HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017-03-28 Letter to Jill Tokuda re HB 427 HD 2 SD 1 - Relating to Dark Nigh Skies Protection �t�7Y os
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25 Aupum Street,Suite 2603 • Hilo,Hawaii 96720 • (808)961-8211 • Fax(808)961-6553
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March 28, 2017
Senator Jill N. Tokuda, Chair
Committee on Ways and Means
Hawai'i State Capitol
Honolulu, HI 96813
Dear Senator Tokuda and Committee Members,
RE: HB 427 HD 2, SD 1
Relating to Dark Night Skies Protection
Thank you for this opportunity to comment on HB 427 HD2, SD1.
Hawaii County has worked to transition 11,000 County and State street lamps to LED which
results in reduced light pollution and 50% reduction ($1 million annually) in operating energy costs.
Our Department of Research and Development, in partnership with the Department of Public
Works Traffic Division, the Department's Energy Program, the Institute for Astronomy, Hawai'i Wildlife
Center, and Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park, is promoting friendly night skies through its Dark Sky
initiative. This initiative is the outcome of the successful LED streetlight replacement project that
installed fully shielded LED lamps with custom designed blue spectrum filters.
Research has shown that nighttime illumination interferes with migratory bird and nesting turtle
activity, in addition to interfering with sleep cycles in humans. The replacement of energy wasting
incandescent fixtures with light emitting diodes (LED) saves energy, but the blue light spectrum from
most LED fixtures is particularly harmful to the health of wildlife and humans, in addition to interfering
with astronomy, star-gazing activities, and encroaching on wilderness areas. So the Dark Sky
initiative works to encourage the use of appropriate lighting for the benefit of all.
Respectfully submitted,
arry Kim
Mayor
County of Hawaii is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer