Your Conservation and Efficiency Program

HONOLULU — Hawaii civilian and military residents joined Lieutenant Governor Brian Schatz, Marine Colonel Brian P. Annichiarico, Navy Captain Jeffrey W. James, Forest City Military Communities and Hawaii Energy, the energy efficiency and conservation program for Hawaii, Honolulu and Maui counties, today as they launched Hawaii’s Energy Smart Initiative.

“The Energy Smart Initiative represents the State of Hawaii’s first large-scale effort in transforming two entire residential communities to achieve an energy-efficient lifestyle,” said Lieutenant Governor Brian Schatz. “I applaud each and everyone involved in this project, as it will serve as a wonderful model for others to follow.”

The program is in alignment with the Department of Defense and Department of the Navy's energy conservation initiatives to reduce dependence on foreign oil and other fossil fuels and to curb the overuse of electricity.

"Every drop of oil used to produce electricity in Hawaii is imported, and it is expensive," said Colonel Brian P. Annichiarico, commanding officer Marine Corps Base Hawaii. "It is our duty as leaders to provide our service members, families and civilians with the tools and education they need to smartly cut costs, save resources and embrace renewable energy. It is also our duty to be good stewards of the tax payers' dollar and invest in clean and efficient energy."

"In addition to the rising cost, America's dependence on foreign oil poses a significant threat to national security," said Navy Captain Jeffrey W. James. "I encourage every household to participate in the Energy Smart Initiative and help conserve energy. Reducing electricity consumption helps to secure our energy interests locally and nationally and improves our security posture."

Through the Energy Smart Initiative, Hawaii Energy and Forest City expect to achieve a minimum 1.3 million kWh energy reduction per year. With Hawaii residents paying the highest electricity rates in the nation, Forest City military family residents will contribute to significant energy and financial savings and provide a large contribution to helping the State of Hawaii achieve its clean energy goals.

“Forest City Military Communities and the Navy and Marine Corps are truly leading by example through this initiative,” said Hawaii Energy Program Manager Ray Starling. “The best way for Hawaii to achieve its energy efficiency goals is one community at a time.”

By participating in the Energy Smart Initiative, Forest City residents will learn about three easy ways to become more energy-efficient. The goal of the initiative is that residents will decrease their electricity consumption every month and quite possibly earn a rebate.

“We are excited about partnering with Hawaii Energy to help our resident’s and our communities operate more energy efficiently,” added Forest City Vice President Will Boudra. “By helping build energy smart communities, Forest City residents can not only save money, they will aid in the energy security of our state and our nation.”

Forest City Military Communities, in partnership with the Department of the Navy, manages, maintains and revitalizes neighborhoods on and around military bases in Hawaii, including Pearl Harbor, Marine Corps Base Kaneohe and neighboring installations. With over 36 neighborhoods, and 6,700 homes under management, Forest City is dedicated to the singular vision of enhancing the quality of life for military families through superior homes and welcoming neighborhoods.

For more information about the Energy Smart Initiative, Forest City or Hawaii Energy, please click here.