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

For Immediate Release:  February 4, 2009

HONOLULU – Governor Linda Lingle has released $250,000 to improve the energy efficiency of state parks and Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) facilities on the Big Island, Kaua‘i, Maui and O‘ahu. This project is 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.

“My Administration remains committed to leading by example in improving the energy efficiency of state facilities, which includes our state parks and recreation areas,” said Governor Lingle. “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.”

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. The following parks and DLNR facilities will receive improvements:

Big Island:
Hāpuna Beach State Recreation Area and Baseyard
Kalōpā State Recreation Area
Wailoa River State Recreation Area and Baseyard

Kaua‘i:
Koke‘e State Park
Līhu‘e Baseyard
Wailua River State Park
Waimea State Recreational Pier

Maui:
Kahului Baseyard
Wai‘ānapanapa State Park

O‘ahu:
Kahana Valley State Park
Keaīwa Heiau State Recreation Area
Mālaekahana State Recreation Area
Ruger Baseyard
Sand Island Recreation Area
Wahiawā State Freshwater Recreation Area

Construction is scheduled to begin this month and be completed in February 2010.

Reflecting a focus on restoring and preserving Hawai‘i’s state parks, trails and ocean recreation facilities, the Lingle-Aiona Administration recently announced a comprehensive, statewide plan to reinvigorate Hawai‘i’s natural resources. Under the leadership of the Department of Land and Natural Resources, the “Recreational Renaissance” initiative aims to provide for a re-birth of recreational opportunities across the state, as well as the continued stewardship of 54 state parks, 20 small boat harbors, 25 boat ramps and landings, 275 miles of hiking trails and the Forest Reserve System. Information on the initiative is available at www.hawaii.gov/gov/initiatives/2009/recreation.

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For more information, contact:

Laura H. Thielen
Director, DLNR
Phone: (808) 587-0401

Lenny Klompus
Senior Advisor – Communications
Phone: (808) 586-7708

Russell Pang
Chief of Media Relations
Phone: (808) 586-0043