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Author Archives: Megan Stephenson

HECO Union Voting on Contract

Wednesday, March 9th, 2011

Hawaiian Electric Company (HECO) and its subsidiaries, Maui Electric Company (MECO) and Hawaiian Electric Light Company (HELCO) have reached a tentative settlement in their labor contract as of Monday, according to a HECO news release.

Union members, which make up 54 percent of HECO employees, are voting today (Wednesday), Thursday and Friday on the new contract offer, as reported in KHON2.com.

The union, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 1260, represent the 1,300 employees currently on strike.

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SUP Not Dampened by Rain

Monday, March 7th, 2011

SUP Not Dampened by Rain

SUPAM News Release

Makani Ikaika O Molokai may not have had the winds blowing in the first race of the season, but the blessings of the gentle rain instead prevailed. The long course from Kamalo was cancelled due to shifting winds, so the competitors headed to Rice Patch for the start of the short course a distance of three miles. With a turtle in the shallows flagging the start line, and the whales breaching in the distance, the competitors took to the water for the first race of the season.
 
The younger competitors chose to start from Ali`i fishpond in the family fun division since the wind was not in their favor for the official short course. As the short course competitors hit the turn to the final stretch to Hotel Molokai, the family fun division commenced.


Keala Freeman was the first to cross the line at Hotel Molokai with a time of 57 minutes, followed by Raleigh Poepoe III with 59 minutes, and Liliana Napolean in third place and first woman with a time of 59.17. Mother and daughter duo, Jesseca Oswald took second place women’s division and 10-year-old Kaydence Oswald took third place women’s and first place youth.
 
The keiki fun division was comprised of two six year olds: Malia Greik-Lani and Kristen Oswald. Malia won the six and under division, paddling on her own from Ali`i Fishpond in a time of 42.36.
 
Slater Oswald, age 8, blasted the kids’ fun division in a time of 18.42, with Kekai Adachi on his heels in 19.14, and Alex Mawae in third at 21.18. 
 
Next race will be Saturday, March 19, check in at noon for all divisions and courses at Kamalo with a 1 p.m. start for the long course.
 
For more information please contact Clare Mawae clare@youthinmotion.org, (808) 336-0946 or visit the Stand Up Paddle Association of Molokai’s website www.supmolokai.org

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A Molokai Wind Farm

Monday, March 7th, 2011

A Molokai Wind Farm

Community Contributed

By Steve Morgan

What are the sources of my information?
All of the material that I have provided in the content of these articles is directly quoted from the original sources. These include comments by the Department of Energy, HECO, First Wind, Molokai Properties Ltd (MPL), Castle and Cook, DBEDT and Lanaians for Sensible Growth (LSG).  I have intentionally not reinterpreted any of their provided information. For an overview of the subjects covered thus far, I recommend reviewing the video recording of the Jan 11 Senate Hearing at: http://olelo.granicus.com/MediaPlayer.php?view_id=13&clip_id=17969


What will the impact of windmills be on birdlife?
Estimates claim that wind turbines in the U.S. kill approximately 70,000 birds per year. Supporters of windmills would argue however that fewer birds are killed from windmills than that of conventional energy, with fossil-fueled power stations being responsible for at least 10 times more fatalities. The number of birds killed by wind turbines is also negligible when compared to the number that die as a result of other activities - 57 million killed by cars, 98 million killed by collisions with plate glass, and hundreds of millions killed by cats. An article in Nature Magazine stated that each wind turbine kills an average of 4.27 birds per year. The National Audubon Society in the U.S. takes a position of broad support for wind power to help mitigate global warming, while cautioning against wind farms in areas especially critical to bird habitat. 

(The following is based on info provided by Pattern Wind)
What about visual impact? What is the proposed layout of the Molokai wind farm?
A preliminary design layout indicates that the proposed wind turbines will be out of the primary viewscapes of residences in Kaluakoi and Maunaloa. Turbines would be visible as far away as the airport when looking towards Mahana Ridge. The most evident visual impact however, will be found between mile markers 11 and 14 with windmills appearing intermittently on both sides of the highway, the larger number being to the north. It appears that somewhere in the proximity of mile marker 14, that the northern flank of windmills would cease while the southern flank would skip over Maunaloa town and reoccur towards La’au, at this point being the area of highest density. According to Pattern Wind, this is a tentative design which can be altered.

Will the windmills be visible at night?
Yes, the FAA requires aeronautical warning lights be installed on wind towers. Currently, technology exists whereas lights would not come on unless aircraft were actually in the area. This technology is currently waiting for FAA approval in the U.S.

