HONOLUL (KHON2) — A new program aims to guard Hawai‘i families against predatory solar companies while also building a stronger path toward energy independence for the state.
Josh Stanbro, chief administrator of Kalāhiki at Hawaiian Council, said the effort is about protecting homes, lowering costs and making sure energy is generated and consumed in the islands.
“We know that in order to be energy sovereign and energy secure in the islands, we need to produce our energy here, consume our energy here,” Stanbro said. “And that in order to do that, we’re going to have to have solar panels on every single rooftop.”
The cost of clean energy
Stanbro explained that families who need the most help with utility bills have often been unable to afford solar. This is why Kalāhiki was created, to close that gap.
“Kalāhiki is really an effort by Hawaiian Council to make sure that we can gain energy sovereignty in our homes, gain climate resilience in our homes,” Stanbro said. “And try to really build wealth and protect economic equity over time, through energy work and climate resilience work.”
The effort comes at a time when federal aid is shrinking. Earlier this year, $62.5 million in solar funding for low-income families was pulled back. Stanbro said Hawaiian Council decided to fill that gap by partnering with local providers.
Fighting predatory practices
While some neighborhoods are denied service, others face a different threat: misleading offers from out of state solar companies.
“There’s some really predatory stuff going on where solar companies from the continent are sending people over and knocking on doors, and they’re really selling oversize systems, escalating lease agreements that lock people in for a long period of time,” Stanbro said.
At first, the payments may seem low, he said, but they rise year after year. “Pretty soon you realize you’re paying more than you started.”
For families juggling two or three jobs, sorting through contracts can be overwhelming. Stanbro said Hawaiian Council is stepping in to make the process easier.
Building trust in the community
The Council has experience helping families through crisis, from COVID-19 relief to recovery after the Lāhainā fire. That model will be used again. Families will only need to submit their documents once, and trusted local solar providers will handle the rest.
“We’ll let you know what you qualify for, get you into the best benefits, and then partner you up with homegrown, trusted providers,” Stanbro said.
Kalāhiki will also connect families with battery backup and protections for fire, wind and hurricane risks so homes remain secure long term.
Looking ahead
Pilot projects are already underway to test vendors and systems. Once proven, the program will expand to families across the islands.
You can click here to learn more about the Hawaiian Council and here to find out about Kalāhiki.
Stanbro encouraged residents to reach out directly.
“Even if you’re out there right now looking at solar, get three bids,” he said. “Obviously, we believe that the ones that were born and raised here in the islands are the most trusted.”