Hawaii Electric Light commemorates 125 years of service
Honoring our past, our people, our Hawaii Island
Release Date: 11/5/2019
HILO, Nov. 5, 2019 – This year, Hawaii Electric Light commemorates 125 years of providing electric service to Hawaii Island.
Our history as a kamaaina company dates back to 1894 when 100 percent of the energy generated came from a hydroelectric unit using water leased from the Hilo Boarding School’s irrigation ditch. Today, we’re here 24/7 providing electricity from a diverse mix of resources including hydro, solar, wind and biofuels, drawing us closer to a 100 percent clean energy future.
The celebration began with tours of the company’s historic Shipman Power Plant in September and continues with weekly prizes on KWXX radio through Dec. 6. The community is invited to the remaining events which include two movie nights and a gathering outside the original Hilo Electric Light office in downtown Hilo.
A free drive-in movie night will be held on Friday, Nov. 15, in the Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium parking lot. Showtime is 6:30 p.m. Food will be available for purchase starting at 5 p.m. In addition to the movie, the family celebration includes games, prizes and the Hawaii Classic Cruizers. This is an alcohol and drug-free event. Chairs and mats are welcome but tents are not permitted. This event was postponed in August due to approaching storms.
On Thursday morning, Dec. 5, the 125th Anniversary Celebration will be held in Downtown Hilo outside the original Hilo Electric Light Company headquarters located at Kalakaua Street. The community is invited to enjoy light refreshments, historic displays and commemorative anniversary giveaways from 8 to 9:45 a.m. Lower Kalakaua Street will be closed from 6:30 to 10 a.m. for this event.
In Kona, a free “Outdoor Movie Night” will be held on Saturday, Dec. 7, at Kona Commons starting at 5 p.m. Showtime is 6 p.m. In addition to the movie, there will be prize drawings, information booths featuring local non-profit organizations, visits with Santa, and free popcorn. Picnic chairs and blankets are welcome but coolers, alcohol and outside food are not permitted. In the spirit of the holiday season, new, unwrapped toys will be collected for the Toys for Tots program to benefit our island keiki.
For more information, please visit www.hawaiianelectric.com, Twitter (@HIElectricLight), Facebook (HawaiianElectric), and Instagram (@HawaiianElectric).
