WAIKIKI, OAHU, HAWAII—In its efforts to continue to support the State of Hawaii’s ongoing efforts for a cleaner and more sustainable future, Outrigger Enterprises Group recently announced the installation of electric vehicle charging stations at 10 of its Waikiki and Oahu properties. Working with manufacturer and charging station provider AeroVironment, new EV charging stations are now available at the following locations: Outrigger Reef on the Beach, Outrigger Waikiki on the Beach, OHANA Waikiki East, OHANA Waikiki West, OHANA Waikiki Malia, OHANA Honolulu Airport Hotel, Embassy Suites-Waikiki Beach Walk, Holiday Inn Waikiki Beachcomber Resort, Ala Moana Hotel, and Best Western The Plaza Hotel.
At least two parking spaces equipped with chargers for electric vehicles are now available in the parking garages at these 10 Outrigger-managed or affiliated hotels on Oahu. Each space provides charging equipment that allows drivers to easily connect their EVs to Oahu’s electrical grid and “fill up” or “top off” their batteries with power while parked.
“These new EV charging stations give our visitors and residents an opportunity to drive more fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly automobiles,” said David Lee, vice president of property services for Outrigger Enterprise Group. “They are just one of the ways Outrigger supports sustainable practices in the tourism and hospitality industries.”
Travelers Appreciate Green Programs
According to a 2012 study by TripAdvisor, eco-friendliness is an important consideration for travelers and the U.S. hospitality industry. In the travel website’s annual survey of hoteliers and B&B owners and innkeepers, 71 percent plan to make more eco-friendly choices. Another study shows that about one out of two travelers now consider “eco-friendly vacation plans” for their travel. The new EV chargers installed in Outrigger properties support Hawaii’s growing charging infrastructure for electric vehicles.
All locations include AeroVironment’s Level 2 chargers, which provide EV drivers with convenient charging while they take care of business or enjoy the Outrigger amenities. In March 2011, AeroVironment was selected to help lead the way to a cleaner transportation future through an $820,000 contract from Hawaii EV Ready Grants Program. As a pioneer in the modern-day electric vehicle industry, AeroVironment is deploying electric vehicle chargers across the United States.
“Partnering with forward thinking companies like Outrigger Enterprises Group, who share the same commitment to bringing sustainable solutions to Hawaii, brings us another step closer to a cleaner transportation future,” said Wahid Nawabi, senior vice president of Efficient Energy Systems for AeroVironment. “Together we are growing the EV infrastructure in the state to facilitate clean transportation and energy independence, and most importantly helping retain the natural beauty of Hawaii.”
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