Kahului Airport Saves $554,652 in Energy

By Wendy Osher

Aerial view of Kaheawa windmills aboard a flight headed to Kahului Airport. File photo by Wendy Osher.

The Kahului Airport on Maui saved 17% or $554,652 in its electricity bill last year.  It’s one of the Maui projects that contributed to a $20 million savings statewide under the state’s Lead by Example energy conservation initiative.

The state was able to realize the savings by contracting local energy service companies to improve energy efficiency at state buildings.  2010 marks the third consecutive year of energy reductions.  State officials say the savings was realized not just because of reduced hours from furloughs, but because of energy efficiency investments.

Also on Maui, the science facility at the University of Hawaii Maui College, and the library at Baldwin High School, both currently under construction, are being designed under LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) standards.  The planned Kihei High School, DAGS Maui Public Safety complex, and proposed relocation of the Maui Community Correctional Center are also being designed to conform to LEED standards.

During the 2010 fiscal year, state departments reduced their total electric consumption by 2.8 percent from 2009.  The findings were detailed int he annual Lead By Example report compiled by the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism for the State Legislature.

“By aggressively pursuing energy-efficiency improvements in public buildings, we’re saving the State millions of dollars in electricity costs,” said Richard Lim, Director, Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism.

The projects reflect the state’s commitment to implement energy efficiency and renewable energy development to protect against escalating energy costs, expedite energy security, and mitigate negative impacts on the economy.

“The State is leading by example,” said Lim. “New efficiency projects now underway will save millions more. For example, energy improvements scheduled for 10 downtown public buildings are expected to save $64 million over the 20 year life of the equipment to be installed.”

Thirteen state buildings have received ENERGY STAR awards, acknowledging that they rank in the top 25% of similar buildings nationwide; seven state buildings are Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certified; and an additional 52 LEED projects are in the process toward the goal of certification.

The Lead By Example initiative began in 2006 in response to legislative and executive mandates to improve energy efficiency in the state.

*** Supporting information courtesy State of Hawai’i, DBEDT.