WAILUKU, Hawaii — Maui County Mayor Michael Victorino announced a new agreement with contractor Johnson Controls will result in energy and water efficiency cost savings of $73 million for Maui taxpayers over a 20-year period, according to a news release.

What You Need To Know

  • Maui County’s $29 million Phase 1 agreement with Johnson Controls is projected to result in $73 million savings for taxpayers over a 20-year period

  • The project will create more than 40 jobs in engineering, project management and maintenance support

  • The agreement requires Johnson Controls to guarantee energy and water efficiency savings that will be measured annually, as well as provide maintenance support

  • Benefits forecast for the Phase 1 project include a reduction of 2,293 tons of greenhouse gas emissions annually; a 33% reduction of potable water consumption by Maui County; and a 6% reduction in the county’s electricity bill

Earlier in the year, Maui County had issued a request for proposals in search of ways to reduce energy, water and fuel use countywide following a spike in oil prices in December. The county’s $29 million Phase 1 agreement with the contractor is projected to result in the $73 million savings with work projects to be done at 141 county facilities.

“This is a fiscally responsible project that saves taxpayer dollars, creates local jobs, reduces our carbon footprint, and importantly, frees up clean water that we can use for affordable housing,” said Mayor Victorino in the release. “Reducing dependence on fossil fuels means we are taking money out of an oil tanker and keeping it right here, investing in jobs for our residents.”

The project will create more than 40 jobs in engineering, project management and maintenance support.

“I’m excited to see our Wailuku office filled up with engineers, project managers and technicians who want to make a positive impact for the County of Maui,” said Ron Young, area operations manager for Johnson Controls.

The agreement requires Johnson Controls to guarantee energy and water efficiency savings that will be measured annually, as well as provide maintenance support. Shortfalls in projected annual savings in any given year will be covered by a shortfall check made out to the county for the difference, followed by actions to improve energy efficiency.

Benefits forecast for the Phase 1 project include a reduction of 2,293 tons of greenhouse gas emissions annually; a 33% reduction of potable water consumption by Maui County; and a 6% reduction in the county’s electricity bill.

The county is also working on solar and storage, EV fleet vehicles and other improvements.

“This project puts us on a strong footing to achieve the goals outlined in our soon-to-be released Climate Action and Resiliency Plan,” stated Alex de Roode, Maui County’s energy commissioner. “This is not just a report with goals. It is an action plan with specific measures that are urgently needed to address climate change and make our islands more resilient. Those actions have taken a big leap forward with the signing of this energy savings performance contract. We still have more work to do to reach our clean energy and climate action goals.”

Various projects at 141 county facilities — office buildings, fire stations, police stations, parks, Department of Water Supply, and environmental management facilities on Maui, Lanai and Molokai —include retrofitting interior/exterior spaces with LED lighting, electric vehicles and charging stations, replacing plumbing fixtures to high-efficiency models and air infiltration and ventilation improvements.

Sarah Yamanaka covers events, environmental and community news for Spectrum News Hawaii.