
Senator Gil Riviere
WIND ENERGY IN HAWAII
Kawailoa Wind EIS
​
Comments due June 24, 2019
​
​
Programatic EIS - Federal Process
​
Comments Due June 10, 2019
​
It is easy to support the ideal of wind energy, but these wind turbines are not ideal.
Kawailoa Wind generates just 22 percent of its advertised capacity. The electricity produced is expensive. They are lethal to endangered species. Nearly everyone who lives near them sees an eye sore.
I do not believe our pursuit of clean energy requires a blind faith in wind energy at all cost, no matter the adverse impacts.
BOEM
​
Statewide
Project Name Opened Efficiency
Capacity Towers
Statewide Today 242 114
Statewide Pending * 314 135
Oahu
Kahuku Wind 2011 30 32% 12
Kawailoa Wind 2012 69 22% 30
Na Pua Makani * TBD 24 TBD 8
Palehua Wind * TBD 48 TBD 13
Maui
​
Kaheawa Wind 2006 30 20
Kaheawa Wind 2 2012 21 14
Auwahi Wind 2012 21 8
Hawaii
​
Hawi Renewable 2006 11 16
Pakini Nui 2007 20 14
The Federal Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) is considering the feasibility of giant industrial wind turbines to be constructed as close as seven miles offshore from Kaena Point and Barbers Point. Additionally, Na Pua Makani Wind Project in Kahuku proposes nine turbines in the hills above Kahuku and near the High and Intermediate School. Kahuku would be surrounded by even larger wind turbines.

Na Pua Makani Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) Public Comment Period End 12.17
November 23, 2016
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), received an incidental take permit application from Na Pua Makani Power Partners, LLC. The permit would authorize the take of one threatened and six endangered species (including the Hawaiian Hoary Bat) associated the proposed Na Pua Makani Wind Energy Project. The Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP), describes the activities that may result in the incidental taking of listed species, and the measures the applicant will take to minimize impact on the species. The HCP, Federal Register Notice, and Supplemental EIS can be found here: https://www.fws.gov/pacificislands/
The end of the public comment period will be on Dec. 17th; written comments can be submitted via email: NaPuaMakanihcp@fws.gov. or U.S. Mail: Mary Abrams, Field Supervisor; U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; Pacific Islands Fish and Wildlife Office; 300 Ala Moana Boulevard, Room 3–122; Honolulu, HI 96850.

BOEM: Hawaii Offshore Wind Updates Available
October 06, 2016
We received the following notification from BOEM regarding updates to the Offshore Wind Farm:
On June 24, 2016, BOEM published a Call for Information and Nominations (Call) and a Notice of Intent to Prepare an Environmental Assessment (EA). BOEM will use the information and expressions of interest received during the Call comment period to gather information about potential multiple uses and environmental concerns. BOEM received an expression of interest from one additional wind developer during the Call comment period. Prior to the Call, BOEM received a total of three unsolicited wind energy lease requests from two potential wind developers.
A summary of the commercial wind interest offshore Hawaii can now be viewed as an update to our website at www.boem.gov/Hawaii. Public comments in response to the Call can be viewed online at www.Regulations.gov. Enter docket number "BOEM 2016-0036" in search bar and click on "Open Docket Folder" link and follow the instructions to view comments.
The next step of the planning and leasing process is referred to as Area Identification. During this stage, BOEM balances competing uses, environmental concerns, and the proposed area's potential for commercial wind development, with the goal being the identification of one or more areas suitable for offshore wind leasing. The EA is ongoing and will be informed by the information obtained during the scoping comment period.
Offshore Seabird Monitoring
January 01, 2020
Click the map to read a research paper regarding remote monitoring of birds and bats specifically at offshore wind farms; the map shows the tracking of offshore seabird monitoring at Kaena Point for three years and was funded by BOEM. You can see that the birds fly all over the place where they are proposing these off shore wind farms. You can view other information on this project here.
Honolulu Star Advertiser Article: Feds Begin Move to OK Wind Farms Off Oahu
Please click on the image to read the June 23, 2016 article on off shore wind farms.