Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0038.000 2010-2012 • William P. Kenoi - •:�� �; %'�:• - Warren H. W. Lee Mayor Director William T. Takaba r� M "'�'' Managing Director Gurtt r- DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS r --, Aupuni Center 101 Pauahi Street, Suite 7 • Hilo, Hawaii 96720 -4224 - (808) 961 -8321 • Fax (808) 961 -8630 www.co.hawaii.hi.us DECEMBER 10, 2010 HONORABLE DOMINIC YAGONG, COUNCIL CHAIR AND MEMBERS OF THE COUNTY COUNCIL HAWAII COUNTY BUILDING H I LO HI 96720 SUBJECT: OUTDOOR LIGHTING We request the Hawaii County Code, Chapter 14, Article 9, section 14 -51. Definitions (a), be amended by adding two new items as follows: (_) "Blue light content ". ( _) "Traffic color compliant" We also request the Hawaii County Code, Chapter 14, Article 9, section 14 -52. General requirements, be amended by changing partially shielded lighting fixtures to fully shielded lighting fixtures and allowing LED fixtures with less than 2% blue light content and traffic color compliant within 1320 feet of signalized intersections or within 100 feet of marked crosswalks. This amendment is intended to increase highway and pedestrian safety as following: 1. Reduction of light glare by changing from partially shielded to fully shielded fixtures, 2. Increase color rendetion by approximately 10 fold for night time vision and 3. Achieve traffic color compliant which eliminates the current LPS yellow lighting interference with the traffic signal yellow caution light: This amendment has been coordinated with the Institute for Astronomy. <lt 1 a. ) Comm. No. 32' Ref. To: P w P KL Ref. Date DEC 2 1 2010 County of Hawai`i is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer. APPROVED V Warren H.W. Lee William P. Kenoi Director of Public Works Mayor RLT /ATT cc: TRF Public Works Committee Chair (w /attach) Chief of Police County of Hawai' i is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer. County of Hawaii Dement ofPublic Woks - Traffic Division December 10, 2010 Wieffe044 To: COUNTY COUNCIL Thru: WARREN H. W. LEE, Director, Public Works From: RONALD L. THIEL, P. E., Chief, Traffic Division SUBJECT: OUTDOOR LIGHTING FOR ROADWAYS CONVERSION FROM LOW PRESSURE SODIUM (LPS) TO LIGHT EMITTING DIODES (LED) Over the past three years the Traffic Division has been researching the possible conversion of Low Pressure Sodium lights (LPS) to Light Emitting Diode lights (LED). The LED industry has introduced a very energy efficient product with projected savings up to 80% +/- in a cool light with a Kelvin temperature rating exceeding 5000K. This light, however, does not fall in the comfort zone of the human eye experience and is very damaging to the Astronomy observatory sky observations due to the high blue light content which is scattered much more easily than other light wavelengths and is seen as sky -glow by the Rayleigh scattering effect. Reasons for considering converting to LEDs are listed below: 1. Current energy costs for County Roadways in the Traffic Division annual budget is $1,200,000 and potential savings can be 50 to 60% amounting to an energy savings of $600,000 +. 2. Maintenance is greatly reduced because of the longer life expectancy of the light unit. 3. LPS lighting produces a harsh yellow light that competes with the yellow caution light of the traffic signals. 4. LPS lights have a color rendition of 5 on a scale of 100 where other available lighting products can achieve a 50 to 80. Blood appears black at an accident scene. 5. LPS s are not recommended by the lighting industry to be used in areas where safety is a concern because of the peripheral vision restriction especially at intersections where pedestrians and vehicles intermix. 6. LPS gives off a reflective glare, especially in rainy conditions, that impedes visual discernment of traffic lane markings. 7. There are programs that offer stimulus monies and rebates that may be available for the conversion 1 Outdoor Lighting December 10, 2010 Page 2 of 3 The first testing of LEDs occurred about two years ago at the intersection of Kamehameha Highway /Manono /Lihiwai in Hilo with the installation of four cool LED lights that the Traffic Division purchased for testing purposes. The location was coordinated with the State DOT Regional office because of the vertical curve at the bridge which increased the competition of the LPS yellow light and the yellow caution light of the traffic signal and the extreme rainy conditions. The energy savings of the test measured at 72% which was good, however, the light levels were too low for the Traffic Division, the spectrum was too blue for the Institute for Astronomy, and the manufacture did not follow through with promised product development. The conclusions of this test was to look for warmer lights between the 3,000 Kelvin(K) to 4,000K temperature range. It was also decided not to purchase additional lights for testing. Several manufactures contacted us to look at their product, especially after we were awarded a $500,000 ARRA stimulus grant for LEDs that was published nationwide. All future testing was conducted by accepting produce lines that were provided to the County at no cost. The LED manufactures /providers informed us that they could not obtain reasonable energy savings in the LEDs with the color temperature below 3500K. The Institute for Astronomy was not pleased with the amount of blue light that was coming from the LED's that were above the 3000K range. Hence, we were faced with a dilemma without a solution. Meanwhile the LED industry began publishing many light units that were advertised as Dark Sky compliant and confusion reigned. Further investigation showed that on the main land the Dark Sky compliant rating was being used to indicate a fully cut off fixture only and had nothing to do with the Kelvin temperature rating that concerned the Institute for Astronomy. The International Dark -Sky Association published a brochure - Nightscape - issue #80/2010 in early 2010 wherein they recommended five points: 1. Always choose fully shielded fixtures 2. Use "warm- white" or filtered LEDs (CCT lower than about 3,000K to minimize blue emission. 