Aina Haina Public Library, located at 5246 Kalanianaole Highway, will become the first Oahu library in the Hawaii State Public Library System (HSPLS) to install a photovoltaic system on its rooftop as  a cost-saving measure to reduce rising energy costs.  The $605,053 project began in February and is scheduled for completion later this summer.  

A photovoltaic system (or PV system) uses one or more solar panels to convert sunlight into electricity.  The new "green" North Kohala Public Library (Island of Hawaii), which opened in November 2010, was the first HSPLS library to install a photovoltaic system.

The two HSPLS libraries are among an increasing number of new or existing Hawaii State Government buildings that have or will become energy efficient, resulting in long-term savings for taxpayers and reduce our dependence on foreign oil.

In a study prepared by Ronald N. S. Ho & Associates, Inc., Aina Haina Public Library was rated the highest among five selected libraries for its optimal building construction, access, orientation and site/weather conditions conducive for photovoltaic power generation, and highest estimated annual savings. 

The Library's current average monthly energy usage is 10,253 kilowatt hours (kWh). The new PV system will generate 7,300 kWh per month or approximately 71.2% of the Library's monthly energy needs.       

The contractor for the project is RK Construction Co., LLC. In addition to the photovoltaic system, the project included a roof replacement, electrical and interior work.    

Four Oahu teens are the "Top Four" winners of the 2011 Hawaii State Public Library System and Hawaii Pizza Hut Teen Summer Reading Finale event conducted this morning (7/30) at Kahala Mall Center Court Stage: Marinelle Dulluog, Kalihi-Palama Public Library finalist (grade 7), won the Grand Prize of an Apple iPad2; Cedric de Francia, Aiea Public Library finalist (grade 11), won an  X Box 360 console with Kinect; Lisa Luo-Xu, Library for the Blind & Physically Handicapped finalist (grade 9), won an Apple iPod Touch; and Jesse Buenrostro, Waialua Public Library finalist (grade 12), won a 24" LCD Television.

They were among a large group of finalists, each a lucky drawing winner of the 23 Oahu branch public libraries.  One-by-one, finalists selected a numbered pizza box with a prize listed inside.  Other prizes included a digital camera, portable DVD player, other electronic prizes and gift cards from various stores.  All prizes are donated by Hawaii Pizza Hut, corporate sponsor of the Teen Summer Reading Program for the past 19 years.

State Librarian Richard Burns delivered the opening remarks to a large audience that included the teens with their parents, family members and relatives, and interested shoppers.  Yasmin Dar, Morning Traffic Anchor and Social Media Reporter for the "KITV 4 News This Morning Show," emceed the event.  The 24-VII Danceforce got the program off to a rousing start with a
special high-energy performance.      

More than 3,000 teens statewide participated in the annual HSPLS Teen Summer Reading Program which encourages reading and strengthens reading habits. Collectively, they have read more than 22,000 books.

"You Are Here" is this year's theme which highlighted books, ebooks, and DVDs that encourage teens to explore different places and genres such as science fiction, non-fiction, manga, graphic novels, travel, geocaching, road trips, and geography.  Students entering grade 7 through 2011 high school graduates were invited to sign up for the five-week Teen Summer Reading Program.

The Friends of the Library of Hawaii are the overall sponsors of the HSPLS Summer Reading Programs which are offered to children (including infants), teens and adults, respectively.

The 2011 Hawaii State Public Library System and Hawaii Pizza Hut Teen Summer Reading Finale Winners are:

Teen Name – Grade Level – Host Oahu Public Library
Cedric de Francia, Gr. 11, Aiea
Jessica Tam, Gr. 9, Aina Haina
Melanie Johnny, Gr. 8, Ewa Beach
Mitchell Matsumori-Kelly, Gr. 7, Hawaii Kai
Madison McClendon, Gr. 8, Hawaii State Library
Kalei Del Rey, Gr. 7, Kahuku
Michael Compton, Gr. 10, Kailua
Aliana Taimanglo, Gr. 8, Kaimuki
Marinelle Dulluog, Gr. 7, Kalihi-Palama
Lamont Petty, Gr. 8, Kaneohe
Charlz Croker, Gr. 10, Kapolei
Lisa Luo-Xu, Gr. 9, Library for the Blind & Physically Handicapped
Sophia Guo, Gr. 8, Liliha
Hyo Bin Chun, Gr. 7, McCully-Moiliili
Toni Marie Reyes, Gr. 8, Mililani
Sabrina Gibson, Gr. 10, Pearl City
Rayden de Leon, Gr. 10, Salt Lake-Moanalua
Hannah Barros, Gr. 11, Wahiawa
Jesse Buenrostro, Gr. 12, Waialua
Devon Holcomb, Gr. 8, Waianae
Amaya Soto, Gr. 8, Waikiki-Kapahulu
Jaymie Lum, Gr. 8, Waimanalo
Cody Andres-Paguirigan, Gr. 7, Waipahu

North Kohala Public Library has reached another milestone, as it generated more energy than it consumed during the month of May.  The Hawaii State Public Library System's newest library opened last November at 54-3645 Akoni Pule Highway.  This "green" library on the island of Hawaii, normally generates two-thirds of its own energy, but in May it produced two more kilowatt hours of electricity than it used during the month.  

The 6,000 square foot, $7.8 million dollar building was designed by CDS International, and includes creative and innovative design features such as wind and photovoltaic energy systems, water catchment and retention systems, and design elements to maximize ambient lighting and ventilation.  The Library is a model for energy efficiency and sustainability, and is in alignment with Governor Neil Abercrombie's "New Day" plan to make more State Government buildings energy efficient.

"North Kohala Public Library is located in a unique land area where truly all the stars aligned to make this happen," said architect Glenn Miura of CDS International.  "North Kohala is one of the best places in the islands for wind turbines because winds blowing in from the Pacific Ocean converge at the northern tip of the Big Island.  Upcountry Kohala's sunny, cool days provide the perfect weather conditions for the photovoltaic panels."       

"Thus, we were blessed by the sun, the wind, plus the boundless enthusiasm of the people of Kohala that was demonstrated by the "Huki Puke" ("passing of the books") last October when more than 1,000 community volunteers formed a 'human chain' to pass several thousand books over a mile from the "old" Bond Memorial Public Library to the "new" North Kohala Public Library.  I made the trip from Oahu just to be part of this once-in-a-lifetime event," Miura said.

"When the weather conditions are just right," said Janet Lam, branch manager of North Kohala Public Library, "this building can produce all of the energy it needs."

"Last December, after the Library had been open for just one month, the wind and photovoltaic energy systems began generating electricity soon after the systems were up and running," she said.  "It was a nearly weather-less day – no sun and no wind – yet we were generating electricity!" 

"The future looks bright for North Kohala Public Library," said Lam.  "We are very excited about the unlimited potential and monetary savings that our alternate energy systems can offer."