First Wind is the owner of the Kaheawa Wind Farm located between 1900-3000 feet on the slopes above Ma’alaea, Maui . Currently the 20 1.5 megawatts turbines produce about 30 megawatts of electricity a year and are estimated to provide enough energy for 1100 average Maui family homes. Unlike energy produced from fossil fuels, wind energy does not pollute the air or water and doesn’t produce carbon emissions that contribute to global warming.Hawaii is aiming to produce at least 70 percent of its own energy by 2030. It currently imports 90 percent of its energy and suffers from the highest gas prices in the nation. First Wind has conducted an Environmental Impact Survey on an area below the current farm and would like to install 14 more turbines which would generate 21 megawatts of annual electricity. Originally Phase Two was to be placed west of the current location and would have used 333 acres instead of the 143 acres of this new site. Less road building and transmission line work would be needed and the area is clear of archaeological sites.Although they say this area is no more problematic regarding native birds and bats than the old location, it seems to me that this new area would create a mauka to almost makai wall of turbines that the reported 4 birds or bats a night that travel through the area would then have to navigate through. The four species of concern are the Hawaiian petrel, the Newell’s shearwater, the nene and the hoary bat. One dead bat was found in October 2008 when it probably flew into a turbine tower.The sight of these towers are quite obtrusive. Can you imagine a wall of 34 turbine towers, with each one being 180 feet tall! Winds of 8 mph is necessary to turn the 3 112 feet long vanes of each turbine. I’m at a 50/50 position on this increase of turbines. Maui residents have not seen any noticeable difference in their monthly bills however, annually the turbines save at least 500 barrels of fuel a day which is a great benefit.First Wind does not plan on a Phase Three anytime soon because there is no demand.FYI: Comments on the revised draft are due by Jan. 22 and should be submitted to the Department of Land and Natural Resources, Office of Conservation and Coastal Lands, P.O. Box 621, Honolulu 96809, with a copy to the environmental consultants, Planning Solutions Inc., 210 Ward Ave., Suite 330, Honolulu 96814.
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