Time to Speak Up
Community Contributed
- Failure notice from provider:
Connection Error:http_request_failed Submission Deadlines
Advertising
Content
To print on:
-
Energy
7 CommentsWind Energy Developer Negotiating with Molokai Ranch
Wind energy company First Wind has announced it will not pursue a proposed wind project on Molokai’s Hawaiian homestead land. The company is now negotiating with Molokai Properties Ltd., also known as Molokai Ranch, to build a similar wind farm on Ranch land.
The original plan was nixed because there was not enough land area available, according to First Wind Director of External Affairs Kekoa Kaluhiwa.
Kaluhiwa said First Wind was awaiting a response from the Federal Aviation Administration as to whether the company could use land adjacent to the Ho`olehua Airport. It found out in the last month that this was not possible, and there is not enough land for the proposed wind turbines on the remaining land, owned by the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands.
Undersea Cable Moving Forward
.jpg)
The state’s goal of laying an interisland undersea cable to carry energy from Molokai and Lanai to Oahu took a big step forward last week with the announcement that a California contractor will soon begin an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the project.
State officials announced Thursday that the EIS will be prepared by Los Angeles-based AECOM Technology Corp. The EIS will study the route, potential environmental impacts and alternatives to the cable.
The EIS will cost $2.9 million, paid for with federal stimulus funds.
“The wind that we have here in Hawaii, and actually the wind that the people of Molokai and the people of Lanai have, is some of the best wind in the world,” said Josh Strickler, the state’s renewable energy facilitator, via KHON2.
The cable would supply about 12 percent of power on Oahu from proposed 400 megawatt wind projects on neighbor islands.
“By providing a statewide electrical grid and a way to move renewable energy from where it is abundantly available to where it is needed, the interisland cable will help our state achieve a clean energy future,” said Ted Peck, administrator of the Hawaii State Energy Office, in a press release.
The EIS process will examine impacts on cultural resources; historic and archeological resources; coastal aquatic ecology; endangered, threatened and protected species; coral reef ecology; wildlife and fisheries biology; water quality; ecological and human health; visual impacts; and preferred routing alternatives. The EIS will also include public participation and input through outreach on affected islands.
“The state is very excited to begin work on the EIS for the undersea interisland cable,” Lt. Gov.James “Duke” Aiona said in a press release. “We encourage all of our residents to be a part of the public involvement process, which will help shape a clean energy future for our state.”
.jpg)
From Ilio Point, the cable would run parallel to the west Molokai shore, where it would stay below the reef edge. The cable would then run from the southwestern Molokai shore toward Lanai. Alternatives routes have also been established and will be further explored during the EIS process.
The routes avoid bottom fish refuge areas but cannot avoid some segments within the Humpback Whale Sanctuary. Many questions remain unanswered, such as whether to connect cables to the shore under, over or around coral reefs, and how to lay cables around deep-water obstacles.
In 2008, the state committed to become less dependant on fossil fuels and increase use of clean and renewable energy sources. The Hawaii Clean Energy Initiative, an agreement signed by the state and the U.S. Department of Energy, commits to a goal of 70 percent clean energy by 2030. Currently, Hawaii has the highest oil dependency of any other state with $6 billion annually is spent on imported oil.
In With the Wind
.jpg)
Molokai has Frank Leary to thank for some of its most iconic symbols. The “Aloha – Slow Down” sign at the airport? Leary’s work of art. The Post A Nut program? That’s Leary’s idea too. Now his latest creation is ready to power up – literally.
.jpg)
The turbine is also omni-directional, which means it doesn’t need to change direction to face into the wind. According to Leary, the design is a major improvement over traditional windmill designs.
Leary’s model is made of carbon fiber. It took him about a month to build and cost $1,000 in materials. It’s two feet tall, 30 inches wide and weighs less than 20 pounds.
Equipped with a standard car alternator, the Easy Rider is designed to charge and maintain 12 volt deep cycle batteries, which are designed to produce steady amounts of power over long periods of time.
The generator will produce five to ten amps – not enough to power a house, which takes about 40 amps, but plenty for a camping trip or power outages.
Leary said he plans to make a larger version of the Easy Rider that will produce more power.
He has tested the turbine on the Kaunakakai pier and said he has seen “fantastic results,” along with a few curious stares while driving around with the generator strapped to the bed of his pickup truck.
“Cars almost come to a dead stop looking at it,” he said.
When it comes to alternative energy, it’s not just a hobby but a lifestyle for Leary – his Ho`olehua home is completely off the grid, powered instead by solar panels and a wind generator he constructed.
Years in the Making
Leary first became interested in wind generators after reading an article about them in Popular Science magazine.
“It was one of the greatest inventions in the world,” he said.
With no formal training, Leary set out to teach himself the inner workings of wind generators. He made his first turbine out of two Styrofoam cups and has since experimented with different materials like plastic, fiberglass and metal.
“Carbon fiber definitely works the best,” he said.
