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Environment

News stories regarding Molokai’s outdoor environment

A Molokai Wind Farm

Monday, February 28th, 2011

A Molokai Wind Farm

Community Contributed

By Steve Morgan

Unlike Molokai, land on Lanai has already been designated for the purpose of the wind farm. As a result, the process on Lanai has progressed further than that on our island. Referencing Lanai issues will hopefully help us in making evaluations for our own island.

How much land will the Lanai wind farm require?
According to Castle and Cooke, majority landowner of Lanai, the maximum amount of land that will be used will be 12,800 acres.

What benefits are being offered to the people of Lanai in return for the construction of a wind farm on their island?

Based on the Jan. 11 presentation given by Harry Saunders of Castle and Cook, a basic summary of the combined benefits being offered to the Lanai community are as follows:
-    Make  Lanai utility rates the same as Oahu rates
-    Make Lanai electric grid 100 percent green by 2020
-    Maintain public access for hunting and fishing
-    Infuse money into weakened tourist industry in order to maintain jobs
-    Improve existing water infrastructure including $500,000 annual investment for improvements
-    $250,000 annual investment into watershed preservation
-    1 percent gross revenue to establish community benefit fund  for broad range of community projects, as decided by the community
-    $100,000 annual investment to Lanai Cultural and Heritage Center
-    Road Improvements
According to Mr. Saunders, these benefits would be included in a Purchase Power Agreement (PPA) making these benefits legally binding.

What is the response of the Lanai community?
According to “Lanaians for Sensitive Growth” (LSG), a 25-year-old community advocacy organization, complete support for the wind farm project is found only within a small percentage of Lanai residents. Combining dozens of small group sessions, and a random survey of approximately 400 homes in Lanai covering a broad demographic spectrum, the survey by LSG determined the following statistics:
-    7 percent in complete support
-    23 percent support with reservation
-    21 percent opposed
-    36 percent need more information
-    13 percent other
The official statement made by LSG at this time is, “We do not feel that the potential benefits outweigh the environmental, cultural, social and economic impacts to Lanai and the community.” At the Jan. 11 Senate hearing, Reynold Gima, president of LSG, requested that the senators at the meeting engage more fully with the Lanai community, concluding “Do with us, don’t do to us!”

Is there a Lanai governing body that will be involved in the decision making process on Lanai?
No, currently there is no such governing body. Using the county process, the intention of LSG is to designate land in the area of the proposed windmills to the zoning categories of “Open Space One and Open Space Two.” According to LSG, through such a designation, the Lanai Planning Commission would have jurisdiction over some areas of the wind farm.

For more info in regard to opposition of the Lanai wind farm go to friendsoflanai.org

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Back to Business

Monday, February 28th, 2011

Back to Business

Nancy McPherson, the recently reinstalled Molokai planner, has returned to ensure projects are done correctly to Molokai standards – and efficiently.

She is knowledgeable about permits, zoning, flood maps, and Special Area Management (SMA), McPherson said.
“Our natural resources are our natural capital, so we have to protect it,” McPherson said.

McPherson’s first stint as the island’s planner began in 2006 and came to an end in 2008 when she was promoted as Maui County planner.


A Plan for Efficiency
McPherson returned to her Molokai position in mid-January, and said she is enthusiastic about being back in the position. She would like to be able to allow people to begin their projects as soon as possible.

“I plan on trying to make the SMA permitting process more streamline. I want to make it more efficient,” McPherson said.

Lori Buchanan, a Molokai Planning Commission member, said she is happy to have McPherson back on board.  “I have always been impressed with McPherson’s experience and academia,” she said.

“I thought we got lucky. I honestly thought she was overqualified. She has a great heart,” Buchanan added.

Sometimes permitting may seem like a daunting task, but McPherson said she wants to assure residents that she is trying to make it less confusing.

Buchanan said she trusts McPherson’s experience as a long-range planner on Maui, and “her ability to see the long-term effects of projects.”

"It’s difficult to balance current projects and long-term projects on Molokai. People want to build now.” Buchanan said.

McPherson said she is planning more cultural assessments of Molokai to ensure nothing is overlooked when permits are handed out for building projects.

Before McPherson began tackling Molokai’s projects in January, the planner position on Molokai was left vacant for four months. Previous planner Mikal Torgerson left in September 2010. The county would not comment on the nature of his departure.

A History of Planning
McPherson has lived in Hawaii off and on since the age of 10. Her family moved to Oahu when her father got a job as a hydraulics engineer for sugar and pineapple plantations.  She moved back to her home state of California when she was 19 to further her studies. She said she had always wanted to preserve the land, and decided to study planning.

She attended Sonoma State University, and earned a double-bachelor’s degree in Urban and Regional Development and Economic.

