Schools get energy-monitoring tools
Hawaiian Electric Co. said Monday it teamed up with an energy storage company and the state Department of Education to install energy management systems at 240 of the state’s public schools.
The utility said all public elementary, middle and high schools in its service territories — on Hawaii island, Maui County and Oahu — will receive energy-monitoring devices and software from the collaboration between Stem Inc., a California-based software-driven energy storage company; Hawaiian Electric Cos.; Energy Excelerator, a Honolulu-based startup program; and the DOE.
The units are set up to monitor the schools’ total energy use. They function like meters with telecommunications capabilities to track energy use in real time. HECO did not provide an estimate of the systems’ cost. A typical commercial customer would pay $400 to 500 for one installation.
The installation was paid for by Hawaiian Electric Cos.’ Smart Power for Schools program, which is funded by donations from customers and the utility. Installations at all public schools on Maui, Lanai, Molokai and Hawaii island are completed. HECO said installations at Oahu’s public schools are expected to be completed in the first week of July.
Meal delivery services become Zipdish
Room Service in Paradise has merged with three similar companies doing business in five mainland markets to become Zipdish. The newly created Chicago-based company said it delivers for thousands of restaurants, including national chains such as Chili’s and California Pizza Kitchen. The merger will mean a re-branding for Room Service in Paradise Inc., which just marked its 20th anniversary in business.
“It’s bittersweet,” said Noel Nedli, Room Service president. “It’s been going 20 years. It’s a recognized brand. People love the name.”
Zipdish’s co-founders and Nedli’s new partners are Larry Neibauer and Jeff Spitzer.
“I’m going to be responsible for my business in my market,” said Nedli, whose title with Zipdish is chief growth officer.
On the Move
Outrigger Hotels and Resorts has named Simeon Miranda to general manager for the Outrigger-managed Embassy Suites by Hilton Waikiki Beach Walk. Miranda returns to Hawaii after a year and a half on Guam as Outrigger’s corporate director of operations, Pacific. While there Miranda oversaw the Outrigger Guam Beach Resort through the general manager, helped to complete the two-year capital improvement plan and expanded the resort’s Korean and Japanese markets. Before moving to Guam, Miranda was the general manager for Holiday Inn Waikiki Beachcomber Resort, Airport Honolulu Hotel and Best Western the Plaza Hotel.
Hawaiian Telcom has announced that Ted Jung Jr. is the company’s video content director. He has more than 30 years’ experience in the broadcast and video industry, including previously serving as a producer for Simple Media Hawaii and former managing partner and general manager of Liquid Planet Studios. He also produced the Merrie Monarch Festivals from 2009 to 2014 as well as a documentary film about the Shinnyo-en lantern floating ceremony in Hawaii.
