Green Days Program

Last updated on March 12, 2012, 9:48am.

In an effort to reduce energy consumption, campuses across the University of Hawaiʻi System will be reducing power consumption in buildings on non-instructional days during specific time periods. The 2012–2013 UH Hilo Green Days periods are as follows:

  • Wednesday night, November 21 (9:00 pm) – Sunday, November 25 (2:00 pm), 2012 (Thanksgiving Break)
  • Saturday, December 15, 2012 – Tuesday, January 1, 2013 (Winter Break, open for graduation Dec 15)
  • Saturday, March 23, 2013 – Sunday, March 31, 2013 (Spring Break)

Please see Green Days Matrix (Spring Break 2013) for details.

These Green Days periods are in accordance with the need to reduce energy costs to meet the University’s budget shortfall and with the recent collective bargaining settlement. Certain critical or time-sensitive functions or specialized facilities will continue to operate.

Frequently Asked Questions

What do the Green Days periods mean for employees in each of the bargaining units?

Most University personnel will be on leave with pay on the days designated above. Employees who are not members of these Units should either take vacation leave or make arrangements with a supervisor for an alternative work site. For more information visit the Office of Human Resources webpage, or contact Claire Shigeoka, shigeoka@hawaii.edu, Acting Director of Human Resources.

Will staff and faculty be able to come onto campus during the Green Days periods?

During the Green Days periods, any UH Hilo faculty/staff member who has a reason to be on campus may enter from the main entrance on Kawili Street or at the entrance on Lanikaula Street. Please keep in mind that one of the primary reasons for the campus closures is to realize substantial energy cost savings. As such, we are asking for the assistance of faculty/staff to minimize use of electricity during these times; if there is no need to come onto campus, we would encourage you to refrain from doing so.  For more information, please review the Green Days Matrix (Spring Break 2013) or contact Kolin Kettleson, Interim Director of Security, kolin@hawaii.edu.

How will utilities like air conditioning and electricity be affected during the Green Days period?

UH Hilo will “power down” most buildings on campus during these dates. In addition:

  • Building safety systems, elevators, lighting systems, and power will continue to be operational.
  • Before leaving for Green Days periods, employees are requested to disconnect computer equipment, personal refrigerators, window air-conditioning units, and other non-essential electric devices.
  • For much of the campus, air conditioning will be shut down or reduced.

Deans and directors have provided the UH Hilo administration with information about critical situations where air conditioning or other services must remain operational for the promotion of student safety, well-being of animals, or preservation of equipment. These requests have been analyzed by Administrative Affairs. A specific list of buildings and areas that are accessible during campus closures are listed on the Green Days Matrix (Spring Break 2013).

What impact is there on Business Office services?

A variety of adjustments have been made by the Business Office to usual deadlines as they affect travel, purchasing card logs, requisitions, and cash deposits. Please review the following memo and make note of the changes.

Will the mail room be closed?

The Campus mail room will be closed.  Mail delivered through the US Postal Service will be held by the Postal Service.  You should arrange for delivery prior to or after the Green Days periods, if delivery is by United Parcel Service, Federal Express, or any other private carrier.

What student services, if any, will be available during this time?

We are sensitive to the fact that for some of our students, UH Hilo is their home, and not just a place to attend class. Therefore, during these Green Days, the following Division of Student Affairs units will be offering a limited or reduced level of programming or service:

  • University Housing – Residence hall facilities will be open with reduced staffing; administrative offices will be closed.
  • Campus Recreation Department – The Student Life Center will be open to students and paid members, with reduced hours of operation; please visit their website for the most current schedule changes.
  • Office of Intercollegiate Athletics – NCAA and Pacific West Conference competitions will occur as scheduled.
  • Counseling Services – Emergency mental health support is available to students residing on campus (residents should contact University Housing staff).

What impact does the reduction of air conditioning have on Edwin H. Mookini Library?

The Edwin H. Mookini Library will generally be closed from 5pm on the weekday prior to the first day of each Green Days period and will reopen following the Green Days periods’ last posted day as follows:

November 25, 2012 — opens at 2pm
January 2, 2013 — opens at 8am
April 1, 2013 — opens at 8am

See Green Days Matrix (Spring Break 2013) for more details.

Due dates for books will be posted prior to the Winter and Spring Library closures.

What are other campuses across the UH System doing during the Green Days periods?

Given that each campus has a unique mission and variable access to human, fiscal and facility resources, there is naturally some variation across campus in their response to this initiative. As campuses post their information and share with UH Hilo, links will be provided below.