Solar array over the rainbow is investment in the future

For more than 50 years, Rainbow Drive-In in Kapa­hulu has been the go-to place for plate lunches, loco mocos and chili dogs. Even President Barack Obama eats there while on vacation.

With its trademark neon rainbow sign, the eatery has become a landmark at the corner of Kanaina and Kapa­­hulu avenues and remains one of the few places you can still get a generous plate lunch for less than $10.

While most fans may have heard that Rainbow Drive-In recently expanded its offerings by opening Hawaii’s Favorite Kitchens next door, with poke bowls from Poke Stop, beloved KC Waffle Dogs and Hoku BBQ Chicken, few may have noticed the new solar panels.

That’s right. Rainbow Drive-In has gone solar — with 184 photovoltaic panels, to be exact, making up a 56.1-kilowatt system.

If you’ve looked closely at the covering over the drive-in’s new shaded parking spots and extra dining tables, you might have noticed it is made up of beams supporting a solar array. The contractor, Kama­‘aina Solar Solutions, calls it a solar canopy.

For Rainbow’s Senior Vice President Jim Gusu­kuma, the goal is to use clean energy while saving on electricity costs.

"I think, eventually, solar is the cleanest way to go," he said. "If you’re able to do it, you have that obligation for the future."

He did not disclose how much the solar PV system cost, but estimates the company will realize a 60 percent savings on its current average monthly electric bill of $5,500. Most of the drive-in’s stoves run on propane gas, but the refrigerators, walk-in freezer and other appliances use electricity.

Gusukuma recently got an electric BMW i3 sedan and a few years ago invested in a PV system for his Hono­lulu home. Rainbow Drive-In President Harvey Iwa­mura drives a hybrid.

Although the system isn’t hooked up yet, due to some permitting issues, the drive-in expects to have it connected in a few more weeks.

Gusukuma says a long-term lease of more than 20 years from the property owner helped the family-run business make the solar investment, along with other improvements.

He’s added a RainbowTiki hut near the order window selling logo T-shirts, chili seasoning, Rainbow Bees honey and other merchandise, all in an effort to diversify the restaurant’s offerings.

Several other longtime drive-ins in Hono­lulu have gone out of business, including Byron’s Drive-In and KC Drive Inn, but his hope is that Rainbow Drive-In sticks around awhile.

"It’s a commitment to the neighborhood and to our customers," said Gusu­kuma. "By doing this, we’re in it for the long run. It’s kind of an investment in the future, to ensure that Rainbow’s has a chance to continue."

Nina Wu writes about environmental issues. Reach her at nwu@staradvertiser.com and follow her on Twitter @ecotraveler.