Why It Matters
The Hawai’i State Energy Office enters federal lobbying for the first time, seeking support for "energy security, sustainability, and reliability plans" across energy, environmental, and natural resources issues.
Their timing coincides with significant congressional activity, including the Noncontiguous Energy Relief and Access Act of 2025, which could ease energy transportation costs to Hawaii. The engagement will likely impact federal appropriations decisions, maritime shipping policy affecting renewable equipment costs, and grid resilience funding. By hiring Cornerstone Government Affairs Inc. with deep Senate Appropriations expertise, the office is positioning itself to compete for federal dollars amid policy uncertainty and the recent cancellation of major clean energy programs like Solar for All.
By the Numbers
The Hawai’i State Energy Office registered as a new federal lobbying client on June 30, 2024. The office retained Cornerstone Government Affairs Inc., a bipartisan firm with extensive energy policy and appropriations experience.
The three-person lobbying team includes:
-
James H.N. Peacock — Nearly five years of senior Republican congressional staff experience, including chief of staff roles for Senator Eric Schmitt and Representative Ashley Hinson.
-
Dabney Parrish Hegg — Over 18 years of congressional experience on Senate Appropriations and Commerce committees. Previously represented the Hawaii Department of Transportation.
-
Sarah Elizabeth Venuto Perez — Former Democratic Staff Director for the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee and chief counsel to Senator Joe Manchin. Works with the American Clean Power Association and renewable energy companies.
The Agenda
The office is lobbying on "energy security, sustainability, and reliability plans" covering energy, natural resources, and environmental issues. Its engagement coincides with the Noncontiguous Energy Relief and Access Act of 2025, which would ease energy transportation restrictions to Hawaii. The office’s mission supports Hawaii’s mandate to achieve 100% renewable electricity by 2045, positioning federal advocacy around appropriations, clean energy infrastructure, grid reliability, and maritime policy reforms.
Broader Context
Hawaii faces acute pressures. The state has the highest electricity costs in the U.S.—more than double the national average—due to petroleum dependence and geographic isolation. Governor Josh Green’s January 2025 executive order accelerated renewable energy deadlines to 2035 for three main islands.
However, federal support is increasingly uncertain. The EPA terminated the $7 billion Solar for All program in August 2025, which would have provided $62 million for Hawaii solar projects, prompting Senator Mazie Hirono to publicly oppose the decision. Congress remains divided on energy policy, with Republicans prioritizing fossil fuel expansion while Democrats pursue climate investments.
Between The Lines
The office enters a volatile federal energy landscape. The Noncontiguous Energy Relief and Access Act of 2025 directly addresses Hawaii’s shipping cost barriers for renewable equipment. Senator Hirono has emerged as a key ally, opposing the Solar for All cancellation. Representative Ritchie Torres has identified the Jones Act as driving high energy costs in noncontiguous territories, supporting legislative efforts targeting maritime restrictions.
Competitive Landscape
The Ulupono Initiative LLC, a Hawaii-based impact investing firm, has been actively lobbying on federal grants for renewable energy and clean transportation through Strategies 360 Inc. The Energy Office’s engagement brings official state government weight to these federal conversations, potentially amplifying collective messaging around Hawaii’s energy needs.
The Bottom Line
Hawaii’s first state-level federal energy lobbying effort targets appropriations, infrastructure investment, and maritime policy reform to meet accelerated renewable energy goals. With bipartisan expertise and strategic timing around relevant legislation, the office must navigate a divided Congress to secure federal support for the state’s clean energy transition.