Photo courtesy Kalāhiki
By: Forest Frizzell
In partnership with Hawaiian Council (formerly the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement), Kalāhiki Initiative helped pilot a one-stop-shop program that helps low- and moderate-income island households cut utility bills and achieve energy sovereignty.
Nearly $200 million in federal funding had been allocated for Hawaiʻi to increase energy access and equity, yet the vast majority of those funds were unexpectedly cancelled within the last year.
In response, we stood up a home-grown alternative based on local funding, island organizations, and technology innovation. Utilizing a partnership model, the Kalāhiki Initiative provides free energy assessments, high-efficiency appliances, solar and battery backup systems, and climate resilience upgrades to local families that previously were unable to afford upgrades. These are real benefits to real people in their homes that increase affordability and protect housing in the face of increased extreme events.
This pilot project has laid the groundwork for a full rollout to Oʻahu and Maui in 2026 and then expansion statewide as additional funding is secured. We look forward to working with others across the energy and social service sector as we launch this year!
This story appears in the January/February 2026 issue of Taking on Tomorrow.
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