Impact Spotlight

Solar systems for more than 50 Native Hawaiian families

Workforce development and internships for more than 80 Molokai community members

Reduced energy bills for 1,500 households across Molokai

About

Up to 200 households on Molokai lack access to electricity, relying on expensive diesel generators and coolers. Many of these families are Native Hawaiians and pay up to $1,400 per month to fuel their generators and produce ice for their coolers. Though connection to the grid is technically feasible, the typical cost is more than $40,000 per home, and consequently, unaffordable for most residents.

Hoʻāhu Energy Cooperative Molokai was born out of grassroots community efforts to shape the island’s energy future via community-developed and owned renewable energy projects. Through partnerships, education, community organizing, renewable energy workshops, and job training, Hoʻāhu Energy Cooperative Molokai works in collaboration with their community to influence the future of energy access on the island.

“The inequity of Molokai people paying like four times more than the national average…it’s an injustice. It’s time for a new business model focusing on smaller community-driven businesses, pointing toward a new energy co-op that’s paving the way for that future.”

— Keani Rawlins-Fernandez, Maui County Council Vice Chair

HF Partnership

Starting in 2023, the Honnold Foundation partnered with Hoʻāhu Energy Cooperative to deploy the island’s first community owned nanogrid, which brought solar to 15 families alongside jobs and education opportunities.

Now, we’re launching a multi-year partnership to expand the nanogrid to support 50+ homes, continue building upon the success of the workforce development program, and support the island’s first community solar program, reducing energy bills for 1,500 residents.