Energy conservation can take place in small steps, and that is the case on the friendly isle of Molokai.
Some months back, a program was started to replace incandescent bulbs with CFL's on Molokai.
"We started off last year in Molokai changing out lots of light bulbs, energy-efficient light bulbs. So the concept of "Hui Up" is again bringing the community together and everyone working together," said Francois Rogers from the Blue Planet Foundation.
Yes, the name of the group is "Hui Up" and their ambition is moving up.
"So this year we decided we should change out refrigerators with Energy Star appliances to reduce energy," said Rogers.
And why did Blue Planet pick Molokai for this experiment?
"Because Molokai does pay one of the highest electricity rates possibly in the nation and we always want to focus on how can we reduce the energy consumption by providing ways and means of doing that," said Rogers.
By some standards, this is a modest project - with the help of Servco, getting 60 residents to change to Energy Star refrigerators.
"I think our ultimate goal is that they all save money instantly because of changing out the refrigerators, the old refrigerators. And then again, it is saving electricity - conservation always the key," said Rogers.
We mentioned Servco, but there are lots of partners with Blue Planet in this venture.
"Our biggest partner is sustainable Molokai who is doing most of the groundwork right now in Molokai. They're working with the students, the residents to make this happen. We do have other partners for funding purposes - DBED AARA energy office who's helping with funding," said Rogers.
Savings for consumers means savings for us all.
"First of all, I think conservatively, I think we could look at five years at the life of the refrigerator - even longer of course. But if you've got the first five years, I think the 60 plus residents who are receiving this will save about 150 thousand in total costs," said Rogers.
Students will play a big part in the Hui Up program, monitoring the energy savings of Molokai residents taking part in the program.
