60 nonprofits were nominated as part of Hawaii Energy’s “Be a Light, Give a Light” Promotion
Honolulu, Hawaii – Hawaii Energy, the state’s Public Benefits Fund administrator that focuses on energy-efficiency education and clean-energy initiatives, has selected Hawaii Island Humane Society, Kalihi-Pālama Health Center, Residential Youth Services Empowerment (RYSE) Hawaii, and Shinshu Kyokai to receive complimentary LED lighting makeovers valued at up to $25,000 each. A total of 60 nonprofits were nominated as part of Hawaii Energy’s “Be a Light, Give a Light” promotion.
“At Hawaii Energy, we understand the financial challenges that many nonprofits face, and we know that every dollar saved on energy costs can be redirected to support their important missions,” said Caroline Carl, executive director at Hawaii Energy. “By offering free lighting upgrades, we hope to help these organizations reduce their energy bills and contribute to a more sustainable future for Hawaii. Mahalo to everyone who submitted their nominations and to our lighting contractors for their continued support.”
Hawaii Island Humane Society – Keaau Shelter
The Hawaii Island Humane Society is a non-profit animal welfare organization that has been serving the Hawaii Island community for 58 years. Its mission is to prevent cruelty to animals, eliminate pet overpopulation, and enhance the bond between humans and animals by offering lifesaving programs and community outreach, including pet adoptions, foster, field trips for shelter dogs, low-cost spay and neuter, community pet pantry, and more.
Kalihi-Pālama Health Center
Kalihi-Palama Health Center is an independent, 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that plays a crucial role in the Kalihi-Palama community as a provider of health and social services to patients who typically face significant barriers when accessing health care. Its focus is preventative primary health care in a respectful, caring, and culturally appropriate manner, which is provided at seven different sites in the heart of Kalihi-Pālama.
RYSE Hawaii
RYSE Hawaii is a non-profit organization founded in 2018 that services opportunity youth in Hawaii, through empowerment and personalized support. Youth, ages 14-24, are welcome for drop-in services from 8am – 8pm at the access center, seven days a week, and have access to safe and temporary living spaces. RYSE offers a comprehensive range of services, including counseling and mentoring, education and life skills training, and case management and advocacy.
Shinshu Kyokai Mission – Church and Dormitory
Shinshu Kyokai Mission of Hawaii is a Jodo Shinshu (Japanese Pure Land) Buddhist temple founded in 1914. For over a century, Shinshu Kyokai served as a social, cultural, spiritual, and community center in the Honolulu area. The Mission established a dormitory in 1961 to meet student housing needs for those attending higher education in Honolulu, and currently offers housing to students from the University of Hawaii, Hawaii Pacific University, Kapi‘olani Community College and others.
“We look forward to connecting these four organizations with our lighting contractors to start the makeover process, beginning with a site visit and audit of their facilities,” added Carl.
Hawaii Energy launched the “Be a Light, Give a Light” promotion in April 2023 and invited the general public to nominate a deserving nonprofit for an LED lighting makeover, by filling out a short questionnaire, including a short description about the facility and current lighting needs. The winners were chosen based on financial need and potential energy savings impact.
For more information about Hawaii Energy’s ongoing nonprofit programs, visit hawaiienergy.com/energyadvantage.