On October 15, the 2025 Annual Conference in Honolulu hosted a powerful breakout session, “Powering the Future: U.S.-Japan Accelerating Climate Solutions,” which focused on how leading U.S. and Japanese companies are forging innovative partnerships and investing in renewable energy to meet sustainability goals. It was moderated by Michael Kobori, Strategic Advisor, NationSwell and former Chief Sustainability Officer of Starbucks. The discussion injected an “Aloha Spirit” of optimism into the challenging global environmental situation.
Panelists shared deep, personal inspirations driving their commitment. The moderator, Michael Kobori, began with reflections on Limahuli Garden on Kaua’i—a place that embodies the ahupua’a system, demonstrating how ancient Hawaiian communities practiced sustainability by caring for resources from the mountains to the reef in an interconnected way. Ayako Kameda, Executive Officer, Obayashi Corporation, was motivated by her childhood in apartheid-era Cape Town and her desire for a better future. Misato Kogure, General Manager of the California Office and Vice President for Business Development and Environmental Affairs, Daikin U.S. Corporation, drew inspiration from the mindful, non-wasteful culture of Sweden. Scott Seu, President & CEO, Hawaiian Electric Industries, spoke about the peace and intergenerational duty inspired by Oahu’s Kaneohe Bay.
The discussion then shifted to the climate crisis’s severe impacts. Dr. Kameda recounted personal experiences with Texas grid outages, highlighting the urgent need for resilient power. Mr. Seu discussed the trauma of the 2023 Maui wildfires, which amplified Hawaiian Electric’s kuleana (responsibility) to prevent recurrence.
The panelists then detailed their organizations’ critical strategies. Daikin aims for carbon neutrality by 2050, fighting surging cooling demand with heat pumps and low-GWP (Global Warming Potential) refrigerants, supported by public-private partnerships. Obayashi is focused on resilience, developing diversified clean power and carbon-reducing materials like CleanCrete. Meanwhile, Hawaiian Electric is working toward a state-mandated 100% renewable energy goal by 2045.
The Q&A segment focused on barriers and cutting-edge solutions. Panelists advised promoting renewable energy by highlighting broader benefits—such as energy resilience and domestic industrial growth—to gain agreement even from skeptics. The session underscored that a combination of personal conviction, corporate innovation, and smart public policy is essential to accelerate climate solutions.