Bold Visions Require New Paradigms
Sharon Allan serves as the Chief Strategy & Innovation Officer at the Smart Electric Power Alliance, where she provides leadership and strategic direction for the organization.
John Pang is a Partner in ScottMadden’s Energy Practice. His focus is on clean sources of energy, sustainable utility best practices, strategic planning and cost management.
In 1881, King David Kalākaua of Hawaii set out on a world tour to introduce Hawaiian culture to the world and to learn more about other countries' advances in modern science and technology.
One of the King's travel stops included a visit to the first International Exposition of Electricity in Paris, where he marveled at the displays of dynamos, batteries, and electric light.
Inspired to continue his education in electrification, the King visited the office of Thomas Edison in New York. During long conversations with the American inventor, the two men discussed not only the science of electricity, but also the practicalities and business of selling power.
Upon his return home, the King pursued electrification as a way to bring innovation and investment to his kingdom. In 1886, with great fanfare, the first electrification display was held at the royal Iolani Palace. In just a few short years, at the King's direction, hundreds of residents in the capital of Honolulu boasted electrified homes, while most of the Western world would wait decades for such a luxury.
In the same way Hawaii innovated in electricity production and distribution more than a century ago, the state continues to define the future of electrification, this time through renewable energy resource development and implementation.