What is the size and scope of Pattern’s preliminary wind farm proposal?
Acreage required - 11,000
Number of windmills - 90
Distance between windmills - 1/4 mile apart
Distance between rows - 1/2 mile
Total acreage of land actually used for windmills - 220 acres (2 percent of acreage required)
Height of windmill including blade - 414 feet
Blade length - 161 feet (blade span 320 feet)
Size of concrete foundation - 50 feet diameter, 8 feet depth
Width of pedestal - 15 feet
Number of blade rotations per minute - 9-16 revolutions

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Swimming Pool Re-opens

Monday, March 7th, 2011

Swimming Pool Re-opens

Amid jokes by county officials throwing each other in the pool, community members, lifeguards and administrators gathered last week to bless the re-opening of Cooke Memorial Pool. Molokai’s only pool underwent six months of renovations to its facility – revamping the roof, adding handicap accessibility ramps, and gutting the bathrooms.

“Thank you for your patience and understanding,” said Zach Helm, district supervisor for the county Department of Parks and Recreation. “The public of Molokai depend on this…if it shut down, everyone would be impacted.”

Residents who often use the pool were at last week’s blessing, including Aka`ula School’s swimming students.

“I’m excited to start training, to work on my strokes,” said seventh grader Kori-Lee DeRouin, adding that her favorite stroke is butterfly. “We’ve waited a while.”

Aka`ula School will be hosting a swim meet for all interested island youth in May. Parents or students should contact Vicki Newberry at 567-6981.

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MPL Moving on Big Wind

Monday, March 7th, 2011

MPL Moving on Big Wind

Flying over Molokai at the height of a small airplane, tiny white dots come into focus on the ground. Upon closer inspection, perhaps at the height of a high flying bird, the dots take shape as wind generators, each the size of a 40-story building – nearly 100 scattered around Molokai’s west end like rice.

So much for Molokai’s no-building-taller-than-a-coconut-tree rule.

These images were shown to the public in a simulated video last week, when Molokai Properties Ltd (MPL) and wind and cable transmission company, Pattern Energy, shared their vision for a large-scale wind farm on Molokai.

During three consecutive community meetings last week, MPL said it was seeking to lease 11,000 acres to Pattern. The deal could allow Pattern to erect 90 400 foot tall turbines in the upper east and lower southwest faces of Maunaloa mountain in west Molokai.

“We have not yet made a decision and no decision will be made this evening,” said MPL Executive Director Peter Nicholas during a slideshow presentation. “I think it’s necessary to discuss the community benefits,” he added.

Although First Wind was the only wind development company awarded by the state in 2009 the right to plan and build big wind on Molokai, Nicholas said the company “ignored local management” and did not approach MPL regarding the use of their land until mid-2010.
 

really wants community input. He wants to do it pono. We have to support honesty if they are trying to be honest,” said kupuna Judy Caparida.

Reporter Mark Hayden contributed to this report.

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Governor Pushes Big Wind to be Pono

Monday, March 7th, 2011

Governor Pushes Big Wind to be Pono

Statement from Gov. Neil Abercrombie via Molokai Governor’s Volunteer Representative, Beverly Pauole Moore

March 3, 2011


Producing our own energy in Hawaii is crucial for our survival. As I have stated in the past, the proposed “Big Wind” project that would produce electivity on Lanai and Molokai can be a critical part of the equation. It would be an important step in my stated goal of connecting our islands so that we can be more self-sufficient and sustainable. My support resolves around these principles:

  • The wind projects must proceed in a way that produces benefits for the people and communities of those islands. These community benefits should help move the islands toward sustainable futures of their own. Because I expect those benefits to be substantial, I believe it is imperative that both islands – Molokai and Lanai – have the opportunity to participate.
  • There are two factors I am looking for:

            - The project must be financially and technically feasible. I am depending on the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism, and other related state agencies to make this determination.

            - The project must represent the majority interests of residents of the respective islands. No individual or private interest should have the ability to veto the entire project because of their objections as long as their views are considered and discussed with respect.

  • If the Molokai landowner is incapable of participating in a viable plan for the island, the state is willing to exercise its right to condemn lands for this public purpose, again, if residents agree that a project can be done in a pono way.
  • My support for a project does not translate into support for any specific approach to the project by the electric utility, landowners, developers or any individual interest. My sole concern is the development of a project that maximizes benefits to the people of Hawaii.


The wind projects present an opportunity for us to unite around common purposes. Unfortunately, they have too often been the source of bitter disputes, accusations and division. Private interests too often overpower discussions that should be about the public interest.

Our islands have no choice but to move toward energy independence. Future generations will be the beneficiaries of those who are willing to work together today and make wise decisions that will stand the test of time.


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HECO Union Employees Go on Strike

Friday, March 4th, 2011

Hawaiian Electric and Maui County News Release(s)

For more than five months, Hawaiian Electric, Maui Electric and Hawaii Electric Light Company (HECO, MECO, HELCO) have been negotiating a new contract with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 1260, which represents the companies’ unionized employees on Oahu, in Maui County and on Hawai`i Island.

The union gave the companies notice that its members have initiated a strike as of 3:30 p.m., today, March 4.

