POWER FOR THE PEOPLE

Power for the People is a movement to create sustainable systems for renewable energy generation, with Native Hawaiians leading the development of their land and natural resources. This initiative is led by Waikā Consulting, LLC, a company formed by Innovations Development Group (IDG), a Hawai‘i-based and Native Hawaiian-owned renewable energy development company established in 1998 with proven global experience.

Waikā understands the importance of Tūtū Pele as an ancestor and ʻAumakua, and an important deity revered by Native Hawaiians. We are deeply grateful for the makana, a gift, she has left her people and will be mindful as they draw on her mana, power to deliver affordable energy for homes and businesses. Power for the People is a campaign that is based on responsible stewardship of Tūtū Pele’s gift to improve the well-being of the community while remaining respectful of cultural tradition.

GEOTHERMAL AS A PUBLIC TRUST RESOURCE

Geothermal, like other natural resources in Hawai‘i, is governed by the public land trust, established by the Hawai‘i Admission Act of 1959. This trust mandates that the State develop these resources for the betterment of Native Hawaiians and the general public. Given Hawai‘i’s high electricity costs, prioritizing geothermal development as a public trust resource can provide much-needed relief to residents and businesses while reducing dependence on costly imported fuels.

To fulfill the public trust’s obligations to Native Hawaiians, it is crucial to involve Native Hawaiians in the management of geothermal energy, ensuring that energy development aligns with cultural values, economic equity, and self-sufficiency.

HAWAIIAN CULTURAL APPROACH

Honoring Pele, Protecting Cultural Integrity, and Strengthening Hawai‘i’s Future

Geothermal energy is a sacred resource in Hawai‘i, and its development must be approached with cultural sensitivity and respect for Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK). Pele, the goddess of fire and creation, is deeply revered, and any geothermal development must honor her legacy and the Native Hawaiian families who descend from her.

Waikā has spent over a decade engaging with impacted communities to ensure that Native Hawaiians lead in the responsible development of this sacred resource. Our approach is rooted in cultural integrity, environmental responsibility, and economic equity – ensuring that Hawai‘i’s energy transition strengthens our resilience, honors our kūpuna, and builds a sustainable future for all.

This measure’s impact extends far beyond energy; it touches every aspect of our economy, culture, and self-sufficiency. By supporting [measure number], you are ensuring that Hawai‘i’s clean energy transition is led by Native Hawaiian agency, not at its expense.

Kilauea volcano with Ohia tree and its flower, the Lehua blossom. Halemaumau crater. Big Island Hawaii

GUIDING PRINCIPLES

KŪKULU KANAKA E ALAKAʻI IĀ HAWAIʻI

Organizing Hawai’i to lead Hawai’i

KŪKULU KUMUHANA NO KE EA O KA LĀHUI

Establishing purpose towards energy and economic sovereignty

KŪKULU KAIĀULU NO KA PONO O KĒIA MUA AKU

Building community options for a brighter future.

HOʻOMALU IĀ HAWAIʻI

Governance

PILINA IĀ HAWAIʻI

Stewardship/Relationship

ʻAUAMO KULEANA

Shouldering Responsibility

ALAKAʻINA

Leadership

SUSTAINABLE APPROACH TO DEVELOPMENT

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STEP 1

Build Trust & Collaborative Partnerships

Community Collaborative Business Model. True Community Reinvestment from project proceeds.

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STEP 2

Educate & Raise Awareness

Incorporate Native Hawaiian Cultural Knowledge & Values to Empower & Support Native Hawaiian Participation.

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STEP 3

Address Stakeholder Concerns & Ensure Cultural Sensitivity

Community Advisory Group to include community members

WAIKĀ CONSULTING

Waikā’s team has successfully implemented the Native to Native model in New Zealand (Aotearoa) at the invitation of the late Te Arikinui Dame Te Atairangikaahu (Māori Queen from 1966-2006) in 2000 to help develop the geothermal resources of the Māori Trusts.

Building close working relationships with top-tier experts at the University of Auckland Geosciences Department, Waikā and IDG have been involved with several geothermal projects throughout the planning, consultation and development phases. One plant is already operational (Te Ahi O Maui), and another is under development (Taheke 8C).

Each project exemplifies the power of the N2N approach: low environmental impact, cultural protections and long-term benefits to host communities. In addition to strong relationships between the Native Hawaiian and Māori peoples and deeply shared cultural values, New Zealand provides an ideal model – it is also an island nation, has more than 1,000 MW of geothermal in operation, with over 300 MW more under development, resulting in some of the lowest energy costs in the world.