David Y. Ige

HONOLULU – The Hawaii State Department of Education (HIDOE) is teaming up with Hawaii 3R’s to raise funds towards cooling schools. Hawaii 3R’s is a local nonprofit organization aimed to Repair, Remodel, Restore Hawaii’s public schools.

HIDOE has been working on long-term solutions to cool classrooms that lack air conditioning units. However, the record-breaking temperatures have caused extreme conditions in classrooms and the Department is purchasing temporary solutions such as portable AC units and fans.

Hawaii 3R’s is providing a venue to allow for donations to this cause.

“This year’s heat has been unbearable for many across the state, especially in classrooms that are without cooling units,” said Superintendent Kathryn Matayoshi. “We’re very grateful to all who have made donations to their schools and have expressed the desire to help. This partnership with Hawaii 3R’s provides an opportunity to donate funds so that schools can make the purchases that fit their immediate needs to cool classrooms.”

Hawaii 3R’s is accepting monetary donations to reimburse schools who purchase fans and other heat-relief items. To learn more visit: https://hawaii3rs.com/cool-schools-2015/.

HIDOE recently requested an exemption to state procurement rules to make an emergency purchase of up to 250 portable AC units to place in high priority classrooms for heat-relief.

According to the National Weather Service, high temperatures and humidity this summer have produced about 50 high temperature records.

· FACT SHEET: Heat Abatement: You Can Help: bit.ly/heat-help
· FACT SHEET: Cooling Schools: bit.ly/heatfacts