$50M could go toward improving energy efficiency ADVERTISING $50M could go toward improving energy efficiency HONOLULU (AP) — A third of Hawaii’s $150 million green energy loan program could go toward lowering electrical bills at the state’s public schools. A
$50M could go toward improving energy efficiency
HONOLULU (AP) — A third of Hawaii’s $150 million green energy loan program could go toward lowering electrical bills at the state’s public schools.
A bill, which was passed unanimously last month and is awaiting Gov. David Ige’s signature, would provide the state Department of Education an interest-free $46.4 million loan to improve energy efficiency at schools.
State regulators in February approved the DOE’s use of the money to replace fluorescent bulbs with LEDs and install other energy conservation measures to help cool classrooms at 242 of the state’s 256 public schools.
Green Energy Market Securitization raised roughly $150 million through a bond sale. The program has used less than 2 percent of the funds.
Ratepayers would shoulder the $8.9 million in interest payments since the DOE wouldn’t be paying any interest.
GEMS has to pay 2.99 percent interest on the $150 million in bonds.
Gwen Yamamoto Lau, executive director of the GEMS program, said the proposal should save the Department of Education approximately $114.9 million throughout 20 years, a savings that also would be shared by taxpayers.
Ige hasn’t said whether he will sign the bill. His office is reviewing the policy and legal implications of the bill, said Jodi Leong, Ige’s press secretary.
The governor has until July 11 to sign, veto or allow the bill to become law without his signature. If it becomes law, the Education Department will receive the funds next month.
Man suspected of running prostitution ring
LIHUE, Kauai (AP) — Officials say a man was arrested on suspicion of operating a prostitution ring in Florida.
According to reports, Kauai Police arrested 67-year-old Robert Jones on Friday at his Kalaheo home. Officials say he owns 13 Asian massage parlors in Florida, where investigators found Chinese women offering sex acts in exchange for money after the massages.
Investigators are working to determine whether human trafficking also is a part of the operation.
According to reports, Jones was living in Hawaii for a year. Jones is being detained at Kauai County jail and is awaiting extradition to Florida.
He faces charges of conspiracy to commit racketeering and money laundering.
