As temperatures soar, returning Kahuku High School students will enjoy cool classrooms

Turtle Bay Foundation and AES Hawai‘i partnered together to donate $40,000 for the installation of air
conditioners in 23 portable classrooms at Kahuku High School. The charitable contributions bring an
end to the sweltering heat of the portables, enabling faculty and students to teach and learn in a cool and
comfortable environment.

“I was just talking to my wife about how nice it would be to have an AC to teach in,” said Mark Woolsey, a Japanese and ukulele teacher at Kahuku High and Intermediate School. “When it really gets hot, I wear a towel around my neck because I sweat so much. I am hoping that the cool air is going to help with the learning atmosphere.”

Kahuku High and Intermediate School is home to 1,400 students from grades 7-12. It has 26 portable
classrooms-the largest number in the state-with only three of them previously air-conditioned. With unbearable heat making students tired and unfocused, it was evident cooler classrooms would positively impact the educational experience and learning abilities of students.

“Turtle Bay Foundation was proud to step up and pitch in when we heard Kahuku High School teachers and students were sitting in sweltering portable classrooms,” said Jerry Gibson, vice president of Turtle
Bay Resort. “These donations are representative of Turtle Bay’s continued commitment to supporting a
bright future for the next generation and all in our North Shore community.”

“As part of the Na Pua Makani Wind Farm team, I’ve had the pleasure of visiting Kahuku High School
to learn more about the school and how we could best support its students,” said Michael Hughes, project
manager, AES. “AES is grateful for the opportunity to contribute toward creating a better learning environment for the faculty and 1,400 students who use these classrooms.”

Turtle Bay Resort, through the Turtle Bay Foundation, and AES Hawai‘i each donated $20,000 toward
air conditioning, enough to outfit the remaining 23 portable classrooms with powerful 25-BTU air conditioning units and cover the installation costs. These donations complement Turtle Bay Resort’s community partnerships and the several hundred grants and scholarships awarded since 2013 by its foundation, as well as AES’ community partnerships with La‘ie Community Association, North Shore Hometown
Opportunities, Inc. and other local organizations.

“I am excited that local companies can provide this for our students,” said Kahuku High School teacher
Lori Vimahi. “I just want to say thank you very much to everybody who made this possible. We are going
to plunge right in there and enjoy our AC.”

Kahuku High and Intermediate School released the following statement expressing gratitude following the installation of the air conditioning units. “Kahuku High and Intermediate School would like to extend a heartfelt and huge MAHALO to Turtle Bay Foundation and AES Hawai‘i for the gift of cool air. This generous gift is greatly appreciated!”