Bright lights, less money

County streetlamps get energy-efficient makeover

More than 400 streetlights will soon be sporting a new glow, thanks to a $737,800 grant Hawaii County has received from the federal government.

The money to retrofit streetlights with energy-efficient bulbs is the first installment of federal stimulus money from an Energy Efficiency and Conser-vation Block Grant.

The federal government has set aside more than $2.6 billion for energy efficiency grants. The state of Hawaii is receiving $9.6 million, with Honolulu getting $3.9 million, Maui County, $605,300 and Kauai County $267,900, according to the federal government.

In addition to the streetlight retrofit, the money will be used for energy audits of homes of low- and moderate-income residents as well as training and public outreach. (Read full story>>Bright Lights)