She later worked as an urban planner in Novato, California, where she helped implement a new permit tracking system for the city.

Since returning to Hawaii in 2000, McPherson has consulted with farmers on Oahu’s North Shore, in order to provide locational data that is essential to urban planning.
 
She began a master’s in Urban and Regional Planning at the University of Hawaii Manoa in 2003. While she was there, she came with a team of eleven people to do cultural research of ancient burial sites at sand dunes on Papohaku Beach. She also did cultural research at Malama Beach Park on Molokai.

Her master’s research includes extensive studies on ahapua`a in North Kohala, Hawai`i Island, including King Kamehameha I’s birth site. They also compiled information for the Office of Hawaiin Affairs. That information has been further utilized to create community plans for North Kohala, she said.

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A Molokai Wind Farm

Wednesday, February 23rd, 2011

A Molokai Wind Farm

Community Contributed
By Steve Morgan

Why not use solar instead of wind power?
This seems like a reasonable question given the amount of sun that we possess. The simple answer is that solar in considerably more costly. In 2008, a study was done by the Department of Energy to evaluate all alternative energy sources including utility scale solar farms and widespread use of individual roof top solar systems. In regard to both types of systems, the cost was roughly double that of wind. A report demonstrating a comparable renewable energy analysis is expected to be released by the Department of Agriculture in March 2011. This information will also be included in the environmental impact statement (EIS). Nevertheless, solar will play a part of Hawaii’s energy portfolio as tax incentives and net metering encourage the development of independent systems. Furthermore, in the event that an independent renewable energy grid is established for Molokai, solar would be a viable option as one of the components of this system.


Molokai is being asked to help supply Oahu's growing energy demands. What measurable conservation efforts are being undertaken on Oahu?
Over the last five years, due to a combination of various factors including conservation efforts and a weakening economy, Oahu residential customers have cut their average electric usage by 7.2 percent.  From 1996 through 2008, Oahu also saw a reduction in oil consumption of 3.7 million barrels. Recent large scale energy projects on Oahu include a 30 megawatt (MW) wind farm on Oahu’s North Shore and a 110 MW biofuel plant at Kalaeloa.  Plans are also in place for a second wind farm on the North Shore (Kawailoa) which will create an additional 70 MW of power.

Will Molokai be able to receive power from the proposed wind farm?
No, even a single windmill of this size would have too much output for Molokai’s electric grid. Assuming the offer to be the same as Lanai, as part of a benefits package, HECO would offer an independent agreement to ensure that our island’s electric utility would be 100 percent “green” by 2020. In the interim, what is being proposed by HECO would be to guarantee electric rates to Molokai at the same rate as Oahu customers. (approx. 50 percent price reduction)
 
How long would it take to construct the wind farm on Molokai?
According to First Wind, actual construction would be accomplished within a twelve month period.  Without complications, land rights, studies and permits would be accomplished by the end of 2012 and engineering completed by 2013. Actual construction would commence in 2014.
 
Does First Wind have land rights for the windmills on Molokai?
No and the track record thus far has been a resistance from Molokai Ranch to sell land. The tipping point in all of this may be the state itself which is taking a very proactive stance in fulfilling the requirements of HRS 269-92. Peter Nicholas, CEO of Molokai Ranch, recently acknowledged that the pressure from the government is such that if Molokai Ranch refuses to sell, there is a possibility that the state would condemn the necessary Ranch lands through the process of Eminent Domain.

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Not Horsing Around

Wednesday, February 23rd, 2011

Not Horsing Around

Molokai high school students and younger keiki found their inner-paniolo as they trotted and galloped across the red dirt at this weekend’s Hawaii High School Rodeo Association (HHSRA)’s first matchup, at Molokai Ranch Arena.

With cattle mooing in the background, a sunny day and a slight wind, it was a perfect combination for a competitive wrangling.

“I remember when a lot of these kids would have to be walked around the barrels - now they are running around by themselves,” Jimmy said.

The next HHSRA rodeo will be March 26 and 27 at the Molokai Ranch Arena, beginning at 9 a.m.

Rodeo results will be posted at TheMolokaiDispatch.com this week, and be in next week’s Dispatch.


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Putting Water in Local Hands

Wednesday, February 23rd, 2011

In the midst of a water permit acquisition and an important-agricultural land designation request by Molokai Properties Ltd (MPL), there are many questions remaining for homesteaders who feel bound to Molokai’s water.

Malia Akutagawa is president of Sust `ainable Molokai, a grassroots organization that educates the public on sustainability through traditional as well as modern methods.

Lately, Akutagawa has been teaching homesteaders about their rights to Molokai’s water. “Why are they [MPL] trying to get a permit to draw the water without a permit to pump it,” Akutagawa asked an audience of about 20 Ho`olehua homesteader s at Lanikeha last Wednesday.

