MEDIA RELEASE

Laupahoehoe Community Public Charter School (LCPCS) will conduct a silent auction Feb. 23 at the Laupahoehoe Music Festival to help raise funds for the purchase of the first hybrid school bus in the state.

The purchase of the Thomas Built C2e Hybrid Bus is part of the school’s Green Sustainability Program, which also includes organic gardening, composting, animal husbandry and recycling.

According to LCPCS, the Hybrid Bus has state-of-the art safety features, is more fuel-efficient than regular diesel buses, has less component wear, makes less noise, and reduces “greenhouse gasses” up to 30 percent.

Plus, the buses will use Big Island-produced Pacific Biodiesel, which will support a local business and keep energy dollars at home.

Although LCPCS remains the district’s public school, due to inequities in funding between public charter schools and public departmental schools, transportation is not funded for public school students who attend charter schools. Charter schools must fund transportation from their instructional funds.

“When we looked at our options for purchasing new or used school buses, we realized that purchasing a hybrid was not only the most economical choice in the long run, it aligns with our vision to become leaders in environmentally sound practices,” said Dr. David Rizor, director of LCPCS. “These hybrid buses represent the cutting edge of technology, safety, and environmental sustainability – and our students deserve nothing less.”

LCPCS is accepting donations of items or services for the silent auction. Call Karen Rowland at 808-640-6981, or email jadekaren@pacific.net, to make a tax-deductible donation.

All silent auction items will be listed at www.LCPCS.com and www.laupahoehoemusicfestival.com