State Guide · Updated April 2026

Hawaii eHale HEAR Rebates 2026

Hawaii's eHale program covers households up to 150% AMI — one of the broadest eligibility windows nationally. Funding awarded. Launch pending DOE approval. High electricity costs ($0.39/kWh) make the economics extraordinary when this program opens.

Program Status: Pending — Awaiting DOE Final Approval — Funding has been awarded to HSEO. All pre-launch requirements must be completed before applications are accepted. Expected launch: 2026 (exact date unknown). Contact: homeenergyrebates@hawaii.gov · (808) 587-3807

Program at a Glance

Detail Information
Program Name eHale Energy Saver: Hawaiʻi's Home Energy Rebate Program
Administrator Hawaiʻi State Energy Office (HSEO)
Income Eligibility Up to 150% AMI — Broader than most states
Max Rebate (≤80% AMI) $14,000 (100% of cost up to cap)
Max Rebate (80–150% AMI) $7,000 (50% of cost up to cap)
Status Pending DOE Approval Expected 2026
Contact homeenergyrebates@hawaii.gov · (808) 587-3807
Program Website energy.hawaii.gov/ehale-rebates/
Key Differentiator 150% AMI ceiling (vs. typical 80% for full rebate) + world's highest residential electricity rates

Why Hawaii Is Different

Income Eligibility: 150% AMI for Partial Rebates

Most state HEAR programs offer rebates only to households at or below 80% AMI, with the moderate-income (80-150% AMI) track either still pending or not funded. Hawaii's eHale program covers the full 150% AMI range from day one:

Income Tier Coverage Max Total Rebate Notes
≤80% AMI 100% of eligible costs $14,000 Free installation up to cap; categorical eligibility applies
80–150% AMI 50% of eligible costs $7,000 Client pays half (25C expired Dec 31, 2025 under OBBBA)
AMI context for Hawaii: Hawaii's Area Median Income is among the highest in the country (Honolulu MSA HUD FY2025 AMI: ~$127,000 for a family of 4). At 150% AMI, a family of 4 earning up to approximately $190,000/year could qualify for eHale rebates at the 50% tier. This is an extraordinary eligibility window — most high-cost Hawaii families that would be middle-income elsewhere will qualify.

The Electricity Cost Case

Hawaii has the highest residential electricity rates in the country by a large margin:

This changes the economics of electrification in two ways:

  1. Heat pump water heaters become extraordinarily valuable — at $0.39/kWh, switching from an electric resistance water heater (common in HI) to a heat pump water heater at 2.5-3x efficiency saves $600-900/year in electricity alone
  2. Solar + storage stacking — Hawaii has 90%+ residential solar adoption. Pairing heat pumps and HPWHs with solar generates better economics than anywhere else in the US

When eHale launches, expect extremely high demand from Hawaii homeowners — the financial case is stronger here than any other state.

Expected Rebate Amounts (Standard HEAR)

Equipment Max Rebate (≤80% AMI) Max Rebate (80–150% AMI)
Heat pump HVAC system $8,000 $4,000
Electrical panel upgrade $4,000 $2,000
Electrical wiring $2,500 $1,250
Heat pump water heater $1,750 $875
Insulation, air sealing, ventilation $1,600 $800
Heat pump clothes dryer $840 $420
Electric cooking appliances $840 $420
Maximum per household $14,000 $7,000

Categorical Income Eligibility

Hawaii's eHale accepts enrollment in qualifying assistance programs as automatic proof of ≤80% AMI eligibility — no income documentation required:

What Hawaii Practitioners Can Do Now

1. Hawaii Energy Rebates (Non-HEAR) Available Now

The statewide energy efficiency program (hawaiienergy.com) offers rebates for all Hawaii residents regardless of income:

  • Heat pump water heaters: rebates for qualifying HPWH (check hawaiienergy.com for current amounts)
  • Split/mini-split AC systems: qualifying inverter systems
  • LED lighting, smart thermostats
  • Income-eligible customers: enhanced rebates through Home Energy Makeover program

2. Federal 25C Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit Expired Dec 31, 2025

No income limit. Resets annually through 2032. For Hawaii clients above 150% AMI or waiting for eHale:

  • Heat pump HVAC: 30% credit up to $2,000/year
  • Heat pump water heater: counted against $2,000 combined heat pump cap
  • Electrical panel: 30% up to $600/year
  • Insulation/air sealing: 30% up to $1,200/year

See our 25C credit guide for stacking with eHale when it launches.

3. Hawaiian Electric Rebates Available Now

HECO (Hawaiian Electric Companies) offers utility rebates for qualifying equipment. For homes served by HECO, these can stack with Hawaii Energy and 25C credits. Visit hawaiianelectric.com/save for current rebate amounts.

4. GEMS (Green Energy Money Saver) Loans Available Now

Hawaii's GEMS program offers on-bill financing for energy efficiency and clean energy improvements. Low-interest loans repaid through electricity bills — particularly useful for clients who want to move forward now rather than wait for eHale.

Preparing for eHale Launch

When eHale launches, demand will be immediate and high. Contractors who are registered and ready from day one will capture the early market. Steps to prepare:

  1. Register for HSEO updates: Email homeenergyrebates@hawaii.gov and ask to be added to the program launch notification list
  2. Enroll in Hawaii Energy's contractor network now: hawaiienergy.com/for-contractors — being a Hawaii Energy trade ally will likely be the fast track to eHale contractor registration
  3. Review Hawaii contractor licensing requirements: State contractor's license (Hawaii C-27 HVAC, C-13 electrical) required for HEAR-covered work; verify your license is current
  4. Identify your pipeline: Start conversations with LMI and moderate-income clients now — when eHale launches, you want jobs queued to submit on day one
  5. HOMES preparation: Hawaii's HOMES program (whole-home efficiency retrofit) is also expected to launch in 2026. BPI or RESNET certification for energy modeling will position you for HOMES work alongside HEAR

Hawaii Market Context

Related Resources