He builds his generators in the carport off his Ho`olehua home alongside his dogs, cats, chickens and goat. His unconventional workshop matches his out-of-the-box designs.
“I see so many things wrong with the big generators -- it takes so long to get them up and they’re not portable,” he said. “This is portable.”
Leary said other generators he has made have lasted five years and even survived the 80 mph winds of Hurricane Iniki in 1992.
Leary’s Legacy
Here on Molokai, Leary’s best known work is probably the “Aloha – Slow Down – This is Molokai” sign he put at the entrance to the airport about 20 years ago.
“I saw a lot of people doing things that they shouldn’t be doing like speeding and tailgating,” said Leary, who previously worked as an ambulance driver and knew the tragic consequences these behaviors can have.
“I think the sign has saved some lives,” he said.
Leary’s creative legacy also includes the Post-A-Nut program, which he started in 1990 with his wife Peggy Keahi-Leary, former postmaster at the Ho`olehua Post Office.
Leary said the idea came to them when they used to watch coconuts being hauled off to the landfill. Over the years, Post A Nut has aided post offices here as profits and funding have declined. Over 50,000 coconuts have been sent from the Ho`olehua Post Office alone since the program began.
Interested in hearing more about wind generators and the Easy Rider? Email Frank Leary at franklyfrank41@hotmail.com.
Environmentally Charged
.JPG)
Ready. Set. Energize.
Molokai saw its first-ever Energy Efficient and Renewables Show last weekend at the Country Fair, with an avant-garde display of electric vehicles catching the eyes of passerby, along with hydrogen demonstrations, green workshops and light bulb exchange.
The show hosted multiple educational presentations on light-emitting diode (LED) and inductive lighting; the benefits of electric vehicles and charging stations; wind generation; solar hot water and photovoltaic systems; and energy-saving window tinting.
.JPG)
Blue Planet Foundation also made an appearance alongside students from the robotics team – continuing with their island-wide campaign to go 100 percent compact fluorescent bulb (CFL) efficient.
“Our next step is to go door-to-door,” said Heidi Jenkins, Kaunakakai Elementary School teacher. “We just did that at Ranch Camp and exchanged 1,600 bulbs.”
Go Electric, Save Money
Of the various companies to set up shop outside Lanikeha Community Center on Saturday was Hawaii Electric Vehicle (HiEV), who brought some of the latest technology to hit the ‘green’ scene.
Featured were three electric vehicles – two cars and a motorcycle – a developing mode of transportation that HiEV hopes to bring to Molokai.
HiEV representative Michael Leone said the company’s goal is to gather a group of local businesses interested in being hosts for the electrical vehicle charger, and will provide them with the solar and power. Leone said by being a host, businesses could receive substantial tax credits.
The initiative will also include training Molokai youth – preferably high school students – in how to assemble and maintain the electric vehicles, which will provide them with jobs and help stimulate the economy.
“The goal is long-term sustainability,” Leone said. “We’re in the recruiting process right now. This trip is to find the right people – any interested businesses.”
Leone said on Molokai it costs 22 cents per mile to drive a gas-operated vehicle. The cost for electric is only two cents a mile.
“This could be huge for Molokai,” Leone said. “Especially with bringing in youth – we want to pass along the torch.”
Got a Bulb?
.jpg)
The Blue Planet Foundation has given the following locations compact florescent lightbulbs (CFLs) for Molokai businesses and residents to bring in their incandescent bulbs for a one-in-one-out trade. The CFLs will be provided through May 31.
Manae Goodz-n-Grindz (East Molokai)
Exchange Hours: Everyday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Contact Person: Kehau Ward (558-8186)
Kualapuu Market (Kualapuu, Hoolehua & Kalae)
Exchange Hours: Monday – Saturday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Contact Person: Sonya Yuen (567-6243)
Maunaloa General Store (Maunaloa)
Exchange Hours: Monday – Saturday 9 a.m. – 6 p.m., Sunday 9 a.m. - noon
Contact Person: Nani Pele (552-2346 or 336-1875)
Ke Nani Kai Resort (Maunaloa)
Exchange Hours: Everyday 1:30 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Contact Person: Paul Kennedy (552-0325)
Kalele Bookstore & Divine (Kaunakakai)
Exchange Hours: Monday – Saturday 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Contact Person: Teri Waros (553-5112)
Molokai Dispatch (Kaunakakai)
Exchange Hours: Tuesday-Friday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Contact Person: Todd Yamashita (552-2781)
Kamoi Snack-n-Go (Kaunakakai)
Exchange Hours: Monday-Friday 11 a.m. – 9 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. – 9 p.m., Sunday 12 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Contact Person: Kimberly Svetin (553-3742 or 553-5790)
Shop 2 and Beauty Salon (Kaunakakai)
Exchange Hours: Monday-Friday 9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Contact Person: Mel Chung (553-5888)
Kaluakoi Villas (Kaluakoi)
Exchange Hours: Every Monday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Contact Person: Main Office/ Charmaine Augustiro (552-2721)
Molokai Shores (Kaunakakai)
Exchange Hours: Every Wednesday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Contact Person: Main Office/ Charmaine Augustiro (553-5954)
In-School Campaign:
Through April 30, 2010
Kaunakakai School
- Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2 - 4:30 p.m. in the library during the month of April. (Heidi Jenkins, teacher)
Kilohana School
- Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays from 7:15 - 7:45 a.m. or 2 - 3:30 p.m. in room H-102 during the month of April. (Mapuana Hanapi, teacher)
Maunaloa School
- Through Thursday April 8 from 2:15 - 3:15p.m. (Wendy Espanoila, teacher)
Kualapu`u School
- Wednesday April 7, 14, 21, and 28 from 7:30 a.m. – 8 a.m. (Susan Forbes, teacher)
Molokai Middle School
- Monday, April 12th to the end of the month from 11 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. – Room U105 (Kelly Ka’awa Richardson, teacher) or the Health Room T-Wing (Amber Nakihei, teacher) in the health room T-wing from 11 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Molokai High School
- Monday through Thursday 7:45 a.m. – 2 p.m. in the SAC room (student activities room) during the month of April. (Lisa Takata, teacher). ***Times are during school hours so visitors will need to sign in at the MHS office before exchanging lightbulbs.
