This October, WiRE had a conversation with local business leaders on one of the toughest line items in any Hawaii business's budget: energy.

As tariffs bite and costs climb across the board, local business owners are facing a familiar but intensifying pressure: the cost of keeping the lights on, literally. Hawaii's electricity rates are among the highest in the nation, and for small and mid-sized businesses already managing thin margins, energy has become an increasingly important operating cost to address. This panel brought together local leaders to talk candidly about how they've approached managing energy costs as a business strategy.

Together, they shared what challenges they have faced, what's actually worked, and what they encourage others to consider as they travel the same path.

Industry Panel

·    Caroline Carl, Executive Director, Hawaii Energy (Moderator)

·    Jennifer Akiyoshi, Owner, Giovedì

·    Del Fujinaka, Managing Partner, Hoku Pa'a Capital

·    Victor Lim, Franchisee Owner, McDonald’s of Hawaii

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The Pacific Club

October 19, 2026