A Proven Track Record of Conservation
The Hawi Wind Project was designed with environmental conservation critical to its siting and operations.
Conservation Methods:
- Locating the project adjacent to Upolu Airport Road and selecting a site that did not require grading for roads, turbine sites, interconnection, operation and maintenance buildings, or other facilities resulted in the site being minimally disturbed.
- Turbine siting that placed them a minimum of 1,900 feet from the coast line, 1000 feet from groves of trees, 4,700 feet from any ponds, and 500 feet from any ravines greatly reduced wildlife impact and habitat preferences.
- Turbine towers were constructed with no external ladders or platforms, minimizing perching and nesting opportunities.
- Existing roads were used and are still used to access the site, thereby minimizing loss of habitat.
- The electrical switchyard was located as close as possible to the existing Hawai’i Electric Company-owned 34.5 kV feeder line that interconnects the project.
- All low and medium voltage lines were placed underground, (with the exception of riser poles within the switchyard).
- The number of turbines with FAA lighting was minimized.
- All areas with steep slopes and rock outcrops were avoided by a minimum of 300 feet setback.
Good Neighbor Practices
Lights internal to the wind turbines are turned off when service activities are concluded.
Employees and contractors are instructed to drive at the posted speed limits of 15 mph on smaller roads, and 25 miles per hour on main roads, and use caution when low-visibility conditions occur.
Lights at switchyard control buildings and the O&M building area use low intensity yellow lights, thereby minimizing attraction of insects. All non-essential lights are not normally lit except when emergency repairs are needed, or in very rare instances when rush repairs are required.
Inspection and removal of invasive weeds is performed quarterly.
Trash is stored in containers and regularly removed, thereby avoiding creating an attractive nuisance for wildlife.
PPA Extension, Repowering and Refurbishing Project
Hawi Wind Farm’s PPA extension will be in compliance with all applicable permitting processes. Hawi Wind Farm is committed to serving as a good steward of the environment and community, and as the long-term owner and operator of the project, dedicated to being a good neighbor to the community.
City Zoning and Land Use Classification
County of Hawai’i: Zone 5
State Land Use Designation: Agriculture
Discretionary and Non-Discretionary Land Use, Environmental and Construction Permits and Approvals
County of Hawai’i: Zone 5
State Land Use Designation: Agriculture
Permits and Approvals
Hawi Wind was built in 2006 in compliance with all permitting requirements
Permits and Approvals Required for Repowering and Refurbishing
Building Permit (Switchyard and Substation Foundations)
Electrical Permit (Switchyard and Substation Wiring)