Vibrant Hawaii, a local nonprofit, recently released the results of several surveys aimed at better understanding energy priorities in Puna and Ka‘u.

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Vibrant Hawaii, a local nonprofit, recently released the results of several surveys aimed at better understanding energy priorities in Puna and Ka‘u.

The surveys gathered input from 340 residents in Puna and 141 in Ka‘u about energy usage, energy concerns and energy-related changes they would like to see in their communities.

The project was funded by a grant through the Hawaii Sea Grant program in partnership with the Hawaii State Energy Office.

“The grant provided an opportunity to really dig into not only community sentiments and interests around renewable energy, but also, the Sea Grant funding provided flexibility to include other questions around identifying not only what the community is interested in or supportive of in regards to renewable energy, but really what their questions are and what they’d like to learn more about,” said Janice Ikeda, CEO of Vibrant Hawaii.

The results found that energy affordability is a top priority for residents in both regions. Participants also expressed a strong desire to protect and maintain the natural environment and a preference for more local control of energy resources.

While many respondents were open to renewable energy projects, there was an emphasis on the need for projects to align with community values.

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“It can help generate energy the community needs without relying on imported resources,” one Ka‘u participant wrote. “But it needs to be done in a way that doesn’t harm the aina or the people.”

Respondents also said they would like to be included more in decision making about energy projects in their communities — something Ikeda said she hopes government officials and other energy decision makers take into account.

“I think being able to think through or even invite conversation before decisions are made, or before it even gets to the level of being before (the County Council)… this is what’s really important to the community,” Ikeda said. “Ultimately, I think the community wants to feel heard and valued, and the things that are important to them being reflected in the decisions that are being made for them.”

The surveys were conducted through Vibrant Hawaii’s KoCreate program, which trains residents to participate in research in their communities. Ikeda said she feels this made it an especially insightful and valuable project.

“There’s so many times that we default to bringing in consultants either outside of a community or not even from Hawaii to develop plans and speak on behalf of the community to decision makers,” Ikeda said. “And this was a really intentional investment in how do we own our own narrative? How do we be closer to the source data and ensure that what’s being presented for big decisions being made about our community are being led and generated by our community.”

Ikeda said Vibrant Hawaii and KoCreate plan to use the results to shape future energy-related education and engagement initiatives. She also hopes the survey results will help to inform future policy discussions regarding energy in these regions and across the island.

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The full reports can be accessed at www.vibranthawaii.org/kocreate.

Email Grace Inez Adams at [email protected].