Council acts to widen input on wind projects

The Honolulu City Council Committee on Zoning and Planning unanimously passed a resolution Thursday that seeks to allow for more community involvement in planned wind projects.

The resolution, introduced by City Council Chairman Ernie Martin in November, would amend the land-use ordinance permitting requirements to provide greater opportunity for public input.

The current permitting process for wind machines does not require a public hearing, presentation to the area neighborhood board or community association, notification to nearby property owners of the pending permit application, or posting of a “notice of pending permit” sign on the property.

Councilman Ikaika Anderson said it is important the resolution pass for the discussion to continue.

“There will still be ample opportunity to discuss this change,” Anderson said. “If the resolution is held today, discussion stops now.”

There was disagreement between the chairman and those testifying whether the bill would affect a current wind project planned to be built in Kahuku. Na Pua Makani Power Partners LLC is planning to build a 25-megawatt wind project near the North Shore community.

“Should any projects come forward in the future, beyond this project, it would likely be in my district,” Martin said. “It probably will not affect the current project at hand, but should any succeeding projects come forward, then I think it is within our realm of responsibility to allow as much public input as possible.”

Keoki Wallace, consultant for Na Pua Makani, testified that the resolution is singling out one specific project.

“We need to make changes in order to survive,” Wallace said. “The concern I have is this particular legislation is targeted at one project. … To change rules at the last second just doesn’t seem right.”

Several residents of Kahuku and other North Shore communities took off work to show support for the resolution.

Laie resident Carl Hubbell said he “supports this resolution to give the people the opportunity to speak on their own behalf. (The Kahuku community members) didn’t want it in the first place. They already voted against it, but (the wind project is) already going through.”

Martin said it is unlikely Na Pua Makani would be affected by the change.

It will take at least 90 days before the resolution is brought up before the Council as a recommendation for an ordinance.