EQUITY DEFINITIONS FEEDBACK SURVEY

Aloha and welcome to the Equity Definitions Feedback Survey.

Equity Definitions Feedback Survey

Aloha kākou! We are seeking your important feedback on definitions of energy equity developed in the Energy Equity Framework and Definitions Working Group attended by diverse energy stakeholders across the state. The goal of this project is to create a common understanding of key terms among stakeholders in Hawaiʻi that may be used in formal and informal forums related to energy equity and justice initiatives.

We chose to base our evaluation criteria on an assessment tool created by the ’Āina Aloha Economic Futures here: https://www.ainaalohafutures.com. We used relevant aspects of the tool to focus in further on community equity.

Please read the definition and think about whether it makes sense from a Hawaii perspective. In the response section following each definition, please provide any comments you may have about how the definitions align with your perspectives. If you have any suggestions about rewording or redefining the definitions, please include these suggestions in your response.

Your comments are important to help us guide and refine the definitions to determine areas of consensus and areas where more work is needed. We appreciate you sharing your thoughts and feelings – and we are also hoping to discover new definitions, tools and energy equity partners through your responses.

Mahalo nui loa, and please feel free to ask any questions in the response sections.

The recognition and remediation of the disproportionate social, economic and health impacts of climate change experienced by disadvantaged and marginalized populations and communities in Hawaii.

Please suggest edits or words to clarify or improve this definition. If this definition is satisfactory, you can leave this entry blank.
The idea that communities have a say and agency in shaping and participating in a decentralized, locally-controlled energy future powered entirely by renewable energy. The notion that communities should have a say and agency in shaping and participating in their energy future. Development of a socially just energy system that works in the public interest with all aspects of the sector determined by energy users and sector workers.

Please suggest edits or words to clarify or improve this definition. If this definition is satisfactory, you can leave this entry blank.
Achieving the fair distribution of benefits and burdens regardless of social identity, and in a manner that respects and acknowledges each island’s cultural practices, historical experience, community values, and democratic participation.

Please suggest edits or words to clarify or improve this definition. If this definition is satisfactory, you can leave this entry blank.

Recognition and remediation of the unequal distribution of benefits and burdens of energy systems based on access, social identities, and historic systems of economic and racial oppression. While closely related to the definition of equity above, this definition is used more narrowly in reference to energy systems past, present, and future.

Please suggest edits or words to clarify or improve this definition. If this definition is satisfactory, you can leave this entry blank.

The recognition and remediation of the disproportionate social, economic, and health impacts of environmental laws, regulations, and policies experienced by disadvantaged and marginalized populations and communities in Hawaiʻi.

Please suggest edits or words to clarify or improve this definition. If this definition is satisfactory, you can leave this entry blank.

Distributive justice is outcome focused and achieved when all of an island’s residents equitably share in the burdens and benefits of the energy system.

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Procedural justice concerns who is at the decision-making table and whether their voice is heard. It is the inclusive, accessible, authentic engagement and representation process to develop or implement energy programs and policies in Hawaii.

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Recognition justice proactively identifies who and what issues are being ignored in decision-making, and how that should be remedied so that all individuals and issues are equitably represented and offered equitable political rights.

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Restorative justice relies on making decisions based on whether a decision would “increase rather than limit the development options of future generations.” It also refers to remediating past harmful energy impacts and policies that affect current generations.

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Achieved by changing systemic energy policies to remediate disproportionate burdens experienced by disadvantaged and marginalized populations and communities in Hawaiʻi. The work of energy justice progresses as energy systems increase access and affordability and are cleaner and democratized for all communities.

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The transition away from harmful energy systems to new energy systems that provide a fair distribution of energy sector burdens and benefits; dignified, productive, and ecologically sustainable and family-supporting livelihoods; democratic governance; and ecological resilience.

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Those most impacted by the worst economic, health, and environmental burdens due to historical, intergenerational, and systemic dispossession, exclusion, and exploitation. In this context, community may be a place (i.e. neighborhood, district, etc.) or a group of people who share a particular characteristic (i.e. ethnicity, etc.).

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Communities near any energy facility that poses a risk or creates a real or perceived negative impact. Fenceline may be considered adjacent to or within close proximity to frontline communities.

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Communities that host or are impacted by any energy projects. They experience the first and worst of negative impacts from energy systems, such as odors, noise, chemical leaks, emissions, air pollution, traffic, visual impacts, or others.

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Communities in geographic locations characterized by disproportionate share of major infrastructure facilities compared to other communities (i.e. power plants, landfills, wastewater treatment, highways, etc.). Often characterized by systemic barriers to participate equitably in the decision-making process and energy poverty. (see disadvantaged community)

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People excluded from participating in decision-making and those who lack access to basic economic, political, cultural, and social activities.

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Minority, low-income, Native Hawaiian populations, or geographic locations that experience disproportionate harms and risks from the energy system.

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People who have a decreased level of service or access to energy systems due to lack of voice, or value by those entrusted to provide this service.

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Those who are economically, socially or otherwise disadvantaged, including certain racial and ethnic minorities such as Native Hawaiians and Pacific Island communities, the elderly, rural residents, those lacking access to education, and those with other socioeconomic barriers. Energy burdens are often multiplied for vulnerable populations.

Please suggest edits or words to clarify or improve this definition. If this definition is satisfactory, you can leave this entry blank.
Please use this section to provide additional feedback on the definitions, the tool, or how you think they should be used.
Please provide your name and email address if you would like to stay informed about this effort.

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