MEDIA RELEASE  

Markus Class, an energy efficiency specialist who has spent many years working in the solar energy industry, will brief attendees at the 5:15 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 10, Waimea Community Association (WCA) Town Meeting at Parker School Theatre on understanding energy efficiency and what a Residential Energy Evaluation can do both to create savings for individual homeowners and also reduce dependence on fossil fuel and the home’s carbon footprint. 

Class, a licensed electrician, came to Hawaii about four years ago from Switzerland and worked for several years with Interisland Solar Supply before starting his own Class Solar independent consultation service.  His company designs solar photovoltaic systems, both on and off-grid, as well as solar hot water systems, wind turbines, etc.  

He stresses it’s not enough to hire an electrical contractor to install equipment but the system has to be designed to fit your home and be part of an all-inclusive energy management plan. Class Solar consults with homeowners on improving energy efficiency and regularly conducts workshops around the island as part of the “Green Team of Hawaii.”  

The WCA Town Meeting also will include quick briefings on:

* Paniolo Preservation Society’s Sept. 18-19 Paniolo Artisans Showcase & School-Community Hoike at Kahilu Theatre honoring Hawaii Saddle Makers;

* Hawaii Island Festival’s 34th Annual Paniolo Parade and All-Day Waimea Hoolaulea on Sept. 19;

* North Hawaii Community Hospital’s “First Ever Human Pink Ribbon” Sept. 26 to raise awareness for the fight against breast cancer;

* Inaugural Bieni Kohler-Johnson 5K Run/Walk on Oct. 11

* the 6th Annual Waimea Relay For Life Oct. 17-18 in Waimea Park.  

As always, all who attend WCA monthly Town Meetings are asked to help continue the association’s 2009 commitment to help Waimea’s hard-pressed food pantries by bringing a donation – preferably cash or a check – or non-perishable food items.  

Everyone is welcome to attend WCA Town Meetings, which are usually held the first Thursday of each month. However, the September meeting has been moved to Sept. 10 to avoid conflicting with the long Labor Day weekend.  

There is no charge to attend WCA meetings but membership is urged and the $12 annual dues helps support the association’s year-round informational activities and the 49th Annual Waimea Christmas Twilight Parade at 6 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 5.   

For information about Waimea town meetings, call Bill Sanborn at 895-1122 or go to www.waimeacommunityassociation.org.