CLEAN ENERGY WAYFINDERS
The Clean Energy Wayfinders program is an outreach and workforce development
program for young professionals interested in a career in energy and conservation.
As energy ambassadors, Wayfinders engage Hawai‘i’s schools, community organizations, and households in energy planning and decision making, especially those in low- to moderate-income (LMI), asset-limited, income-constrained, employed (ALICE), and under-resourced communities.
ABOUT THE CLEAN ENERGY WAYFINDERS
The Clean Energy Wayfinders program is designed to reflect Hawai‘i’s rich cultural and historical tradition of wayfinding in which trained navigators helped lead their communities to a new place where they could sustain a better quality of life.
The Hawai‘i State Energy Office, working in partnership with the energy industry and community stakeholders, developed the program in response to community concerns about energy projects’ benefits and impacts on host communities that have made it clear that a more intentional effort must be made to reach out to include everyone in Hawai‘i to more effectively, efficiently, and equitably achieve our 100% clean energy and carbon-free economy goals.
The Clean Energy Wayfinders share information and opportunities for energy conservation and clean energy adoption with Hawai‘i’s schools, community organizations, and households — especially those in low- to moderate-income (LMI), asset-limited, income-constrained, employed (ALICE), and under-resourced communities — to help increase energy conservation and efficiencies, lower monthly energy utility bills, increase access to clean transportation and renewable energy resources, and promote green career training and employment opportunities.
With recruiting focused within targeted communities, the Clean Energy Wayfinders receive energy and community outreach and engagement training to provide their communities with energy conservation, efficiency, clean energy, and clean transportation information, and to direct community organizations and households to programs and resources, including federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) funds, statewide Solarize initiatives, community-based renewable energy (CBRE) subscriptions, and clean energy workforce development opportunities.
In the process, Wayfinders help establish a channel of communication and build trust between communities, HSEO, county energy offices, and energy industry stakeholders. By helping to build community awareness through increased access to information and resources, Wayfinders help community members access green job opportunities and provide additional means for community voices to be heard by policymakers and project developers to more effectively collaborate and guide decision-making. Wayfinders also participate in networking opportunities with program and industry partners to promote living-wage green careers in Hawai‘i.
Wayfinders serve a one-year period of service and receive an hourly wage plus benefits.
View the Clean Energy Wayfinders Story map to learn more about the program and hear from previous Wayfinders about their experiences.
MEET THE WAYFINDERS
Maddy Hartshorn
Kauaʻi
Community of Service: Kauaʻi
Why I Wanted To Be a Wayfinder: I wanted to become a Wayfinder to better understand the intersection of environmental conservation, renewable energy, and energy accessibility. Ensuring reliable energy for communities across Hawaiʻi is essential and something I feel passionate about. I hope to contribute to this during my time as a Wayfinder!
Ben Gwerder
Oʻahu
Community of Service: Waiʻanae Moku, Oʻahu
Lead Community Partner: L.E.I. Foundation
Why I Wanted To Be a Wayfinder: Living on Oahu and working in coffee made me think about the energy landscape of Hawai’i, and our reliance on imported food and fuels. As I thought of the problems we face as communities as well as individuals, I wanted to do more impactful work. My search brought me to the Wayfinders program with Hawai’i State Energy Office (HSEO). I wanted to be a Wayfinder not only as a means of doing more impactful work with communities but also training myself to help even more in the future.
I am excited for the opportunity to create a resilient energy future for Hawai’i with many community members and peers. My interests are in the nexus of food security and energy, integral parts of our everyday lives. I am honored for the opportunity to work with HSEO and many others in our challenge of decarbonization and resiliency.
Kahenawai Hirata
Molokaʻi
Community of Service: Molokaʻi
Lead Community Partner: Sustʻāinable Molokai
Why I Wanted To Be a Wayfinder: Aloha, my name is Kahenawai Hirata, and I am a Wayfinder on the island of Molokaʻi. I chose to become a Wayfinder because it offers me a unique opportunity to support not only my home community of Molokaʻi but also the broader Hawaiʻi community. I have always been passionate about connecting with people and lending a helping hand to both the residents of Hawaiʻi and the ʻāina. Through my role as a Wayfinder, I have the privilege of engaging with communities, expanding my knowledge, and educating others about clean energy solutions while contributing to Hawaiʻi’s transition toward a more sustainable and equitable future.
Comet Enos-Nakanelua
O’ahu/Maui
Community of Service: Koʻolauloa and Koʻolaupoko, Oʻahu; Maui
Why I Wanted To Be a Wayfinder: The secure and reliable delivery of energy is crucial for Hawai‘i’s security, economy, public health, and public safety. In my second term, I will apply my training in community outreach and energy development, along with a strong understanding of Hawai‘i’s economic, regulatory, and legislative frameworks, to enhance collaboration among stakeholders and contribute to important work being done at the Hawaii State Energy Office. I am grateful to have a job and work for the people of Hawaii and am committed to ensuring the clean energy transition delivers practical solutions that directly meet the needs of Hawai‘i’s communities.
Tess Hotchkiss
Hawaiʻi Island
Community of Service: Hilo, Hawaiʻi Island
Why I Wanted To Be a Wayfinder: Energy is a piece of the puzzle to sustainability and Hawaiʻi’s ability to increase self-sufficiency. Two for one! Power to the people, and I like to think I am part of the people.
WAYFINDERS ALUMNI
Nick Sinchek
Oʻahu
Community of Service: Kahuku and Koʻolauloa
Lead Community Partner: Kahuku Community Association
Why I Wanted To Be a Wayfinder: “The Clean Energy Wayfinder position sparked my interest, because it aligned with my passions of serving for our local community, as well as finding solutions to restore our ʻāina for future generations to come. Clean and renewable energy is one of the most pressing topics today. Having a background in Natural Resources and Environmental Management from UH Mānoa, I realized that this role would be a great opportunity for me to share relevant knowledge and skills with community members. “
Sally Barr
Maui
Community of Service: Maui
Lead Community Partner: Hawaiʻi Farmers Union United Haleakalā Chapter
Why I Wanted To Be a Wayfinder: “I wanted to join the Wayfinders to help the local community’s vital manaʻo be heard and respected in the transition of getting Hawaiʻi off of fossil fuels.”
CLEAN ENERGY WAYFINDER PARTNERS
Lead Community Organization
Lead Community Organizations work closely with the Clean Energy Wayfinders to provide guidance and alignment with community values, priorities, and energy planning initiatives.
Kupu ‘Āina Corps
Kupu provides positions for the Clean Energy Wayfinders through the Kupu ʻĀina Corps program.
County Energy Offices
The County Energy Offices support the Clean Energy Wayfinders by providing mentorship, guidance, and alignment with county-level renewable energy goals.
Major Partners
The CEW program has strong support from several partners.
To schedule a presentation or to learn more about the Clean Energy Wayfinders program, contact [email protected].