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Hokule`a Youth Crew Voyage to Christchurch for Earthquake Relief

Friday, March 4th, 2011

Hokule`a Youth Crew Voyage to Christchurch for Earthquake Relief

Polynesian Voyaging Society News Release

A small group of culturally conscious Hawaii youth are headed to Christchurch, New Zealand to provide much-needed assistance to those coping with the effects of the tragic Feb. 22 earthquake.  The natural disaster claimed 161 lives with hundreds still unaccounted for. Thousands are still struggling without water, electricity, proper sewage, or access to government services and aid.

Six members of Polynesian Voyaging Society’s Kapu Na Keiki program, Moani Hemuli, Haunani Kane, Waimea McKeague and Jason Patterson of Oahu; Cliff Kapono of Hawaii island; and Niegel Rozet of Maui, are planning to deploy to the disaster area within the week. The team is comprised of voyaging navigators and apprentices, trained first responders, and a journalist.  Working with their hosts, Ngai Tahu people, they will offer person-to-person relief in the city center and more isolated rural areas surrounding Christchurch.

Maori (native) communities within the region have rallied to support those devastated by the earthquake.  They have opened their marae (meeting houses) as temporary shelters and are helping to administer much needed medical assistance and provide food and water to displaced families.  The Ngai Tahu iwi (tribe) is the principal Maori iwi (tribe) in New Zealand’s South Island; their tribal offices, located in Christchurch were badly damaged in the quake. Nevertheless, tribal members have been working tirelessly to assist those left homeless by the natural disaster.


“We are so grateful that our Hawaiian cousins wish to come and assist with this tragedy,” said Patsy Perenara-O’Connell, an official with Te Runanga o Ngai Tahu  (the tribal governance organization of the Ngai Tahu people) headquartered in Christchurch.

“We believe this is the best way to express solidarity with our Polynesian `ohana during this painful time,” said Haunani Kane, spokesperson for Kapu Na Keiki. “While this particular voyage will substitute jet transportation for a sailing canoe, it requires the same level of planning and preparation. We will be self-sufficient upon arrival and throughout our stay to ensure we lighten the burden of our hosts.”

With limited time for planning and preparation, Kapu Na Keiki finds itself with an abundance of goodwill and a scarcity of funding. The group is appealing to the generosity of Hawaii?s people and businesses to help fund this humanitarian voyage. “We estimate our expenses will be about $20,000,” said Kane. “If 200 people are inspired to give $100, our expenses will be completely covered. All money raised beyond that will go directly toward disaster relief in New Zealand.”

Contributions to Kapu Na Keiki?s Voyage to Christchurch can be made through Polynesian Voyaging Society where a special account has been designated. Send donations to Polynesian Voyaging Society, Attn: Voyage to Christchurch, 10 Sand Island Parkway, Honolulu, HI 96819. Checks, cash or credit cards (American Express, Visa and Mastercard) are welcomed, call with a credit card by phone (808) 842-1101 or fax (808) 842-1112. Contributors may also call the PVS office at 536-8405 to make donations.

ABOUT KAPU NA KEIKI
Kapu Na Keiki ("Hold Sacred the Children") embodies a dream envisioned by navigator and educator Nainoa Thompson to expose youth to Hawai‘i’s ancestral tradition of deep-sea voyaging and non-instrument navigation. Students develop an appreciation for Hawai‘i, its people and its cultural and ecological beauty, learn the importance of caring for our environment and natural resources, enjoy the gift of physical activity, challenge themselves, be inspired to explore, exercise leadership and service, and experience the values of compassion and giving.
 

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Akaka Not Running for Re-election

Wednesday, March 2nd, 2011

Sen. Daniel Akaka, who has served Hawaii as senator and as a represenative for 35 years, announced today he is not running for re-election next year, when his term expires.

"As many of you can imagine, it was a very difficult decision for me.  However, I feel that the end of this Congress is the right time for me to step aside.  It has been a great honor and privilege to serve the people of Hawaii," Akaka said in a news release.

Akaka serves on the Committes on Veterans' Affairs, Armed Services, Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, Indian Affairs and Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs.

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Susumu Sakaida

Wednesday, March 2nd, 2011

Susumu “Tonti” Sakaida of Aiea, Oahu died on Feb. 7, 2011 at Pali Momi Hospital in Honolulu, at age 86. He was born in Kaunakakai, and was a retired Journey General Mechanic of CPC Del Monte. Sakaida served in the U.S. Army 442nd I Company in WWII, and then attended Midwest Trade School in Chicago. He was an ILWU office, PAC chairman, on the Molokai Task Force, and after retiring, served on the Maui County Planning Commission and the Aquatic, Wildlife and Forestry Board. He was an Eagle Scout and an Explorer Scout Master, serving 60 years and receiving the Silver Beaver Award. He coached Little League baseball and Biddy Basketball, and was an avid fisherman and hunter, often saying ‘Molokai was the best place to live in the whole world.’

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