA poised to acquire 21,672 acres of ag land

Ninety-nine agriculture parcels, totaling 21,672 acres, could soon be transferred to the Hawaii Department of Agriculture.

See November 2023 eUpdate

October 30, 2023
New law aims to make Oahu’s new building projects more sustainable

A law recently went into effect that updates the existing Building Energy Conservation Code and creates specific rules that fit the local community.

See October 2023 eUpdate

September 27, 2023
‘Talk Story’ series continues with HDOT Director Ed Sniffen

Ulupono Initiative continues its Talk Story Room series in which members of our team chat with local leaders across Hawaii’s energy, transportation, food and freshwater sectors.

See September 2023 eUpdate

August 31, 2023
Exploring agriculture’s role in preventing wildfires

Using agriculture to prevent wildfires requires a significant investment to operate and maintain efficient water systems and develop new water sources.

See August 2023 eUpdate

July 28, 2023
Ulupono Initiative applauds signing of transportation bills

Ulupono Initiative applauded Gov. Josh Green’s signing into law important transportation-related bills.

See July 2023 eUpdate

June 29, 2023
New 'Talk Story Room' video series premieres with HDOA chair  

In the inaugural Talk Story Room episode, Ulupono's Jesse Cooke interviews Hawaii Department of Agriculture Chair Sharon Hurd about her new role at the department.

See June 2023 eUpdate

May 30, 2023
Everything Starts with Wai premieres

The first segment of “Everything Starts with Wai,” a new, year-long series on Hawaii New Now’s HI Now, debuted on May 24.

See May 2023 eUpdate

April 24, 2023
Lihue Placemaking, Forestry & Gardens Initiative continues to take shape

The Lihue Placemaking, Forestry & Gardens Initiative project is a two-year effort designed to build valued community green spaces in Kauai’s civic and commerce center.

See April 2023 eUpdate

March 29, 2023
Electric vehicle bills charge ahead

Ulupono Initiative is supporting many bills this 2023 session relating to transportation electrification, including electric vehicles (EV).

See March 2023 eUpdate

February 28, 2023
Meaningful legislation related to agriculture and local food moving forward

Of the bills that Ulupono Initiative (UI) is strongly supporting this session, all have passed through this important deadline.

See February 2023 eUpdate

January 30, 2023
Hawaii commitments to a sustainable future

With many bold goals and commitments already on the books, the Aloha State has made much progress toward a sustainable and resilient future across numerous sectors.

See January 2023 eUpdate

November 28, 2022
$722K USDA grant awarded to North Shore EVP

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently announced that North Shore Economic Vitality Partnership (NS EVP) was awarded a $722,161 grant as part of its 2501 Program.

See November 2022 eUpdate

October 31, 2022
APA chapter recognizes Keaukaha Quick Build project with 2022 Hawaii Community-Based Planning Award

Community-driven initiative provides safe spaces for keiki and kupuna walking and biking near Keaukaha Elementary School

See October 2022

September 22, 2022
National Drive Electric Week gets rolling this weekend!

If you’ve been considering an electric vehicle, National Drive Electric Week is the perfect time to explore your options. It runs from Sept. 23 to Oct. 2, 2022.

See September 2022 eUpdate

August 31, 2022
Paniolo Cattle Co. proves viability of large-scale, pasture-raised Hawai‘i beef for local market

Company now transfers fully to the hands of Parker Ranch.

See August 2022 eUpdate

July 28, 2022
Video shares the story behind a new community ‘quick build’ on Hawaii Island

Keaukaha project near local elementary school creates space for safer walkways and biking areas.

See July 2022 eUpdate

June 28, 2022
Setting a common agenda for clean energy community benefits

Over the next several months, Ulupono Initiative will examine Hawaiian Electric’s proposed community benefits package framework for energy developers

See June 2022 eUpdate

May 27, 2022
New report details ‘missed opportunity of federal child nutrition programs in Hawaii’

Congressional delegation calls on USDA to cover the full, accurate cost of school meals in the state

See May 2022 eUpdate

April 29, 2022
Illumination Hawaii spotlights path toward a resilient and sustainable future

Collaborative broadcast inspires conversations around climate change, transitioning to clean energy, decarbonized economy, conserving natural resources, and more!

See April 2022 eUpdate

March 29, 2022
Our e-newsletter gets a new look

Recipients of Ulupono’s monthly eUpdate already know that every story is available here at www.ulupono.com. What they’ll see now is a new look to how the stories are presented.

