Wind turbines dangerous to hoary bats

A 30-turbine wind farm on the North Shore wants the state to support its plan to put in place more measures aimed at reducing killings of the endangered Hawaiian hoary bat while also allowing a higher death limit. Before signing off, the state should make sure that the pros far outweigh the cons. Due largely to geographic isolation and invasive pests, Hawaii leads the nation in overall endangered species listings.

What’s killing the bat? Collisions with turbine towers and blades as well as organ damage due to barometric pressure changes from the spinning blades. Hawaii’s Department of Land and Natural Resources is accepting public comment about the plan through Dec. 24.

Settlement puts safety first for Chevron

In the aftermath of a string of Clean Air Act violations, Chevron U.S.A. Inc. is on the hook for a settlement with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency of more than $160 million, which includes safety improvements at refineries and providing emergency response gear for nearby communities, including Honolulu.

Although Chevron sold its Kapolei refinery in 2016, the violations occurred during its ownership. So, $300,000 is tagged for Honolulu Department of Emergency Management equipment including satellite phones and radioactivity detectors. The EPA’s initial investigation followed a fire in 2012, involving release of high-temperature hydrocarbons at a Chevron refinery in Richmond, Calif.