Kaua‘i Streetlights Retrofit Pau

Workers are seen her replacing a streetlight in Lihu‘e. Photo courtesy of County of Kaua‘i

All of Kaua‘i’s streetlights have been converted from high-pressure sodium lights to energy-saving LED lights as a result of a joint project between the County of Kaua‘i and Kaua‘i Island Utility Cooperative, according to a county press release.

The project, which was completed last month, involved the retrofit of the county’s 2,900 streetlights and the state’s 582 streetlights. County officials said the change is expected to save the county approximately $400,000 annually.

The new lights also have a much longer lifespan and require less maintenance.

In addition, when a light goes out, the system issues a report, which will speed up the replacement process.

Other benefits to having LED streetlights include the ability to control the brightness level and adjust the timing seasonally.

Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. credited Senate President Ron Kouchi for urging the county to consider converting its streetlights to adaptive controlled LED technology.

“Senator Kouchi’s encouragement and support was instrumental in moving this project along,” Carvalho said.

The project is one of several that have resulted from a memorandum of agreement signed in 2013 by Carvalho and KIUC’s President and Chief Executive Officer David Bissell. The MOU confirms their commitment to collaborate on sustainable projects that benefit the people of Kaua‘i and Ni‘ihau.

“We are pleased to collaborate with KIUC on this important project,” Carvalho said. “It’s part of our commitment to work closely with our local utility to reduce Kaua‘i’s dependence on fossil fuels and lower the cost of energy for our residents. We look forward to our continuing partnership.”

Bissell said collaborating with the County on projects that benefit Kaua‘i is a high priority for KIUC.

“We look forward to more opportunities in the future,” Bissell said.

Kaua‘i County is the first in the state to switch out its streetlights, according to the county of Kaua‘i.