For the second year in a row, the students at Mililani Mauka Elementary School have won the $10,000 grand prize of the Home Energy Challenge, sponsored by the state Department of Education and Hawaiian Electric Co.

“;A repeat win is really remarkable,”; said Ka'iulani de Silva, Hawaiian Electric director of education and consumer affairs, in a release. “;The students and their families had already done a great job at reducing their electric usage to win the grand prize last year. They had to work even harder to reduce their usage to win again this year.”;

Hahaione Elementary won the $8,000 second prize, and Mililani Ike Elementary, the $5,000 third prize. Other participants were Aina Haina, Hokulani, Laie, Makalapa, Mililani Uka, Momilani, Noelani, and Palisades Elementary Schools.

More than 1,300 families from 11 schools across the island enrolled, a release said.

The school whose students' home energy use decreased by the largest percentage was the overall winner.

De Silva said, “;Statewide, the participants conserved over 400,000 kilowatt hours and saved over $101,000 on their home electricity bills.”;

The six-month challenge started last October. The students were offered educational materials, hands-on displays, guest speakers, fun conservation workbooks, and a video on simple, low-cost ways to save energy at home, a release said.

Applications for the 2009-10 Home Energy Challenge will be sent to all Oahu public elementary schools this summer. Call Sam Nichols at 543-7534 for more information.