Aka`ula School
- Monday through Thursday from 2:45 - 4:30 p.m. during the month of April (Luke Kikukawa, student)
Community Outreach:
The community outreach plan will be based on appointment only. For further information on community outreach, please contact Sybil Lopez at lopezs808@gmail.com or Harmonee Williams at harmoneew@gmail.com.
Visit http://greenmolokai.org/ for more information.
.jpg)
CFLs at the Dispatch!
.JPG)
The Molokai Dispatch office is now a Go Green & Carbon Clean distribution point! Bring in your incandescent bulbs and we'll exchange, one-for-one, compact florescent lightbulbs (CFLs). It will reduce your energy bill and help out the environment -- and it's FREE!
Come in to the Moore Center, across from Drive-In, between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m., Wednesday through Friday, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. on Tuesdays. See you soon!
.JPG)
Hawaii Eco-Lights Saves Locals Money
UpRoar and Molokai Chamber of Commerce News Release
Hawaii Eco-Lights, the leader in energy saving concepts, announced two local companies, Napa Friendly Island Auto Parts and Molokai Shores, have taken advantage of LED technology and are seeing the cost savings.
“We have seen at least a fifty five percent cost savings on our monthly electricity bill.” said Ed Wond, owner of Napa Friendly Island Auto Parts in Molokai. “While Hawaii Eco-Lights works in conjunction with our solar panels, we have found LED to be much more cost effective for our business.”
New Law Makes Hope for Bright Future
_0.jpg)
Blue Planet Foundation News Release
Hawai‘i took a major step towards clean energy leadership this week as the landmark “Solar Roofs” law took effect. The new law requires that almost all new homes be built with solar water heaters. Hawai‘i is the first state in the nation to make solar water heaters compulsory.
“Hawaii’s new law brings the benefit of free sunshine to new homeowners across our islands,” said Jeff Mikulina, Executive Director of the Blue Planet Foundation, a local non-profit focused at making Hawai‘i energy independent. “We are the Saudi Arabia of sun. Every house in the state should be tapping into this free resource.”
_0.jpg)
The law was the result of a bill introduced by Senator Gary Hooser (D – Kaua‘i) with strong support from House Energy Committee Chair Rep. Hermina Morita (D – Hanalei, N. Kaua‘i). The law states that “no building permit shall be issued for a new single-family dwelling that does not include a solar water heater system that meets the standards established pursuant to section 269-44.”
The law is flexible in that it allows some exemptions for those homeowners who can demonstrate that their home receives “poor solar resource” or that a solar water heater is “cost-prohibitive” based on a 15-year life cycle cost-benefit analysis.
Supporters of the law are worried that there are still some loopholes that need to be made smaller for the law to have its desired effect. Legislators will be asked to revisit the law if a high percentage of developers seek variances for new home construction. Bills have already been prepared to tighten the variance requirements to ensure that the intent of the law remains.
Solar water heating is a foundation block in building Hawaii’s clean energy future. A solar water system is the most basic renewable energy device to harness the clean energy from the sun. Solar water heaters provide the greatest energy savings per dollar for reducing substantial residential energy demand.
The Solar Roofs law ensures that the vast majority of new homes will have solar water heaters and smooth the transition to zero-energy homes of the future. Further, with solar water heaters a standard feature on new homes, residents will be more accustomed to the benefits of solar, turning more of them into potential customers for photovoltaic and other renewable energy devices.
“Hawai‘i can be proud to lead the nation with this policy,” added Mikulina. “At a time when the globe hungers for smart energy solutions, Hawai‘i is demonstrating how it can be done.”
All contents copyright © 2003-2024. Molokai Dispatch, Inc. All rights reserved. 
