Maui wind farm never got $1.5M tax bill

WAILUKU — A wind farm on Maui has as simple explanation as to why it failed to pay $1.5 million in real estate taxes.

Kaheawa Wind Power LLC says it never got a bill. It also didn’t realize it topped Maui County’s Real Property Tax Division’s Internet posting of the 25 biggest delinquent taxpayers.

The oversight came to light this week when a Maui News reporter made inquiries after the newspaper was contacted by a concerned citizen.

Officials say Kaheawa pays all expenses through a state lease, but when the wind farm went into operation in 2007, the state didn’t send the lease and permit papers to the county. Earlier this year, a county tax staffer found taxes were due, but notices were sent to an old address in Massachusetts.