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A Crop for All Seasons

Friday, February 18th, 2011

A Crop for All Seasons

The price is food is not getting any cheaper, and as residents buy less, the price climbs even higher. For those of us with some land to spare and affordable water, it makes sense to put some seedlings in the ground and let the rains take care. 

For everything, there is a season, and knowing when to plant a certain crop is key to the success of your plantings. For starters, always plan ahead to the next season. Each season has its own set of characteristics and quirks that favor some crops over other ones, including rainfall, day length and temperature.

In Hawaii, there are at least four distinguishable growing seasons. The fall/winter slot, from September to December, has just past, but is usually a repeat of this season which I call the winter/spring slot.  It’s a perfect time for broccoli, cabbages, cauliflower, Chinese cabbages or mustards, leafy vegetables, root crops, and anything else you might want to take a chance on. January can be a time for beautiful warm sunny days one day, and torrential rains the next.

Hawaiians refer to this kind of weather as kaulua or ‘of two minds.’ This season is strongly influenced by the northerly storms, the ones that produce our large waves. Of these, the northwesterly ones are the most destructive because they’re opposite from our prevailing northeasterly winds, and many areas have no wind protection, including farms and residences. In the peak of this season, there are at least two to three new storms each week, and sometimes more. The rain also brings the weeds, and reminds me of the saying, ‘one year of weeds, seven years of seeds!’ This is one of the greatest challenges of gardening in the rainy season, and one in which farmers would like to avoid.

Of the cold season veggies, the safest ones to grow would be the underground crops, such as radish, beets, daikon, carrots, and even kohlrabi. Mustards kai choy, pak choy, and won bok thrive now. Lettuce grows well from October to May, but heavy rains this season can damage some of the thin leaved types. The thick-leaf, cast iron types such as romaine, heads, and hapa types like Anuenue, Concept, Sierra, or Nevada will do well.

Bulb onions, exclusively the Grano and Granex types, can be sown from September to March. These are the Maui onion types, and will grow just as well on Molokai and get pretty sweet, especially above 500 feet. Bulb onions take about 150 days or more to mature so they’ll be ready in May or June if started now. Irish potatoes also grow well during this season, but getting good seed can be a problem. Buying a big bag of small potatoes is one way to start.

The spring slot, starting in mid-March, it’s the last chance for some of the winter veggies, especially the broccolis and cauliflowers. Some of the Chinese mustards can grow all year round, but it’s good practice to have a crop-free period for each crop to break the insect cycle. Spring runs from March to June. April showers bring May flowers, so plant some flowers as well. Melons, cucumbers, tomatoes, eggplant, and peppers can be planted in mid-spring.

Since this is just a generalization of the seasons, it’s always a good practice to take a chance on a new crop. Who knows, sometimes winter never comes, and other times summer just goes on and on and on.

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Save Your Energy

Friday, February 18th, 2011

Save Your Energy

Molokai faces the highest electricity rates in the state, if not the country, and many residents are at a loss for how to cut down on their bill. While the state tries for big-picture projects like wind farms, local companies are giving residents simple solutions.

 “Molokai is a lot more innovative than you’d think it’d be,” said Kalono Ferreira of Pono-Solutions.

Pono-Solutions, a subsidiary organization of the state rebate program Hawaii Energy, is now available on Molokai to help people get the most out of their energy systems by taking advantage of these rebates.

Energy education is available to those are interested in an education on how to be energy efficient. Pono-Solutions work with customers to make homes and businesses more energy efficient – from light bulbs, to air conditioners, to refrigerators and water heaters.

Pono-Solutions will also hook customers up with a local contractor to service their needs.

Dennis Turner, owner of Outpost Natural Foods store in Kaunakakai, wants to stop paying for energy all together.

“We have a goal to get off the grid,” Turner said.

He has built his own custom-lighting to cut down on costs and has advice for others who are interested in saving energy.

“People should keep the condensers clean on their refrigerators. That will allow air to circulate more effectively and not let heat build up,” he said.

Ferreira and his colleagues came from Oahu last week to help audit people’s lighting systems and give advice on how to be energy-efficient.

Lighting the Way

Ferreira said its great more people are using solar; however, before installing solar panels, other energy-suckers need to be changed first, such as incandescent light bulbs.

“Lighting is the first step. It’s cheap to replace and you get a return on your investment,” said Jason Aiana, a Pono-Solutions representative on Molokai. “There’s a huge difference on electric bills when people make their lighting systems more efficient.”

A simple change of a light bulb can decrease electricity bills dramatically. For example, a T12 florescent bulb may cost a little less, but uses anywhere from 40-90 kilowatts per hour. A T8 bulb uses only 25-32 watts per hour.

