LIHUE — Nearly a thousand people stood in line Friday night for the Kauai Island Utility Cooperative distribution of three 60-watt equivalent light emitting diode bulbs per customer. The free light bulbs, valued at more than $30, attracted a score
LIHUE — Nearly a thousand people stood in line Friday night for the Kauai Island Utility Cooperative distribution of three 60-watt equivalent light emitting diode bulbs per customer.
The free light bulbs, valued at more than $30, attracted a score of people who lined the mall from the Ross Dress for Less wall to beyond the McDonald’s restaurant as KIUC employees counted down the minutes to the 6 p.m. start.
KIUC gave away about 3,000 LED bulbs in 90 minutes.
“My wife is out shopping so I’m not going to get another three lamps,” said Marco Fanato of Wailua, waiting since 4 p.m. for the distribution. “Have you heard of ‘Christmas in July.’ This is it. This is a great project because it is beneficial to everyone — the county, the cooperative, and the people. They should give out more so we can change out all our light bulbs.”
Kathy Williams, KIUC energy services supervisor, said a lot of people have not switched to LED bulbs because they sell for between $10 and $15 each.
Jill Kouchi was thrilled with her package of lamps and energy-saving tips, extracting a bulb for a social media photo against the backdrop of the quickly-moving line of people.
LED bulbs use less energy than incandescent and compact flourescent light bulb, stays cool to the touch, and are designed to last nearly 23 years, states a KIUC release.
“KIUC is giving these bulbs for free to help reduce their monthly electric bills,” Williams said.
There will be more distributions. They are scheduled July 25 and Aug. 22, each between 6 and 7:30 p.m.
