Hawai’i Public Radio | Published October 25, 2023 | by Catherine Cluette Pactol

The Molokaʻi community has turned energy planning upside down with a bottom-up planning process that’s working and empowering the island to chart its own renewable energy future.

For years, Molokaʻi had a reputation for saying no to renewable energy — but not because residents didn’t want it.

“Molokaʻi has had decades of community advocacy for energy needs,” said Leilani Chow, the 30-year-old mother of two from Molokaʻi who has been a leader in the island’s renewable energy advocacy.