3. Look for products with dimming capabilities 4. Work with utility companies for establishing a reduced rate for dimmed or turning off lights at late hours. 5. Consider the longevity of the entire fixture. The Traffic Division started looking at the possibility of using filters with the LEDs because the LEDs themselves were not producing the lighting spectrum that was satisfactory to our Traffic Division nor the Institute for Astronomy. The end result was a LED product that used a filter that reduced the harmful blue light and only allowed 1% to 2% in the range of 400 to 500 nanometers (nm) but was also in the higher range of the Kelvin temperature which provided the better energy efficiency. Fourteen LED were installed at the intersection of Kamehameha /Manono /Lihiwai earlier this year. The test has been very favorable and test results are showing a 50%+ energy savings. County of Hawai'I is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer. Outdoor Lighting December 10, 2010 Page 3 of 3 This code amendment is tailored to allow the industry to continue with product development, hence, no mention regarding filters is referenced. The only restriction that this amendment is making relating to the reduction is the blue light below the 500 nm wavelength and it will be housed in a fully shielded enclosure. The intent of this amendment is to start the process of converting to LED's at the highest safety related locations and the highest wattage lamps and continue looking for satisfactory solutions for reducing light pollution in the subdivisions and residential areas where the lower wattage lamps exist. The stimulus monies of$500,000 is also a candidate for a State of Hawaii rebate program of 30% which will give even a greater value in the change over. RLT County of Hawai'I is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer. Chapter 14 GENERAL WELFARE Article 9. Outdoor Lighting. Section 14 -50. Applicability and scope of article. (a) This article shall apply to the installation of all outdoor lighting fixtures within the County. (b) The provisions of this article, including provisions for the imposition upon any person of the penalties by fine for any violation of this article, shall not be construed to exclude the operation of applicable State statutes or other County ordinances. In the case of conflict with other County ordinances, the stricter ordinance shall apply. (1988, Ord. No. 88 -122, sec. 3.) Section 14 -51. Definitions. (a) As used in this article, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise: (1) "Outdoor lighting fixture" means any outdoor artificial lighting device, fixture, lamp, or other similar device, permanently installed or portable, which is intended to provide illumination for either visibility or decorative effects. Such device shall include, but not be limited to, search, spot, and flood lighting used for: (A) Buildings and structures; (B) Recreational facilities; (C) Parking Tots; (D) Landscape lighting; (E) Business and advertising signs; (F) Roadways; (G) Walkways. (2) "Class I lighting" means all outdoor lighting used for, but not limited to, outdoor sales and eating areas, assembly or repair areas, advertising or business signs, recreational facilities, and other similar applications in which color rendition is important. (3) "Class II lighting" means all outdoor lighting used for, but not limited to, illumination for walkways, roadways, equipment yards, parking lots, outdoor security, and other similar applications in which general illumination of the grounds is the primary concern. (4) "Class III lighting" means any outdoor lighting used for decorative effects. It includes, but is not limited to, waterfall and pond lighting and architectural highlighting for buildings and landscapes. (5) "Building official" means the director of public works or the director's designated representative. (6) "Individual" means any private individual, governmental entity, tenant, lessee, owner, or any commercial entity including, but not limited to, companies, partnerships, joint ventures, or corporations. (7) "Fully shielded" means the outdoor lighting fixture is constructed so that all of the light emitted by the fixture is projected below the horizontal plane of the lowest point of the fixture. (8) "Partially shielded" means that the outdoor lighting fixture is constructed so that at least ninety percent of the light emitted by the fixture is projected below the horizontal plane of the lowest point of the fixture. (9) "Blue Light Content" means the ratio of the amount of energy emitted by the outdoor light fixture between 400 and 500 nm divided by the amount of energy between 400 and 700 nm. aimed: 740 nm (10) "Traffic Color Compliant means the 1931 CIE x y color coordinates of the outdoor light fixture is outside of any of the traffic signal color boxes as defined by ITE ST -052 500 /AGS -PM /1105. (1988, Ord. No. 88-122, sec. 3; Am. 2001, Ord. No. 01 -108, sec. 1.) Section 14 -52. General requirements. (a) Standard Gourcc - - • • • " - - , � � p .. - .. ... etie . . - . All class types of outdoor light fixtures shall follow the requirements set forth in Table 14 -A. (b) Shielding. All outdoor lights shall be shielded pursuant to the requirements set forth in Table 14 -A. (c) Hours of operation. All outdoor light fixtures shall be subject to the hours of operation as required by Table 14 -A. (d) Mercury vapor lights prohibited. Mercury vapor lamps shall not be used for any new outdoor lighting installations or for the replacement of any existing installation. All existing mercury vapor outdoor lighting fixtures shall be removed by