Ige, DOE push classroom cooling ADVERTISING Ige, DOE push classroom cooling HONOLULU (AP) — Gov. David Ige hopes to cool 1,000 classrooms by the end of the year. According to a state Department of Education progress report, 42 classrooms have
Ige, DOE push classroom cooling
HONOLULU (AP) — Gov. David Ige hopes to cool 1,000 classrooms by the end of the year.
According to a state Department of Education progress report, 42 classrooms have been air conditioned and contracts for another 25 have been awarded. The department solicited bids for AC installation in 832 classrooms in hopes of reaching the governor’s goal.
Ige explained the “cool schools” initiative in his State of the State speech in January and it was later funded with $100 million from the Legislature. He initially wanted the project completed by December, but it faced setbacks because of an initial round of proposals came in significantly over budget this summer.
“We’re pressing forward,” said Brent Suyama, DOE communications specialist. “We’re trying to get all the projects done before the beginning of next school year, and we’re pushing past 1,000 classrooms.”
Despite the delays, Ige said he’s encouraged by the progress.
The targeted classrooms are in 33 schools on a priority list of the state’s hottest campuses. The top three spots include Ewa Beach Elementary, Ilima Intermediate and Campbell High schools, all on Oahu.
State faces major housing shortage, with higher prices
HONOLULU (AP) — Experts say Hawaii is dealing with a major housing shortage and many people could find themselves priced out if nothing is done.
The state is estimated to need 65,000 to 80,000 new units by 2025 to keep up with demand. Experts met to discuss the issue during a housing summit Tuesday in Iwilei, Oahu.
If Hawaii’s housing stock isn’t increased, “We’ll continue to see increasing median household prices, which will continue to essentially squeeze out individual — especially local residents — from being able to afford a home,” said Luis Salaveria, director of the state Department of Business, Economic Development &Tourism. The state lacks everything from affordable rentals to high-end luxury homes, participants said.
An important part of the solution is less regulation and more infrastructure improvements, according to experts.
Economists said the housing shortage is not new but has become more acute. Home prices have increased dramatically, with single-family homes costing a median of $750,000 in September.
