HONOLULU (KHON2) — In just one year, the City’s efforts to go green have saved over $2.7 million in utility and taxpayer dollars. Now, over 80 facilities will get energy-efficient upgrades across the island.
City departments came together for a Skyline tour to celebrate Earth Day on Monday, April 22. Officials shared highlights of the City’s annual Sustainability Report.
“This is the fifth year in a row that the city has reduced our electricity usage. We’ve also seen the lowest water usage in the last three years,” stated Matt Gonser, Office of Climate Change, Sustainability & Resiliency Executive Director.
$13.5 million will go towards the Department of Transportation Service’s mobility hub or transit center, which will have electric and human-powered modes of travel. The hub will provide access to the Skyline, busses, e-bikes and e-scooters, Handi-vans and more.
“All of that put together will help people make better choices and realize they can do more than just drive,” said DTS Deputy Director, Jon Nouchi.
The Department of Parks & Recreation is projected to provide $97 million in utility savings over 20 years while also improving park experiences. At Bill Balfour Park, crews upgraded its pool pump and installed a chlorine generator.
Other improvements include tree-planting initiatives and bettering field lighting. Many facilities have also switched to LED lights to reduce energy.
“Becoming more efficient on our end is our way of controlling our electrical bills and also saving taxpayer dollars,” said Nathan Serota, DPR’s spokesman.
The City hopes a partnership with the University of Hawaii will instill a Malama mindset in future generations through various courses provided throughout the UAH system across all seven campuses.
“Some of these trainings include solar installation technicians for electrical vehicles, arborists for native plants, for landscapers,” stated Vincent Kimura, Good Jobs Oahu Program Manager.