GOVERNOR LINGLE RELEASES $250,000 FOR ENERGY IMPROVEMENTS AT HAWAI`I STATE PARKS

(By Wendy OSHER © 2009)

Two Maui facilities are on a list of areas set to receive state funding for energy efficiency improvements.  The Kahului Baseyard and East Maui’s Waianapanapa State Park were among a list of 15 state facilities that will get a share of the $250,000 released by the Governor’s office today.  Currently, the Department of Land and Natural Resources spends more than $300,000 for state park electricity costs. This project is estimated to cut those costs by 20 to 30 percent by installing more energy-efficient street lamps and lighting controls, as well as water heating and rental cabin appliances.

Other facilities included in the allotment are:  Hāpuna Beach State Recreation Area and Baseyard, Kalōpā State Recreation Area, and Wailoa River State Recreation Area and Baseyard on the Big Island;  Koke`e State Park, LÄ«hu`e Baseyard, Wailua River State Park, and Waimea State Recreational Pier on Kaua’i;  and Kahana Valley State Park, KeaÄ«wa Heiau State Recreation Area, Mālaekahana State Recreation Area, Ruger Baseyard, Sand Island Recreation Area, and Wahiawā State Freshwater Recreation Area on O’ahu.

This projects are in addition to the $1.87 billion public infrastructure construction plan unveiled by Governor Lingle in December 2008 to stimulate the economy and create jobs.

“This project will reduce energy costs and allow the Department of Land and Natural Resources to redirect these funds toward the maintenance and preservation of our natural and cultural assets,” said Governor Lingle.

Construction on the various projects is scheduled to begin this month with completion slated for February 2010.