CITY TO OBSERVE EARTH HOUR

Residents asked to turn off non-essential lighting on

Saturday night at 8:00 p.m.

as a gesture of solidarity for global climate protection

Mayor Mufi Hannemann today announced that the City will join with media partners The Honolulu Advertiser and Clear Channel Communications for a one-week media campaign to generate public participation in Earth Hour, slated for Saturday, March 29, from 8:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., or longer.

Mayor Hannemann said, "Since signing the Mayor's Climate Protection Agreement in 2005, the City, through our 21st Century Ahupua'a program, has been very proactive in finding ways to break our dependence on fossil fuels and conserve energy.  Earth Hour is more than just a gesture.  It's an opportunity for people to show that they have the power to work together to make a difference."

Begun last year in Sydney, Australia, Earth Hour (www.earthhour.org) has grown into a global movement in just one year.  The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) is the primary sponsor of the event, which is designed primarily to raise awareness about the threat of climate change and empower the average person to become involved.

            In a recent letter, World Wildlife Fund President and CEO Carter S. Roberts praised the mayor's involvement: "Thanks for not only your attention to the critical issue of climate change, but also your willingness to engage your fellow citizens."

Being an active part of Earth Hour is easy to do.  The mayor and other leaders of Earth Hour ask that:

1. Residents and businesses turn off non-essential lighting (and other electrical devices) on Saturday, March 29, from 8:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. or longer.

2. Visit www.earthhour.org to register your participation and get ideas on what else you can do to spread the word.

3. Use Earth Hour to change your bulbs to energy-saving CFLs and spend some quality time with your family instead of the TV or computer.

4. Businesses should consider shutting off non-essential systems at the end of the business day on Friday.

5. Spread the word via email, phone, and talking with friends and neighbors; Earth Hour is powered by people.

6. Make energy conservation, sustainability, and environmental protection a year-round commitment.

Contact:

Keith Rollman, 768-7658