H.B. 1384 WIND TURBINES BUFFER ZONES NEAR RESIDENTIAL, SCHOOL, HOSPITAL PROPERTY LINES

News Release from House Republican Caucus February 11, 2015

The House Consumer Protection and Commerce Committee will be hearing

What:             H.B. 1384 Wind Turbines Buffer Zones

When:            2:30 pm today,

Where:           Rm  325

Due to the overwhelming response of submitted online and e-testimony, Chair Angus McKelvey moved HB 1384 from the end of the agenda to the first bill to be heard in today’s committee.  The community feels that their voice has not been heard.  They have expressed their concern about the fact that this new project in Kahuku has basically been classified as a “done deal.”

“The state Public Utility Commission recently approved a power purchase agreement between Hawaiian Electric Company and Na Pua Makani Power Partners, states Rep. Pouha.  This decision enabled the construction of up to ten more turbines near Kahuku town.  Although Champlin/GEI Wind Holdings, LLC, the parent company of Na Pua Makani, plans to have a draft environmental impact statement later this year, the community continues to seek a chance to voice their concern and want to be heard.  I know my community and they are not opposed to clean energy.  However, they have valid concerns and simply need a place and time to express themselves.  This bill, the public process, allows for the conversation to take place.”

The bill was originally referred to the House Energy and Environmental Protection Committee and then to CPC.  Should the bill pass out of CPC committee it will be heard in Finance Committee next.  Rep. Feki Pouha represents residents from the Waiahole to Kahuku to Waialua communities.

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HB1384: Text, Status