In January 2009, the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL)
announced that Kanehili, its first “green” subdivision, will include
provisions to accommodate the use of electric cars, as well as energysaving
measures that meet Energy Star criteria. DHHL’s
comprehensive approach to developing an energy-efficient
neighborhood will help new homeowners reduce their energy bills from
30 to 50 percent.
“
This is about affordable living, and it is the right thing to do for our
state,” said Micah A. Kane said reducing energy costs
will not only save homeowners money, but it is a satisfying lifestyle
choice to conserve and be more environmentally responsible. Keeping energy savings in Hawaii and in people’s pockets, instead of
sending it out of state means more money for Hawaii’s families. Supporting Hawaii’s “green” industry creates new jobs, including many
that require technical skills for developing, building, or installing
projects like solar panels, photovoltaic components, and energy
efficient insulation. The housing project will offer two-, three-, four-, and five-bedroom
homes. Each will include a solar hot water system, 16-SEER air
conditioning, hybrid insulation, low-flow plumbing fixtures, dual-pane
Low E vinyl windows, and a compact fluorescent lighting package. Kanehili sits on a 92-acre parcel with a minimum lot size of 5,000
square feet. On-site improvements, including construction of
roadways, drainage, sewer, water, and electrical systems are
projected to cost $31.7 million. Offsite improvements, including a
water reservoir and sewer trunk lines will cost another $26.3 million. HUD’s Native Hawaiian Housing Block Grant provided $6.5 million
towards the project, and low-income families will receive subsidies
through DHHL to enable them to purchase the homes. The City of Kapolei takes its name from Kapo, Hawaiian goddess of hula and sorcery, and older sister of the legendary fire goddess, Pele. Kapo is associated with the hill or pu`u, called Pu`u O Kapolei, which is located at the heart of the city in Kapolei Regional Park. Ancient Hawaiians used this feature of the landscape to gauge the seasonal changes in the rising and setting of the sun. During the winter solstice, the glow of the setting sun creates a wreath of light around the pu`u, forming a celestial lei — thus the name Kapolei. Today, a bronze sculpture of Kapo watches over the city from a vantage point on the grounds of the Kapolei Police Station. She stands in a hula pose at the corner of Kamokila Boulevard and Farrington Highway, welcoming all who come to the city. Kapolei Today, “Kapolei Globally Connected: Locally Sustainable” www.hawaiibusiness.com, Retrieved 2012-05-16, page 10.
