The developers of a project that will use cold ocean water to provide air conditioning for downtown Honolulu said today they have received approval for an easement to install underground piping in the Kakaako Makai area.

The easement was granted to Honolulu Seawater Air Conditioning  by the Hawaii Community Development Authority, which oversees development in the Kakaako area.

“We think this renewable energy project is a very innovative contribution not only to the development of the Kakaako area, but also for reducing the environmental footprint of the entire city of Honolulu,” said Anthony Ching, Executive Director of HCDA.

Groundbreaking is expected in the first half of 2012 and construction is projected to be completed sometime in 2013.