HONOLULU - A Maui County government agency and two Maui resorts were recognized recently at the annual Hawai'i Green Business Awards ceremony.
The county's Water Resource and Planning Division managed "to cut water usage by 56 percent, or roughly 133 gallons a day" by installing "more efficient toilet fixtures and flow restrictors at its faucets," according to a news release announcing the awards.
The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua "sharply reduced its water usage" by upgrading its irrigation system with computerized moisture-sensing devices and "installed LED lighting in public areas and adjusted hot water heater settings to cut energy use."
Marriott's Maui Ocean Club in Kaanapali "recycles most of its construction and electronic waste and donates all HI-5 recyclables to local high schools." In addition, the resort's motion sensor light switches and low-flow water fixtures and toilets "sharply reduce the resort's water and energy usage."
Fifteen government agencies and companies were recognized at the March 30 ceremony in Honolulu hosted by Gov. Neil Abercrombie.
"The state of Hawaii, Maui County and local businesses are leading by example, demonstrating that investing in energy efficiency, in recycling and in preserving natural resources protects the environment and makes good business sense," Abercrombie said.
The Hawai'i Green Business Awards program is a partnership between the state Department of Health, Department of Business and Economic Development, Honolulu Board of Water Supply, City and County of Honolulu's Recycling Office and the Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii.
