Subsistence Survey Update

Sust’ainable Molokai News Release

Get a coupon for free poi or kalo pa’a when you complete the 2023 Molokai subsistence study update survey. Only available to the next 100 people who complete the survey as a coupon for Sustʻainable Molokaiʻs Mobile Market. All English-speaking Molokai residents aged 18 or older can take the survey one time. 

Why participate? It has been 30 years since we have had updated, island-wide information on subsistence practices like hunting, fishing, gathering, and farming on Molokai. The 2023 Molokai Subsistence Study Update is our chance to update our Molokai-specific data on subsistence practices and food security. The results of this study will be a tool for our community to advocate for ourselves. 

How many people have participated so far? So far, 200 Molokai residents have taken the survey, and we need your help to reach 400 by the end of August! 

How can I take the survey? Please consider taking between 20 to 30 minutes to complete the 2023 Molokai Subsistence Study Update. The survey can be found online at sustainablemolokai.org/subsistence or be completed in person at community events or at the Sustʻainable Molokai office by calling us at (808) 560-5410 to make an appointment. 

In 1993, the governor commissioned the Molokai Subsistence Task Force to study subsistence on Molokai. The study found that the average Molokai family got 28 percent of their food from subsistence activities like hunting, fishing, gathering from the ocean, and raising animals. For Native Hawaiian families, 38 percent of food came from subsistence. This summer, Sustʻainable Molokai is conducting a research study to update this information. Updated information on subsistence will help us to better advocate for our community.

At the end of the year, we will share the findings of the study with the community and our elected officials through a community meeting. The results of the study will be used to support community organizations in securing funding and may be utilized to inform policy. The study will be led by Momi Afelin, a graduate student at Harvard University, who is from Molokai. The study team will also include other Molokai residents and will be assisted by a team of graduate students from the University of Michigan. If you have any questions or concerns about the study, please contact Momi at momi@sustainablemolokai.org. For more information, please visit our website at sustainablemolokai.org/subsistence or visit our office at 40 Ala Malama Ave Suite 211 Kaunakakai, HI 96748. 

Please share the survey with your ‘ohana and friends!