After Rolling Blackouts on O'ahu, Representative Diamond Garcia Calls Out Legislative Leadership for Premature Coal Plant Closure in West O'ahu

News Release from Representative Diamond Garcia, Jan 11, 2024

Honolulu, HI- Representative Diamond Garcia (R-Kapolei, Ho'opili, Ewa Villages) is speaking out against the decision by the Legislature to shut down the coal plant in West O'ahu. In 2020, the Legislature passed a bill that banned coal powered energy production in the State by 2023. The closure, done without a clear and sustainable alternative energy plan, raises concerns about the potential consequences for the people of Hawaii. We've recently experienced rolling blackouts across O'ahu. This is a direct result of politicians scoring political points while ignoring the needs of the local families of Hawaii.

"Our legislative leaders rushed to shut down coal power in Hawaii as a gesture for the radical globalists, while not ensuring a viable alternative source that would be sustainable for our island's population," Representative Garcia remarked. "We are a first-world country. Rolling power outages are NOT acceptable, and we should not get used to it. The people of Hawaii deserve better!"

"The abrupt shutdown of the coal plant without a well-thought-out replacement plan is reckless and jeopardizes the energy security of our state," Representative Garcia asserted. 

"We cannot sacrifice the well-being of our citizens in the pursuit of political agendas. It is our duty as public servants to ensure that the people of Hawaii have access to reliable and affordable energy," Garcia concluded.

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