The State Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, Office of Community Services has been allocated $165,356.00 in federal funds from the U.S. Department of Energy for OCS LBR 903-09, the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) Services for Low-Income Persons. In addition, carryover funds in the amount of $13,471 from the previous year’s program shall be used. The statewide program enables low-income households to reduce their energy costs by providing them energy conservation education and whole house weatherization services based upon a federally-approved energy audit process. Weatherization measures include low-flow shower heads and faucet aerators, compact fluorescent lights (CFLs), replacement room air conditioners, replacement refrigerators, and replacement water heater systems (solar and hybrid heat pump) and heater timers. Eligible low-income clients must be at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines established by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Household categories include: (1) single family and multi-family residences, (2) elderly persons’ residences, (3) handicapped persons’ residences, and (4) renter’s residences. The program shall run (“or be in effect”) from July 15, 2011 to March 31, 2012.

A public hearing on the WAP State Plan is scheduled for Tuesday, June 21, 2011 at 9:00 am in the Office of Community Services, at the Ke’elikolani Building, Room 420, 830 Punchbowl Street, Honolulu, HI 96813. Those wishing to testify should provide three (3) copies of their written testimony at the hearing. Testimonies received will be considered prior to final submittal of the WAP State Plan to the U.S. Department of Energy. The proposed WAP State Plan is currently available for review at the following website: http://hawaii.gov/labor/ocs/service-programs/WAP.shtml

Questions and concerns may be addressed to Sonya Seng, Program Specialist, by mail at the above-mentioned Honolulu office address, by phone at (808) 586-8675, by facsimile at (808) 586-8685, or by e-mail at sonya.m.seng @hawaii.gov.

By: Mila Kaahanui
Executive Director