This is an update to my August 2007 column, A Rare Visit to Ni`ihau. After much planning, contractors installed a 10.4 kW photovoltaic power system with battery storage in December 2007 at Ni`ihau Island School. This is now the first school in the state powered entirely by solar energy!
In the photo above, the three large buildings on the left and center are classrooms. The one behind the solar panels has two rooms and is used for storing all the batteries and other equipment related to the operation. The two small buildings next to the classrooms and the solar panels are storage sheds for the school. And in the background are outhouses (rusty roof and green roof).
“This project shows that renewable energy self-sufficiency can be achieved in our DOE schools through the cooperative efforts of community, government and business,” said island owner Bruce Robinson. “A special thanks goes to Ni`ihau parents and students who put so much effort into this project, along with all the other contributors.”
Mayor Bryan Baptiste says the power system will help improve the health and nutrition of the students and staff, and upgrade educational opportunities for the students. The system consists of eighty 130 watt Kyocera solar panels and 72 deep cycle marine grade batteries.
The man instrumental to the task was Bill Arakaki, former principal of Ni`ihau Island School. He’s now Kaua‘i district superintendent for the DOE. “The basic need for electricity at Ni`ihau Island School has been one of many challenges for the community,” says Arakaki. “The new photovoltaic system will enhance the educational environment. Many thanks go out to the people that persisted and kept the vision in mind.”
Ni`ihau Island School currently serves approximately 30 students in grades K to 12. The exact count varies daily because residents travel to and from Kaua‘i and sometimes attend school there.
New computers and educational technology aren’t the only things the power source brings. This also lets the students and staff eat healthier. Before they had the photovoltaic system, the school couldn’t keep fresh fruits and vegetables, dairy products, meat, fish and poultry. Most of the meals were from canned and dry goods.
And the community will benefit too; the renewable power source can be used for village events. The county will retain ownership of the photovoltaic system for about 10 years, while the DOE will be responsible for maintaining the system.
The project was a collaborative effort between: the County of Kaua‘i; state Department of Education; Seattle-based DPK, Inc.; Gay & Robinson, Inc.; Ni`ihau Helicopters, Inc.; Ni`ihau Ranch; Ron’s Electric; and USDA Rural Development.
The total cost for the photovoltaic power system with battery storage was $207,000. The majority of the funds, $150,000, were provided by a Community Facilities Economic Impact Initiative Grant from the USDA Rural Development. Matching funds were contributed by the County Energy Extension Service, $32,000, and the DOE, $25,000.
CPR Skills Handy for Travelers
In other news, Congress designates the first week of this month “National Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and Automated External Defibrillator (AED) Awareness Week.” The American Red Cross cites a staggering 95 percent mortality rate for the over 300,000 Americans who are victims of sudden cardiac arrest each year.
The American Red Cross’ Hawaii Chapter CEO Coralee Matayoshi says that, on average, it takes eight to 10 minutes for first responders to reach a victim. Therefore, she says, everyone should be trained and certified in lifesaving skills in order to give help until paramedics arrive.
The Red Cross and the American Heart Association share a vision of having all Americans within four minutes of an AED device and have someone trained to use it. Matayoshi explains that for every minute defibrillation is delayed, there is a10 percent decrease in the likelihood of resuscitation.
Before you go on your trip, here are some common sense tips from the Red Cross:
- See your doctor for a quick check up to make sure you’re healthy
- Hand carry and mark your medications, and keep a list in your wallet
- Pack a small First Aid kit
- Carry a small, disposable resuscitation mask in case you must perform Rescue Breathing or administer CPR; you can find a variety at your local Red Cross office, or online
- Review your CPR skills (which should be done every few months)
- While traveling, mentally note where AEDs and first aid stations are located in airports, airplanes, hotels and large amusement centers
- If traveling in a foreign country, learn the words for help, emergency, and doctor
CELEBRITY SUITCASE
Kate Carrubba and Trish Nickel, great-granddaughters of Alfred Hitchcock (with dad Paul Carrubba)
Kate’s must haves: Camera, phone, toiletries
Trish’s travel needs: Ipod, book, sunscreen, sunglasses
These half-sisters from Santa Cruz don’t think of their iconic great-grandfather so much as a film star, but as a family member. His movie posters are hung up on the walls of the home, but so are many family photos of the patriarch. “I guess it’s cool,” shrugs the younger sister, Kate. “My friends are all fans.”
Kate is a freshman at Villanova University, while her older sister Trish is a buyer at Cost Plus World Market. Both sisters have been to Europe, all over the United States, and around the Hawaiian Islands. Kate, by the way, is 1/16th Native Hawaiian.
The young women have deep Hawaii ties. Dad Paul Carrubba (center) is a former Honolulu resident, with many relatives still in the islands. The family takes a Hawaii vacation annually, in either Maui or Honolulu.
