PSEF Member Ho'āhu Energy Coop Leading Hawaii’s First Two Community-Owned Solar Projects  

(2023/01/23)

People’s Solar Energy Fund is excited to share that our member Hoʻāhu Energy Cooperative Molokai is working alongside Hawaiian Electric to spearhead Hawaii’s first two community-owned and designed solar and battery projects. 

The projects, Kualapuʻu Community Based Renewable Energy Project and Pālāʻau Community Based Renewable Energy Project, will be the first on Moloka’i to offer community-based renewable energy (CBRE). According to Hawaiian Electric’s January 12 press release, the projects could meet “over 20% of Molokai’s energy needs and serve an estimated 1,500 households on the island.” This 20-year initiative has the potential to transform the community’s relationship with CBRE — not only will CBRE be accessible to many Moloka’i residents for the first time, but they’ll see a reduction in energy bills and in the island’s carbon footprint long-term. 

Hoʻāhu Energy Cooperative Molokai (Hoʻāhu) was formed by advocates on Moloka’i in 2020 with the aim of empowering the community to design and own renewable energy. The coop is a volunteer-run grassroots organization committed to democratizing energy and building community equity. They work with partners in the renewable energy space to create “resilient, sustainable, equitable, culturally conscious energy for all.”