Hawaii - U.S. Department of Energy commits $117 Million for wind farm development

The U.S. Department of Energy announced today it's committing $117 million in stimulus money to finance the construction of a 12-tower wind farm in Kahuku. The wind farm is being built on 506 acres in the hills above Kahuku. It's one of two projects in the works in the area to bring clean energy to the islands.

First Wind plans to install 12 wind turbine generators, capable of supplying enough electricity for 7,700 homes a year. It will be similar to other wind farms, like on Maui. But First Wind's project is just one of two wind farm plants proposed for this rural area of Oahu. There will be 22, 420-foot towers once the two projects are completed.

"We understand we can make a contribution to the rest of the island. We want to do our part but we also want the developers to be respectful of our community," said Kent Fonoimoana, Kahuku Community Association board member. Kahuku is the most windward point of Oahu and with the winds channeling through the Koolau Mountains, it is a desirable area for wind farm developers. "It's a proven area for wind energy. First Wind would like to move forward and utilize what has already been found in Kahuku," said Kekoa Kaluhiwa, First Wind External Affairs Director

Fonoimoana says most of his neighbors are comfortable with First Wind's project because it's set about three quarters of a mile away from homes. It's Oahu Wind Partners' plans to construct four towers above homes that have them concerned. First Wind says its plant will create jobs and help move the state towards renewable energy. But the towers - about as tall as a 40-story building - will take some getting used to.

"We like to think that as we look forward the community will be able to support the efforts we're trying to achieve with the wind farm," Kaluhiwa said. First Wind hopes to have the wind farm up and running by the end of the year.

For more information please contact Trevor Sievert at ts@windfair.net