August 17, 1998. (e) Blue Light Content. The Blue Light Content of the outdoor light fixture shall be pursuant to the requirements set forth in Table 14 -A. (f) Traffic Color Compliant. The color of the outdoor light fixture shall be pursuant to the requirements set forth in Table 14 -A. (1988, Ord. No. 88 -122, sec. 3.) Section 14 -53. Exemptions. (a) Existing light fixtures. All outdoor light fixtures planned and approved by the County or existing and legally installed prior to September 1, 1988, are exempt from the installation and shielding requirements of this article, except that when existing outdoor light fixtures become inoperable, the outdoor light fixtures which replace them shall comply with the requirements of this article. (b) Fossil fuel light. All outdoor light fixtures producing light directly by the combustion of fossil fuels, such as kerosene and gasoline, shall be exempt from the requirements of this article. (c) Holiday decorative lighting. Low wattage fixtures used for holiday decorations shall be exempt from the requirements of this article. (d) Residential incandescent illumination. Private residential incandescent light fixtures which are fully shielded or have a lumen output of less than eight thousand one hundred lumens for each acre of property that Is intended to be illuminated shall be exempt from the requirements of this article. (e) Business signs. Outdoor advertising signs, if constructed of translucent material, and illuminated totally from within and colored with an opaque background using translucent letters or symbols, shall be exempt from the requirements of this article, except that the hours of operation shall be the same as those for Class I outdoor lighting. (f) Searchlights. Searchlights used for advertising purposes shall be exempt from the requirements of this article, except that the operation of such lights is limited to the hours of 6 :00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. (g) Emergency lighting. Emergency lighting required for public safety is exempt from the requirements of this article. (1988, Ord. No. 88 -122, sec. 3.) Section 14 -54. Submission of plans. (a) All outdoor lighting fixtures shall be installed in conformance with the provisions of this article and those of the electrical code of the County as applicable and subject to the appropriate permit and inspection requirements thereof. The applicant for any permit required by the County for work involving nonexempt outdoor light fixtures shall submit to the building official proof that the proposed work will comply with the article requirements. The submission shall contain, but not be limited to, the following: (1) The location of the site where the outdoor light fixtures will be installed; (2) Plans indicating the type(s) of outdoor light fixtures to be used and their location on the premises; (3) A description of the outdoor light fixtures including, but not limited to, manufacturer's catalog cuts and drawings. (b) The plans and descriptions required by subsection (a) sufficiently complete to enable the building official to readily determine whether compliance with the requirements of this article will be secured. If such plans and descriptions cannot enable this ready determination, by reason of the nature or configuration of the devices or fixtures proposed, the applicant shall be required to submit further proof of compliance. Furthermore, any design, material, or method of installation not specifically forbidden by this article may be used, provided any such altemate has first been approved by the building official The building official may approve any such proposed alternate provided: (1) It is at least approximately equivalent to the applicable specific requirements of this article; and (2) It is otherwise satisfactory and complies with the intent of this article. (1988, Ord. No. 88 -122, sec. 3.) Section 14 -55. Tables. TABLE 14 -A CLASS 1 Lamp Type Shielding Requirements Operation Restrictions Low Pressure Sodium Par 1aN i-ui y Shielded None i Low Pressure Sodium I Partr+dy Shielded Existing fixtures only. New Installations as of Oct. 2010 prohibited Others above 4,050 lumens Fully Shielded Off from 11:00 p.m. to sunrise* Others below 4,050 lumens Fully Shielded Off from 11:00 p.m. to sunrise* LED fixtures with less than 2% Fully Shielded Off at 11:00 p.m. to sunrise* I Blue Light Content CLASS 2 Lamp Type Shielding Requirements Operation Restrictions Low Pressure Sodium, 90 watts or None Existing fixtures only. New less Installations as of Oct. 2010 prohibited Low Pressure Sodium, greater Partially Shielded Existing fixtures only. New than 90 watts + installations as of Oct. 2010 prohibited Low Pressure Sodium Fully Shielded None LED fixtures with less than 2% Fully Shielded Streetlights within 1320 feet of Blue Light Content and Traffic signalized intersections or within 100 Color Compliant feet of marked crosswalks Others above 4,050 lumens Prohibited Others below 4,050 lumens Prohibited CLASS 3 Lamy Type Shielding Requirements Operation Restrictions Low Pressure Sodium Fully Shielded None Others above 4,050 lumens Prohibited Others below 4,050 lumens Fully Shielded Off from 11:00 p.m. to sunrise* Neon None Off from 11:00 p.m. to sunrise* *These lights may remain on after 11 :00 p.m. if bona fide business or recreational activities are taking place. (1988, Ord. No. 88 -122, sec. 3.) Section 14 -55.1. Penalty. Any person violating any provision of this article shall, upon conviction, be punished by a fine not to exceed $500. Such person shall be deemed guilty of a separate offense for each and every day any violation of this article is committed. Furthermore, payment of such a fine shall not relieve the individual from the responsibility of correcting the volative condition, nor shall it preclude the County from instituting any action for its removal. (1988, Ord. No. 88 -122, sec. 3.)