General

NHLC response to HB 2501 on EMI water diversions

Alexander & Baldwin’s March 18 response to the Honolulu Star Advertiser editorial is an exercise in deception. First, it is disingenuous for A&B to claim that other water permits are at risk. HB 2501 only addresses “holdover” authorization. A&B is the only entity in the state with a so-called “holdover” authorization of a revocable permit. While there may be nine other revocable water permits, all of those revocable permits are renewed annually. A&B, on the … Read more

Sierra Club supports Maui’s electric utility recommendations

Sierra Club Supports Maui County’s Push for a New Utility Model Honolulu, Hawai‘i — Maui County Mayor Alan Arakawa announced today that the county’s research shows that a new utility model, including a neutral “independent system operator” or cooperative ownership, would improve service, reduce rates, and promote clean energy. Marti Townsend, Director for the Sierra Club of Hawai‘i said: “We agree with the conclusions of Maui County’s study, that the people of Maui should seek … Read more

Alliance for Solar Choice: Sun Taxes Are Nuts

the Alliance for Solar Choice (TASC) began mailing coconuts to each State Legislator and the Governor in opposition to Hawaiian Electric’s proposal to impose taxes on new solar customers. Each coconut contains colorful messages like “Sun Taxes Are Nuts!” “This is a lighthearted attempt to show the silliness of HECO’s proposal,” said Robert Harris, Spokesperson for TASC.

Are Anaergia’s Waste-to-Energy Projects on Maui in Trouble?

Henry Curtis writes: Are Anaergia’s Waste-to-Energy Projects on Maui in Trouble? Posted: 21 Feb 2015 08:05 AM PST By Henry Curtis Over the past year I have blogged about Anaergia. The company is a global leader in the waste-to-energy sector. Maui County and Anaergia worked out a deal whereby Anaergia would allegedly increase recycling at the Central Maui Landfill. Existing companies such as Pacific Biodiesel could be negatively impacted. During the 2014 Legislative session Anaergia requested $150 million in Special Purpose … Read more

How to submit testimony to the Hawai’i legislature

CREATE AN ACCOUNT (one time thing) First you have to make an account.  Go to http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/login/register.aspx Fill in the form, check the box agreeing to terms and click Create User You will see a message that they have sent you an email to confirm your account. It might be entitled: “Please Confirm Subscription to Receive Hearing Notices” and it will be from mailinglist@capitol.hawaii.gov. Follow the instructions (click on the confirmation link) After you click the link you’ll … Read more

Sierra Club + over 20 other organizations oppose DLNR nominee

HONOLULU, HAWAI’I (January 26, 2015) — Over a dozen environmental groups are asking the Governor to withdraw his nomination of Castle & Cooke lobbyist Carleton Ching to head the Department of Land and Natural Resources and to drop any plans to weaken or eliminate the Land Use Commission. In a joint statement, the groups said: We are extremely disappointed in Governor Ige’s openness to eliminating the State Land Use Commission. The Land Use Commission serves an essential role in … Read more