Save Kauai brings together current information about Kauai and web-based tools that allow you to take action. If we want to affect the future of Kauai in a pono way we must organize and begin implementing solutions, not just fighting the problems.
Aloha 'Aina, Imua Kakou!
Automatic Approval
Under the new Hawaii Clean Energy Initiative agreement the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) must approve/reject electric utility programmatic long-range plans. If there is no decision within 6 months, the plans are automatically approved.
HECO is almost uniform in opposing any group from intervening in PUC regulatory proceedings. They fight community interventions every step of the way. Therefore no PUC regulatory proceeding with intervenors has ever been completed in 6 months. Under this new approach, either there would be no meaningful community input or the project would be automatic approval with no community input.
The PUC's approval criteria would change from ''reasonable and in the public interest'' to ''can accomplish its purposes and that it provides the strategic guidance for future utility planning decisions''. This is a much harder standard for the community to challenge.
The PUCs approval of the plan establishes a ''presumption of need in any subsequent siting proceeding.'' Thus in arguing against a transmission line before the BLNR or LUC, the agency would assume there is a need for the project, and any challenge to that would be beyond the agency's jurisdiction.
The Hawaii Clean Energy Trust Me Plan, trust the government, we know what we are doing. All decisions were made behind close doors, in secret meetings, run by a hand-selected group of government sycophants, and no community people were present. They are seeking to ace the public out of OUR energy future.
Their plan is to build $1B worth of infrastructure, streamline governmental regulations (re: run amok over environmental protections) and construct two biofuel power plants, while leaving implementation of new renewable energy projects to the next Governor.
We need energy democracy, community supported energy where we need it. We have sun, wind and a deep cold ocean. Hawai`i has every renewable energy resource to be 100% energy self-sufficient, and we can locate clean solar on our roofs.
Isn't it about time we ask why we ask why we are the most oil dependent state in the nation.
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Mahalo,
Henry
Energy & Power in Hawaii
Thursdays, 8:30-9:00 pm via TV (Channel 54) or Simultaneous Web Broadcast (http://www.olelo.org/)
Life of the Land
76 N. King Street, Suite 203
Honolulu, HI 96817
phone: 808-533-3454. cell: 808-927-0709.
Web Site: http://www.lifeofthelandhawaii.org/