In other committee actions on Thursday, the Finance Committee accepted $75,000 from Na Le O Hawaii for production costs associated with the videotaping of council meetings.
By NANCY COOK LAUER
Stephens Media
The West Hawaii Civic Center will soon become home to Hawaii County government’s first electric cars as the county begins its foray into new technology for its fleet.
The civic center was chosen for the pilot program because it is already producing its own power through rooftop photovoltaic cells, and also because the charging stations have already been installed in the parking area.
The vehicles will be used by different county departments. The pilot program will help the county determine the best way to make the transition to more electric vehicles. The county will start by buying or leasing one or two cars.
Currently, county workers use about 1.5 million gallons of gas or diesel a year, costing some $7 million in 2008, according to the latest data available Thursday.
“Utilization of power from the sun to charge electric vehicles will stabilize county fuel cost, promote new transportation industry in the community and allow county government to lead by example,” said Laverne Omori, deputy director of the Department of Research and Development.
The County Council Finance Committee on Thursday put its stamp of approval on using a $41,863 rebate from the Hawaii Energy Efficiency Program for the cars. The money will be added to $70,000 currently in the account.
In other committee actions on Thursday, the Finance Committee accepted $75,000 from Na Le O Hawaii for production costs associated with the videotaping of council meetings.