By Staff Reports
(Maui) – Mayor Alan Arakawa announced today that the County of Maui is testing energy-efficient, “smart” LED (Light-Emitting Diode) streetlights on Wili Pa Loop, in Wailuku, and invited the public to participate in a demonstration on Thursday, May 16. The event will begin with a short presentation at 7:15 p.m. at the Wailuku Post Office. A walking tour of the streetlights on Wili Pa Loop will follow the presentation; Wili Pa Loop is about 0.4 miles in length and involves slight uphill walking. The demonstration is expected to conclude at 8:30 p.m.
The first four streetlights along Wili Pa Loop, starting at the Eha Street intersection, are being dimmed every night from 10 p.m. to sunrise. The first of its kind in Hawaii and one of the most advanced of its kind in the U.S., the testing process is examining the use of wireless remote controls to dim the streetlights late at night to save energy.
“These tests are helping us light the path toward reducing energy consumption and County costs,” Mayor Arakawa said. “This new technology also offers us the opportunity to uphold street safety while reducing light pollution, which in itself has numerous impacts. The visitor industry may also benefit through the ability to customize lighting levels at different locations. Street lights are something we often take for granted, but new technology can allow us to make some important breakthroughs in cost-savings while protecting our neighborhoods and our night skies.”
The testing of all eight streetlights on Wili Pa Loop also includes evaluating the various colors and coverages of light from each fixture and their corresponding effects on vision, safety, wildlife, light pollution and cost.
“This testing is one of the most advanced of its kind in the U.S.,” said Jim Helmer, president of Lightmoves and the former Director of Transportation for the City of San Jose. Helmer, who is assisting the County with the testing, called Maui County a pioneer in the realm of streetlighting.
“Maui County is truly at the forefront of the movement to drive down electricity costs by testing and installing LED streetlighting,” Helmer said. “County officials are seeking input from members of the public including residents, first responders, environmental experts, and local, state and federal agencies. Lights being developed today are no longer being used just to light the streets; they are quickly becoming part of energy-conserving smart grid solutions as well.”
The streetlighting demonstration will be conducted by Clanton and Associates, an award-winning lighting design firm practicing environmentally sensitive and sustainable design for over 30 years.
The LED streetlights being demonstrated are provided by SWARCO Traffic Americas Inc. and by C&W Energy Solutions LLC; wireless controls are built by Fortel Traffic Inc.
The public is encouraged to comment on existing and dimmed lighting levels. To submit comment, email kal.kobayashi@mauicounty.gov or mail to 2200 Main Street (One Main Plaza), Ste. #519, Wailuku, HI 96793. For more information, or to RSVP for the streetlighting demonstration, contact Kal Kobayashi, Maui County Energy Coordinator, at 270-7832, or via email at kal.kobayashi@mauicounty.gov.