Categorized | Business, Energy, News

Big Isle leases on agenda Wednesday

MEDIA RELEASE

Members of the Hawaii State Senate Committee on Water, Land, Agriculture and Hawaiian Affairs will conduct an informational briefing and public hearing 5 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 17 at the University of Hawaii-Hilo, UCB Room 127.

The meeting will focus on Hawaii Revised Statutes section 171-95 (as amended in Act 102, Session Laws of Hawaii 2002) regarding an expedited process for alternative energy development and the subsequent action taken by the Board of Land and Natural Resources at their Nov. 14 meeting in Honolulu. A probable outcome of the meeting may be proposing amendments to HRS sec. 171-95—which relates in part to the granting of leases to renewable energy producers without public auction—to allow other alternative energy entities to participate in a process prior to selection, to provide better public notification of pending applications, and to hold the decision-making meeting on the island where the project is proposed to occur.

The Hilo meeting will address issues raised recently by proposed leases from the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR)—through direct negotiation—to Hamakua Biomass Energy LLC and to SunFuels Hawaii LLC for alternative energy development.

In November, the Board of Land and Natural Resources approved in principle the issuance of those direct leases. Some of the lands included under the proposed leases are currently in use as pasture land for commercial beef ranching operations.

“The Senate Committee is taking the unusual step of holding a meeting in Hilo because the BLNR action involves lessees on the Big Island,” said Sen. Clayton Hee (District 23 – Kahuku, Laie, Kaaawa, Kaneohe), chairman of the Senate Committee on Water, Land, Agriculture and Hawaiian Affairs. “I firmly believe that the staff recommendation of DLNR was improper because it recommended leasing lands to a business entity that are already under state lease to farmers and ranchers. This is just one reason why state lands productively used for agriculture are diminishing. The members of the Board of Land and Natural Resources must explain their action to the public and the legislature.”

Sen. Dwight Takamine (District 1 – Hilo, Honokaa, Laupahoehoe, Hamakua, Waiakea Uka, Keaukaha, Waimea) agreed that while the DLNR may be operating within the strict letter of the law, the community’s voice must be heard.

“The law permits the DLNR to issue the leases without public auction, but that should not mean without public input. Agriculture has always been—and still is—a big part of the Big Island. These kinds of shifts and their impact on the public absolutely call for decision-making at the community level. If new legislation is required to protect that community role, that’s something we have to look at. Weighing our options has to start by hearing from those who will most feel the effects of the change.”

“This is a classic example of the debate over ‘food or fuel,’” said Sen. Russell Kokubun (District 2 – Waiakea Uka, Kalapana, Volcano, Kahuku), a longtime advocate for agricultural industries, and chair of the Hawaii 2050 sustainability task force. “We are all aware of our state’s need to look at alternative energy solutions for our future, but we also need to consider our need to provide food for our residents. Where we draw that line is a critical concern. These kinds of fundamental decisions are going to become more and more prevalent as we work toward Hawaii’s preferred future. Now is the time to ensure the state has a process for making those decisions without prejudice, without favoritism, and without preconceived notions. That’s why these public meetings are important, and why we think Big Island residents will have something to say.”

— Find out more:

Senate Majority Caucus: http://www.hawaiisenatemajority.com

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