Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI) wanted to publish a comprehensive narrative about Hawaii's energy transition, both as a way to shine a deserving spotlight on the Aloha State's progressive leadership and to offer insights that could help other states and regions navigate their own energy transitions toward distributed and low-carbon energy. RMI brought us in as a primary research partner and co-author on what would become Powering Paradise. We conducted dozens of in-depth interviews with key stakeholders, including state legislators, PUC commissioners and staff, consumer advocates, renewable energy developers, NGOs, and others. In close collaboration with RMI's experts, we led draft writing to craft a compelling narrative and consistent voice throughout the substantial report.