More storage means more power from solar

Hawaiian Electric is seeking approval from the Public Utilities Commission for seven “solar-plus-storage” projects that can transfer power from the sun to batteries and onto the power grid. The intent is to deliver electricity when it’s most needed — something most current sun-dependent operations cannot guarantee.

The proposed set — three projects on Oahu, two on Maui and two on Hawaii island — is touted as the largest and lowest­-cost portfolio of renewable energy resources to be assembled here. If the PUC signs off on what appears to be a win-win for the environment and the consumer, power could be churned during some demand hours when the sun is not shining.

Hoping for a more unified City Council

With the ongoing legal challenge over Trevor Ozawa’s 22-vote Election Day victory leaving the Honolulu City Council with a seat empty, the Council’s interim chairwoman, Ann Kobayashi, has said the remaining eight members must now “work together and keep a unified Council.”

Such sentiment is highly ambitious, given the Council’s bouts of discord. Last year, a majority backed now termed-out Ernie Martin, among Mayor Kirk Caldwell’s toughest critics, as he unseated then-chairman Ron Menor, whose leadership was viewed as more amendable to the administration. Here’s hoping that Kobayashi and her gavel-wielding successor are able to focus this year’s Council work on serving taxpayers, not politics.