CLEAN ENERGY WAYFINDERS
The Clean Energy Wayfinders is a new program to advance Hawai‘i’s clean energy goals through addressing energy inequities in vulnerable communities while creating jobs that launch a new generation of clean energy leaders.
JOIN THE CLEAN ENERGY WAYFINDERS: EMPOWERING HAWAIʻI’S ENERGY FUTURE
Are you interested in supporting your community to pursue a more equitable energy transition? The Clean Energy Wayfinders program may be your next step!
HSEO is now recruiting for the third cohort of the Clean Energy Wayfinders program in partnership with the Kupu ʻĀina Corps. View the resources on this page to learn more about the Clean Energy Wayfinders program and details about applying for the upcoming cohort.
View the Clean Energy Wayfinders Storymap to learn more about the program and hear from previous Wayfinders about their experiences.
APPLICATION DETAILS
- Application deadline: December 11, 2024
- Applicant age range: 17 – 38 years old
- Program duration: January 2025 – January 2026
- Hourly pay rate: $20, up to 40 hours per week
- Application process:
- Review Position Description and HSEO Clean Energy Wayfinders website
- Complete the Kupu ʻĀina Corps (KAC) application form at this link: kupuhawaii.tfaforms.net/321
- On the second page of this application form, under the section titled “Type of Work Preferences”, please select Yes under the final question “Do you already know of a specific site where you would like to work?”
- Write “Hawaiʻi State Energy Office” in the text box that appears
- After completing the KAC application form, submit the following documents in an email to Clean Energy Wayfinders Coordinator Parker Kushima at [email protected]
- Cover Letter
- At least one Letter of Recommendation
- Anticipate an email from Parker Kushima regarding scheduling interviews and next steps
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.
MEET THE WAYFINDERS
Peyton Flint
Kauaʻi
Community of Service: Hanapēpē and ʻEleʻele
Lead Community Partner: Get Fit Kauaʻi
Why I Wanted To Be a Wayfinder: “I wanted to be a Wayfinder because I have a passion for helping people and the planet. I am so excited for this opportunity with the Wayfinders to give back to the beautiful islands and learn from the community. ”
Malia McDonald
Oʻahu
Community of Service: Waiʻanae Moku
Lead Community Partner: Waiʻanae Economic Development Council
Why I Wanted To Be a Wayfinder: “I wanted to become a Wayfinder so I could be more involved in the renewable energy field and to help move Hawaiʻi to a more energy resilient future!”
Nickie Shintani
Oʻahu
Community of Service: Waiʻanae Moku
Lead Community Partner: Waiʻanae Economic Development Council
Why I Wanted To Be a Wayfinder: “I wanted to be a Wayfinder because as someone who studied environmental science, I recognize the transition to a more sustainable society is necessary. Clean energy is an important aspect to that, and I wanted to help make it happen for Hawaiʻi.”
Kalehua Sproat-Augustiro
Molokai
Community of Service: Molokai
Lead Community Partner: Sustʻāinable Molokai
Why I Wanted To Be a Wayfinder: “I wanted to become a Wayfinder when I learned that I would be working within my own community as well as learning more about renewable energy. “
Comet Enos-Nakanelua
Maui
Community of Service: Maui
Lead Community Partner:
Why I Wanted To Be a Wayfinder: “I’m invested in ensuring Maui’s energy security and independence, and look forward to serving the people of Hawaiʻi. Energy is a necessity and I hope to guide Hawaiʻi’s clean energy goals in a direction that prioritizes the people and cultural values of Hawaiʻi.“
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.”
FIND A WAYFINDER NEAR YOU
CLEAN ENERGY WAYFINDER PARTNERS
Lead Community Organization Partners
Kupu ‘Āina Corps
The program has provided eight positions to help launch the initial year of the CEW program.
County Energy Offices
The county energy offices host and mentor Wayfinders, while aligning CEW program and county-level clean energy goals.
Major Partners
The CEW program has strong support from several partners.
Click here to see the presentation about the Wayfinders program. To schedule a presentation or to learn more about the Clean Energy Wayfinders program, contact [email protected].