Kawailoa Wind, LLC and Keep the North Shore Country Collaborate on Environmental Research Plan
News Release from Kawailoa Wind, LLC (Kawailoa) and Keep the North Shore Country
January 29, 2021 - Kawailoa Wind, LLC (Kawailoa) and Keep the North Shore Country (KNSC) have agreed to collaborate on an environmental research plan for the Kawailoa Wind Project (the Project) on the north shore of O`ahu. The plan will enhance the existing knowledge of endangered species on O`ahu by funding research for the `ua`u (Hawaiian petrel) and modify the search area for monitoring turbine impacts to the `ōpe`ape`a (Hawaiian hoary bat) and other endangered species.
Kawailoa, who operates 30 wind turbines in the hills above Waimea Bay, requested an amendment to its habitat conservation plan (HCP) and incidental take license due to the unexpectedly higher take of `ōpe`ape`a (Hawaiian hoary bat) at the project and discovery of two `ua`u (Hawaiian petrel) fatalities, a species not previously covered by the plan.
KNSC, a community based environmental organization, objected to the proposed HCP amendment and was granted a contested case hearing by the Board of Land and Natural Resources. Both parties have agreed to the enhanced research plan as settlement for the contested case. Kawailoa has agreed to fund $250,000 for `ua`u research on O`ahu and to increase the search radius around each turbine for two years.
Both parties appreciate the respect and good faith exhibited by each side during HCP amendment process and subsequent constructive settlement discussions, and both parties leave on good terms.
Coverage:
Trace Through Four Shell Companies to find the real owner is Colbert Matsumoto and his cronies at Island Holdings:
Background:
|