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Supporting Energy Sovereignty Through Technical Analysis and Community Participation in Moloka‘i, Hawaii.
This project is designed to facilitate Moloka‘i's shift towards sustainable energy, upholding its deep-rooted cultural values and aloha ʻāina (love for the land). In the face of historical external exploitation, the community is poised to embrace renewable initiatives that honor their traditions. Over sixteen months, the project team worked with Molokai Clean Energy Hui which is a coalition of community-focused groups including Hoʻāhu Energy Cooperative Moloka‘i (HECM) and Sustʻāinable Moloka‘i (SM) to implement multiple energy projects across the island. We conducted life cycle assessments (LCA), integrated geographic information systems (GIS) mapping, and synthesized information to bolster infrastructural development, and evaluation tools. Our efforts contribute to promoting community involvement and environmental justice. This work will serve as a beacon for Moloka‘i's energy autonomy and an exemplar for Indigenous communities globally.
Aditi Gonnade
Anagha Margasahayam
Ryan Yip
Sameera White
Seth Bartos
Skye Sun