Residents can take advantage various rebates as well.  Solar water heaters can cost $1,500-2000, but  the annual savings  are around $500, according to Hawaiienergy.com. Rebates of $750 could be granted for this kind of system.

Energy-efficient appliances such as washing machines, ceiling fans and air conditioners also have rebates, up to about $110, and compact florescent light bulbs (CFLs) often have instant rebates in stores.

Aianai is confident that sustainability can’t be done alone.

“It’s a kakou thing!” he said, meaning, “We’re all in this together!”

To learn more on how to make your home more energy-efficient and save on energy bills, contact Jason Aiana at 479-9618 or visit www.pono-solutions.com.  For more information about energy use in Hawaii and to take advantage of rebates, visit www.hawaiienergy.com.

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Molokai Wind Farm

Friday, February 18th, 2011


By Steve Morgan

A quick disclaimer – I currently do not represent a position of support or opposition in regard to the proposed wind farm. My only intention of this series is to help our community in getting a basic understanding of this project.

Why is the state actively seeking to build windmills on Molokai?
The urgency to build a wind farm on Molokai originates with State Bill HRS 269-92, which mandates that the state of Hawaii replace 40 percent of its oil consumption by the year 2030 with renewable energy. Mandated intervals also require a 10 percent reduction in oil consumption by 2010, which has been met. By 2015, renewable energy must reach the 15 percent level and by 2020 a 25 percent level must be reached.

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Organic Farming Given Funding

Friday, February 18th, 2011

Organic farming is easier on the environment, but even organic practices need safeguards. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is offering financial assistance to National Organic Program certified organic producers.

 

The funding gives current growers’ opportunity to address their existing resource concerns, such as soil and plant conditions, as well as new organic producers, according to Lawrence T. Yamamoto, NRCS Director for the Pacific Islands Area. This assistance will be provided through the Organic Initiative of the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP).

 

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Providing Relief for Molokai Homestead Farmers

Monday, February 14th, 2011

Providing Relief for Molokai Homestead Farmers

Community Contributed

By Rep. Mele Carroll

This session I introduced House Bill 1483, which directs the Department of Agriculture (DOA) to provide water to Molokai Irrigation System users who lease tracts of land at a reduced rate. It also requires the DOA to forgive past due water bills for the provision of irrigation water for Molokai homestead farmers.

With this challenging economy, the hardship of our Molokai homestead farmers is real and I feel that we need to provide some relief to our farmers so they can continue to economically survive during these most trying times.
House Bill 1483 was advanced by the Committee on Hawaiian Affairs on Feb. 4, and will now advance to Joint House Committees on Agriculture and Water, Land & Ocean Resources for consideration.


The Molokai Irrigation Ditch was created for the homesteaders to be used for agricultural purposes, per an agreement made between the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, the homesteaders and the Department of Water Supply. That agreement called for sufficient water be given to the homestead farmers to be used for their farming. As the years have progressed, the federal mandate that homesteaders be given two-thirds of the water allotment has seemingly lost its strength or forgotten altogether.

With current water costs to the people of Molokai, it has become more than some homestead families can endure and still be able to survive.

Testimony given during the hearing included that of the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) stating that, “this bill restores a benefit to these lessees and we appreciate this, and similar measures, that enable our agricultural lessees to be successful.”

The DLNR continued in saying, “The department supports this measure provided that sufficient funding is made available to the Department of Agriculture to cover the operational costs of the MIS. We recommend thorough discussion and consultation with the Department of Agriculture (the lead agency) and the MIS users to ensure this reduced rate is pragmatic and sustainable.”

Additional testimony in favor of House Bill 1483 came from the `Aha Ki`ole Advisory Committee, who strongly supported the bill saying in written testimony, “Water is a critical component to the needs of Native Hawaiians on Hawaiian Homestead lands in Molokai and is desperately needed for agricultural purposes and to actually survive. The Hawaiian Homes Commission Act of 1920 specifically was created to enable Native Hawaiians to return to their lands and to promote self-sufficiency. However, this self-sufficiency cannot be achieved without water. On Molokai, the cost of water is probably the highest in the state of Hawai’i and the lack of it causes an extreme hardship for homestead farmers who must depend on their farms to exist.

“Dependent on traditional resource management that balances the ecosystem, the `Aha Moku system is also dependent on water. And, Native Hawaiian families who are descendant from the original homestead farmers who live in these five moku are in desperate need of assistance now.”

With the severe economic impacts facing Molokai and it’s residents on a daily basis, the passing of House Bill 1483 will bring some much needed relief by allowing the Department of Hawaiian Homelands farmer lessee’s whose very lives are dependent on the availability of affordable water to continue to do so at a reduced rate. House Bill 1483 also provides the necessary financial relief that is imperative for Molokai’s homestead farmers.

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