Proposed wind farm meets with opposition

Leeward Oahu residents accused principals in the proposed Palehua Wind project of pushing forward without regard for environmental and cultural concerns and without considering the surrounding communities during a meeting of the Kapolei Neighborhood Board on Wednesday evening.

It was the first public airing of the issue since an April 4, 2018 community meeting hosted by Eurus Energy America Corp. A half-dozen people commented on the project, all in opposition.

Eurus, the North American arm of Tokyo-based Eurus Energy Holdings, finalized a power purchase agreement with HECO in November. The agreement covers the proposed Palehua Wind project, a 46.8-megawatt wind farm that proponents estimate will generate enough energy for up to 25,000 homes.

The 13-turbine wind farm would be in an area above the Kahe Power Plant owned by Gill ‘Ewa Lands.

Opponents previously have raised concern about the potential impact of the turbines on sacred areas and wildlife within the project area.

At Wednesday’s meeting, state Rep. Stacelynn Eli, who represents Ewa Villages, Kalaeloa, Honokai Hale, Nanakai Gardens, Ko Olina, Kahe Point, Nanakuli, Lualualei and Maili, criticized Eurus for a “lack of transparency” in ignoring requests to discuss the project with the community.

Cynthia Rezentes, chairwoman of the Nanakuli-­Maili Neighborhood Board said, “The problem I have with this is we’re being asked to have the (Public Utilities Commission) approve the purchase-­power agreement before any information is presented to see whether or not placing that wind farm up there will be more detrimental than benign.”