DEED 2023 on Hawaii Island was held on April 29 in Hilo at the Edith Kanakaʻole Stadium. This offered EV owners, local EV dealers, and participants a weather-proof venue.

Several EVs were on display inside and outside the stadium, including Hawaii’s first Rivian R1S. Other vehicles include the Tesla Model S, X, and 3, the  Kia Niro and EV6, Chevy Bolt, Ford Mach-e, Subaru Solterra, Nissan Ariya and LEAF, and Hyundai Ionic 5 and Kona. Visitors had plenty of opportunities to see the latest EVs and engage with owners and dealers.

Presenters included Doug Adams, Hawaii County Research and Development Director, representing Mayor Mitch Roth, and Marco Mangelsdorf, renewable energy advocate.

Several local organizations representing clean transportation, climate action, clean energy, workforce development and STEM education, and general sustainability shared at the event and provide visitors with the opportunity to learn and network. Exhibitors included: Big Island Motors, Citizens’ Climate Lobby – Hawaii Island Chapter, County of Hawaii, Da Rubbah Slippah Group, Hawaiian Electric, Hawaii Science and Technology Museum, Kamaaina Nissan, NexTech Hawaii, Provision Solar, Sustainable Energy Hawaii, Sustainability Partners, Tesla Hawaii Club, United Nations Association – USA Hawai`i Island Chapter, and Yummet.

Special thanks to the County of Hawaii for the excellent venue, Aloha Charge for the EV Wall Charger Giveaway, Hawaiian Electric, and Waiakea Robotics team for their support of the post-event logistics, Jared Terpak for the sound system, Gary Miller for the photography, Crusty Buns Hawaii for the food and beverages, and BIEVA volunteers for organizing and covering the BIEVA table.