Stay Cool and Connected With Barre Soul Kauaʻi

By Allison Young 

The Small Business Energy Efficiency Grant program covers a percentage of labor costs associated with energy-efficiency upgrades, while funding from KIUC covers a percentage of materials costs for eligible projects. This program is a partnership between the County of Kauaʻi, Kauaʻi Economic Development Board and KIUC’s Commercial Retrofit Program, which provides funding for efficiency upgrades, including air conditioning, lighting, motors and refrigeration. We talked story with SBEEG recipient Anna Braun, owner and founder of Barre Soul Kauaʻi. 

Aloha, Anna. Tell us about Barre Soul.  

Barre is a ballet-influenced, all-level fitness class set to music. 

Barre Soul Kauaʻi opened Dec 11, 2014. Since we are turning 11 years old on the 11th, it will be our “golden birthday” this year. It started with a dream, a small savings and a whole lot of passion. So many helping hands went into creating our barre studio on this little island of Kauaʻi. We are who we are because of our community, which brings light and energy into our studios and multiplies it by sharing it with others. 

Barre Soul was created with a goal to bring women together— to connect, to get strong and to have fun. We believe movement and connection heal. This community will support, uplift, encourage, motivate and celebrate. The workout brings people here; however, the strong bonds, visible results, and mind + body + soul therapy keep them coming back for more. 

What did you use the SBEEG grant for?  

When we applied, our original AC units were failing. It was a huge need, and we weren’t prepared to take a big financial hit. By the time the new ones were installed, we had no AC, and our classes were hot. This was not typical for our class types. 

With the SBEEG grant, I was able to purchase and install two energy-efficient AC units. The SBEEG grant covered 50% of the cost of the ACs and 30% percentage of labor cost as well. Our community was excited for the studio to be comfortable again, and I was incredibly grateful for the financial assistance. It was a nice surprise to see how easy the process was and also to be able to use the monies to pour back into our operating expenses, payroll and all studio essentials at Barre Soul Kauaʻi. 

Is there anything you would like to share with our members? 

Check with your health care provider to see if you have eligibility for a fitness membership. Barre Soul Kauaʻi works with insurance programs under Active & Fit/Silver & Fit to offer even more incentives to get the best workout in town for a fraction of the price.  

Our studio also has a local partnership with American Savings Bank to offer discounted membership rate for unlimited classes. 

Barre Soul Kauaʻi is at 4-733 Kuhio Hwy Ste #104, Kapaʻa, HI 96746, behind Monico’s Restaurant. Check out its Instagram  @barresoulkauai or visit barrekauai.com. 

The SBEEG program is intended for small businesses that  may face more upfront financial hurdles when retrofitting. Eligibility is limited to businesses that fall under KIUC rate schedules J or G. The SBEEG program will continue as long  as funds are available on a first-come, first-served basis.  To apply, visit kiuc.coop/commercial-programs and fill out an interest form. Refer to kiuc.coop/commercial-programs and kauaiforward.com/sbeeg for updates regarding the SBEEG program and funding availability in 2026. For information  about commercial programs, contact KIUC’s energy services team at energyservices@kiuc.coop

Captions:

Anna Braun, owner and founder of Barre Soul Kauaʻi, received a grant from the SBEEG program. 

Barre Soul Kauaʻi classes stay cool with two new energy-efficient AC units.