Political Activities

Given the types of critical infrastructure that our companies provide, HEI must engage productively with elected officials and policymakers. Hawai‘i’s transition to a net zero economy depends on the development of sound public policy that considers the positions of a range of stakeholders, including HEI. We are committed to complying with all federal, state and local laws governing our participation in the political process and engaging in that process in a way that is transparent and ethical.

HEI companies hold memberships in national industry, trade and business associations representing the energy and banking industries and the business community. In addition, as important employers and proponents of economic development in Hawai‘i, our companies are members of local chambers of commerce, industry groups and business organizations. Our involvement with these organizations helps our companies build relationships, learn the views of others, obtain constructive feedback, support the community and gain insight into important social, business and community issues. Examples of trade associations and other business organizations we are members of include the Edison Electric Institute, Electric Power Research Institute, American Bankers Association, Hawaii Bankers Association, Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii and Hawaii Business Roundtable. Company leaders and team members participate in working groups and committees and serve on boards of such organizations to learn about and inform industry policies and positions. We plan to publish additional information on our memberships in future reports. HEI has one political action committee (PAC), the HEI Committee for Enlightened Government (CEG), which was established in 1989 to participate in political advocacy on legislative matters and in contributions to candidates for state and county races in Hawai‘i. The CEG is registered with the Hawai‘i State Campaign Spending Commission and files reports of members’ contributions and political campaign donations several times each year, as required by state statute. These reports are public information and searchable online. No corporate funds are used for political contributions. Since 2006, the committee has been funded exclusively by executives and managers of the utility. Participation in the HEI CEG is voluntary. Employees are not reimbursed (either directly or indirectly). In 2021, contributions made by the HEI CEG totaled less than $5,000. HEI does not have a federal PAC.

Among the HEI companies, Hawaiian Electric has historically had the most involvement in political activities. The Hawaiian Electric Vice President of Government and Community Relations and Corporate Communications (“HE VP Government and Community Relations”) is responsible for managing Hawaiian Electric’s participation in the political process. Under the supervision of the HE VP Government and Community Relations, the Hawaiian Electric Government Relations Department is responsible for coordinating Hawaiian Electric’s involvement in the political process and ensuring that employees receive adequate communication and training on matters relating to that process. The HEI Board of Directors currently oversees Hawaiian Electric’s political participation through standing board meeting discussions with management at least quarterly. The HEI Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee reviews our overall governance structure and will consider whether specific oversight responsibilities should be delegated to a committee.

Hawaiian Electric

Hawaiian Electric is dedicated to serving Hawai‘i’s energy needs and caring for our environment with purpose, compassion, empathy and aloha. Our role is to empower Hawai‘i, our communities, our customers and our employees to thrive, together.

Hawaiian Electric has been one of the most aggressive utilities in the nation in transitioning to renewable energy12 and working through complex technical issues and social equity considerations to keep our system stable, reliable and affordable for all our customers.