Solar Panel Installation on Family Literacy Bookmobile

Posted by Gloria King on Jul 08, 2016

Rotarian Thomas Hall attended the D5000 District Assembly on April 23, 2016, at Momilani Elementary school along with several other members of Waikiki Rotary. This was Thomas' first district assembly, and he eagerly participated in all sessions and to hear what all the presenters shared. He was interested to hear from the Hawaii Literacy Foundation and thought to himself, "How can I and the RC of Waikiki Help?" Thomas met with the Executive Director Suzanne Skjold, and this project was born. Ms. Skjold requested some re-fit projects to their 6-year-old Bookmobile, including Solar Powered Electric Fans and shelving repairs. Thomas heard the calling, and just happens to be a Solar Power Expert! Thomas met with his club's board and asked for funding to do this project, parts at cost and no labor cost. Thomas received overwhelming approval.

On July 1^st, Thomas arranged a group from the Rotary Club of Waikiki to install the solar-powered fans and storage. Thomas also recruited his friend Jim Miller a retired Navy sub-mariner to help repair some broken book shelving several weeks before the solar installation.

The solar powered fans cool down the Bookmobile and allow a more pleasant environment for Keiki and adults when the Bookmobile is parked at one of the 14 sites they visit each week on the leeward coast, which include homeless shelters, and public housing in some of the most disadvantaged communities in the state.

Thank you to the Rotary Club of Waikiki and the Rotarians who donated their time and energy to install the solar panel on the top of the Bookmobile. They were Thomas Hall, Jay Ogden, Steve Morgan and Club President Joe Gedeon.

Books were also donated to the Bookmobile for distribution to kids in need.

Congratulations to Rotary in Hawaii for helping a community and those in need.