Task force opens access to solar

In the heart of the Pacific, where the sun is as much a part of life as the tides, a quiet revolution has been underway. This initiative’s aim: To streamline the tangled web of solar permitting in Hawaii, marking a significant stride towards the state’s sustainable future.

The force behind this movement is a unique collaboration between government visionaries and industry leaders known as The Solar Task Force. It’s led by the Honolulu Department of Planning and Permitting deputy director Jiro Sumada and includes representatives from the DPP, Hawaii Solar Energy Association, Hawaiian Electric Co., the Hawaii State Energy Office, solar contractors, like Revolusun, and solar financing and equipment manufacturers.

The inception of this task force was driven by an urgent need to address the protracted delays in the solar permit process, a situation that worsened amidst the global pandemic. Recognizing an opportunity to catalyze change, newly appointed director Dawn Takeuchi and her team set the wheels in motion, aiming to alleviate the backlog and expedite the transition to renewable energy.
Revolusun’s task force members are David Gorman and his team members, Tiana Fujimoto and Olana Irvine. Together, they meet monthly with Sumada and a cadre of solar industry professionals to forge a path towards efficiency and sustainability.

“It’s about bringing our collective expertise to the table to solve a critical issue — not just for us, but for Hawaii,” Gorman shares, encapsulating the collaborative spirit of the task force.

The fruits of their labor are already evident. The task force has made significant strides to optimize the ePlans process, refine the prescreen to ease permit application bottlenecks and expand the pre-approved online permitting system. Notably, it has also streamlined commercial permit approvals and introduced a pilot pre-certification process for townhome solar permits. This initiative promises to democratize access to solar energy for a broader segment of the population.

This focus on townhome solar permits is particularly transformative. It addresses a long-standing barrier for townhome owners, who have historically faced daunting challenges in navigating the permit process for solar installations. By simplifying these procedures, the task force is not just enhancing efficiency; it’s opening up new possibilities for renewable energy adoption across the state.

The Solar Task Force’s achievements represent more than just procedural improvements; they signify a collective commitment to a greener, more sustainable Hawaii. Through this unique blend of public and private cooperation, Hawaii is not only addressing the immediate challenges of solar permitting, but also laying the foundation for a future where clean energy is accessible to all. It’s a testament to the power of collaboration and a beacon of hope for a sustainable world.

Visit rb.gy/ovw2be to view the Living808 Segment where Gorman talks about the Solar Task Force.

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