Hawai’i DOE Sustainability Advisor Charting a sustainable future for Hawaii's public schools

Client State of Hawaii Department of Education
Location Statewide, HI
Size Pohukaina Elementary School: 130,000 – 145,000 sq ft

Waikoloa Middle School Classroom Building: 21,000 sq ft

Waipahu High School Integrated Academic Facility: 30,000 sq ft
Completion 2017-2022

In 2013, WRNS Studio was selected as Sustainability Advisor to the Hawai’i Department of Education (DOE)—the eighth largest school district in the nation, encompassing 255 schools, 3,872 buildings, and 44.6 million square feet of facilities. In this role, we developed guidelines for helping the DOE achieve its goals of 90% renewable energy by 2040 as part of the Hawai’i Clean Energy Initiative.

Ka Hei

This landmark plan is called Ka Hei. The name, chosen by educational specialists in the DOE’s Hawaiian Language Immersion Program, comes from a snare used by the Hawaiian god Maui to capture the sun. It also means “to absorb as knowledge or skill.” In addition to guiding public schools toward energy independence, our efforts aim to transform them into sustainable, vibrant centers of the communities they serve.

Small changes, big impact: getting to net-zero

Starting with immediate solutions—efficient lighting, occupancy sensors, ceiling fans, solar fans, faucet aerators, and daylighting sensors and systems—the initiative sets the stage for transformative, long-term projects. These include converting school campuses to net-zero energy through on-site solar, wave, and wind power generation systems.

A sustainable education: empowering the next generation

Educational programs are integrated with the DOE’s plan to harness sustainable energy, providing new opportunities in science, engineering, technology, and math for students, staff, faculty, and the broader community.

Ka Hei in action

Following our work as Sustainability Advisor, WRNS Studio was asked to bring Ka Hei to life at Waikoloa Elementary and Middle School, Pohukaina Elementary School, Waipahu High School, and throughout numerous heat abatement efforts across the State.