HONOLULU (AP) — An endangered native bat is at the center of a fight over a proposed wind farm in Hawaii. ADVERTISING HONOLULU (AP) — An endangered native bat is at the center of a fight over a proposed wind
HONOLULU (AP) — An endangered native bat is at the center of a fight over a proposed wind farm in Hawaii.
HONOLULU (AP) — An endangered native bat is at the center of a fight over a proposed wind farm in Hawaii.
Residents attended a contested case hearing Monday for the Na Pua Makani project in Kahuku.
The developer, Na Pua Makani Power Partners, is seeking a permit that would allow the project to harm or kill certain threatened and endangered species, including 51 Hawaiian hoary bats over a 21-year period, the Hawaii News Now reports.
“We do not support something that will harm or kill, especially something of cultural significance to us, and we do not support the desecration of our community and our way of life,” said Kahuku resident Charlotte Kamauoha.
The facility would include eight or nine wind turbines. A company spokesman said the wind turbine generators used in the project will be 500-600 feet tall.
The developer also needs approval of its Habitat Conservation Plan, which must show a net recovery benefit to the affected species. The company has created mitigation plans for the bat and other endangered species.
“The $4.6 million that’s been budgeted for mitigation includes habitat restoration, research, and the ongoing physical monitoring at the project,” said Mike Cutbirth, a Na Pua Makani Power Partners spokesman.
Critics, however, aren’t convinced the steps will make any difference.
“Currently, all major wind farms in Hawaii have exceeded their amount of take that they’ve been approved for,” said Maxx Phillips, an attorney for Keep the North Shore Country. “In fact, the two existing wind farms on Oahu have already killed over 70 bats in just a few years of operation.”
The company said the wind project will stabilize electricity rates and create new jobs. There is also a $2 million benefit fund for the Kahuku community.
“I think that the residents can actually sleep well at night in that the agencies have really done their job to make sure that there’s no significant adverse impact from this project,” Cutbirth said.
