M
Robbie Cabral’s experience spans public policy, outreach, and land and geothermal development and consultancy. She founded Innovations Development Group (IDG) nearly 30 years ago to advance land and renewable energy projects in Hawai‘i and beyond, working to implement a community-centered, progressive vision for energy independence and economic development that prioritizes environmental stewardship and the rights of Indigenous Peoples. In close collaboration with Native Hawaiians and leading experts in Hawai‘i and New Zealand, Robbie launched the “Power For the People” campaign in 2024 under Waikā Consulting, LLC. Drawing on the experience of successfully implementing two geothermal power plant projects in New Zealand in partnership with Māori land trusts, Waikā is leading a commercial geothermal exploration effort in Hawai‘i in coordination with the University of Hawai‘i, the Hawai‘i Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism (DBEDT), and the Hawai‘i Technology Development Corp. (HTDC) to strengthen the state’s portfolio of renewable fuels. This promotes economic growth by reducing the vulnerability of the islands and lowering the cost of energy, helping local families thrive.
Waikā’s work is guided by its Native to Native (N2N) Business Development Model, which prioritizes and empowers Indigenous communities in resource development, and its Community Collaboration Model, which integrates public stakeholders. In 2023 Waikā led geosciences exploration for the State Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL), which concluded with the findings of four potential geothermal exploratory sites. Waikā's recommendation opened a pathway for DHHL to further investigate the commercial viability of its geothermal resources. From 2011-2016, Robbie led the development of detailed models and community engagement efforts for a geothermal power plant previously proposed but ultimately not pursued by Hawaiian Electric. In 2023, she advanced an awareness campaign on OHA’s bill to lift restrictions on residential development on Native Hawaiian lands in Kaka‘ako Makai, honoring the rights of Native Hawaiians enshrined in the state constitution. As part of the core group to establish the Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) in 1978, Robbie spearheaded the first roll call and registration of 55,000 Native Hawaiians in an intensive 9-month effort, laying the foundation for her advocacy work. She is also the co-founder of Aloha Mortuary, which in 2022 successfully introduced cutting-edge technology and supported Hawai‘i legislation to allow water cremation, enabling the perpetuation of Native Hawaiian memorial customs and significantly reducing stress on the ‘āina from traditional burial and flame cremation.
Biography
Ignissimos ducimus quin blandiitis praesentium voluptatem deleniti atque corrupti quos dolores et quas molestias excepturi. scint occaecatti gnissimus.
Contact Form