See March 2022 eUpdate

February 25, 2022
2022 legislation advances vital sustainability initiatives

This legislative session, lawmakers introduced 2,546 bills, with multiple measures addressing local food production, renewable energy, and clean ground transportation.

See February 2022 eUpdate

February 12, 2021
Partnership between Parker Ranch and Ulupono Initiative strengthens Hawaii’s beef supply

With a goal of bolstering Hawaii’s local food distribution infrastructure, Parker Ranch and Ulupono Initiative are creating partnership opportunities for ranchers statewide.

See February 2021 eUpdate

January 27, 2022
Carrying momentum into 2022

Diving fully committed into 2022, we continue to focus on promoting more local food, renewable energy, and clean transportation; better freshwater management; and less waste.

See January 2022 eUpdate

November 30, 2021
One year later, innovative Kaimuki parklets prove beneficial

Repurposed parking spots offer examples of prioritizing people in the use of outdoor spaces, instead of being an afterthought in an already car-dominated culture.

See November 2021 eUpdate

October 28, 2021
Reduce. Reuse. Repeat.

Zero Waste Oahu’s Full Cycle Takeout program aims to reduce waste by providing restaurants with reusable containers.

See October 2021 eUpdate

September 24, 2021
Get ready to press the ignition on National Drive Electric Week, Sept. 25 – Oct. 3

National celebration of electric vehicles shifts into full speed this year with a trivia night, fun and engaging webinars, and opportunities to rack up entries to win great prizes!

See September 2021 eUpdate

August 30, 2021
Hidden costs of ‘free’ parking revealed at UH Manoa Better Tomorrow speaker series

Distinguished UCLA urban planning professor Donald Shoup shared why free parking comes with a price tag for drivers and car owners.

See August 2021 eUpdate

July 26, 2021
Maui ‘quick build’ promotes street safety and walkability through public art

Video highlights community project that makes the neighborhood safer for people of all ages and abilities while walking, bicycling and riding the bus.

See July 2021 eUpdate

June 24, 2021
Governor releases Intent to Veto List

Among the bills potentially up for veto is a bill requiring institutional programs across the state to buy more local food. Here’s why we're asking the Governor to reconsider.

See June 2021 eUpdate

May 25, 2021
Molokai community charting its own renewable energy future

Community-Based Renewable Energy offers an opportunity that’s been a ‘long time coming’

See May 2021 eUpdate

April 19, 2021
Biki implements service changes due to COVID-19

Nonprofit Bikeshare Hawaii has announced service changes starting this month to help it continue providing Honolulu residents with its low-cost public form of transportation.

See April 2021 eUpdate

March 24, 2021
Ulupono report reveals annual costs of Hawaii’s vehicle economy

Hawaii’s vehicle transportation system has an annual price tag totaling $21.8 billion, according to a newly published report released by Ulupono Initiative.

See March 24, 2021 eUpdate

March 10, 2021
Mythbusting: gas vs. electric vehicles

Read on as we debunk some of the myths and misconceptions surrounding electric vehicles and their internal combustion engine counterparts. You just might be surprised!

See March 10, 2021 eUpdate

January 15, 2021
In Performance-Based Regulation, Hawaii now has a bold game plan to match its ambitious energy goals

The Hawaii Public Utilities Commission has approved a new Performance-Based Regulation framework to facilitate the state’s progress toward its 100 percent renewable energy goals.

See January 2021 eUpdate

December 08, 2020
$20,000 grant helps strengthen Aloha Harvest’s community food distribution mission

$20,000 grant to Aloha Harvest helps the nonprofit fund its purchases from local farmers and strengthen Hawaii food production through the pandemic.

See December 2020 eUpdate

November 10, 2020
Honolulu Theatre for Youth and Ulupono partner on upcoming energy-focused episode

“The show must go on,” as the saying goes, at Honolulu Theatre for Youth (HTY) despite the COVID-19 pandemic thanks to its innovative TV series “The HI Way.”

See November 2020 eUpdate

October 06, 2020
National Drive Electric Week drives EV education

National Drive Electric Week wrapped up last week, with events across the United States held virtually, many for the first time, to adapt to COVID-19 safety/health requirements.

See October 2020 eUpdate

"We are continually encouraged by the many Hawaiʻi residents each doing their part in advancing the resiliency of our state by purchasing local food, embracing renewable projects in their community, or choosing an electric vehicle over an internal-combustion model — even foregoing a car trip altogether in favor of riding a bus or bike." — Murray Clay, President