Categorized | Government, News

Governor Lingle releases $1M for energy efficiency improvements at state parks

MEDIA RELEASE

HONOLULU – Governor Linda Lingle has released $1 million that will enable the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) to implement energy and water efficiency and conservation improvements at state parks.

As part of DLNR’s ongoing efforts to upgrade and modernize state parks and other outdoor recreational facilities statewide, the department will use the funds to design renewable energy sources to power park facilities such as water system pumps, sewer system pumps, booster pumps, trail lighting and rental cabins and kitchens.

The funding will allow DLNR to continue to replace and retrofit existing lighting fixtures and lamps, replace aging and inefficient appliances and water heaters, install water efficient fixtures, and implement energy and water conservation measures.

The funds will also be used to design renewable energy sources for facilities at various state parks and Mauna Kea State Recreation Area on Hawai‘i. Construction of a pilot project may include one or more of these parks as funding will allow.

In fiscal year 2009, state parks expended over $300,000 for electricity costs and close to $460,000 for water and sewer costs.

“The shift to renewable energy sources and energy efficient lighting and appliances, coupled with water conservation and efficiency measures will result in costs savings that are needed to fund park operations and ongoing maintenance,” said DLNR Director Laura H. Thielen.

The energy efficiency improvements are part of the Lingle-Aiona Administration’s continuing efforts to make State office buildings and facilities more energy efficient in order to reduce electricity costs and decrease Hawai‘i’s dependence on imported fossil fuels. This effort to lead by example supports the Hawai‘i Clean Energy Initiative, which aims to have 70 percent of Hawai‘i’s energy come from clean sources by the year 2030, including 40 percent from renewable energy and 30 percent through energy conservation measures.

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