Hawaii lawmakers push for relief from hot classrooms

The bill originally requested $130 million in a loan program and bonds to pay for air conditioning and other equipment to help schools become cooler and more sustainable, but lawmakers blanked out the amount in the most current draft.

The bill says installing energy more efficient lighting, natural ventilation and using renewable technologies such as solar could help cut down electricity costs.

Under the proposed law, the state would be required to establish renewable energy projects at a public school in each county to serve as emergency shelters for natural disasters.