Maui County Agricultural Festival on the way
March 24, 2011
Article from: The Maui News
WAIKAPU – Maui farmers, chefs and locavores will gather next month to celebrate island agriculture at the fourth annual Maui County Agricultural Festival.
The event – which includes keiki activities, food booths, animal and farm exhibits and cooking demonstrations – highlights local farms and produce in an effort to raise awareness about the importance of agriculture on Maui. This year’s festival will feature the “cole” family of vegetables, including cabbages, kale and broccoli, which make up a key crop for local farmers.
The festival will take place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 2 on the luau grounds of the Maui Tropical Plantation. The Maui County Farm Bureau and the county Office of Economic Development organize the event, which is expected to draw more than 5,000 people, according to a release.
Farm Bureau Executive Director Warren Watanabe said cabbages and other coles are “often overlooked” by local consumers but are an essential crop for Maui farmers.
“Head cabbage in particular thrives on the cool volcanic slopes of Kula,” farmer Ralph Inouye said. “Because it’s a fairly stable and transportable plant, it’s a key crop in Maui’s agricultural viability.”
Cabbage also is an excellent source of vitamins and fiber, a release said. Coles will be featured in the festival’s “Taste Education” segment, which will include cooking demonstrations by local chefs and a tasting of the dishes they prepare. Tickets for “Taste Education” are $25 for adults or $15 for children under 12; tickets will be $30 for adults or $20 for children if purchased after Wednesday.
Home cooks also can compete in contests for banana bread and pickled vegetable recipes.
Other highlights of the festival include:
* A “Victory Farm” display of local crops.
* Farm animal exhibit by Maui Cattle Co.
* “Grown on Maui” farmers market.
* Food booths.
* Keiki activities.
* Healthy cooking demonstrations by Down to Earth, Susan Campbell and kumu hula Kapono’ai Molitau.
* A “Farm Doctor” booth with agricultural experts providing advice to gardeners.
* Storytelling.
* Bookstore.
For more information on the event or the recipe contests, or to order tickets for “Taste Education,” visit http://www.mauicountyfarmbureau.org/.
Friday, March 25, 2011
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Maui Planning Commissioners Praise Proposed Wind Farm Idea
Wind farm idea draws praise
Doubts linger on logistics of Upcountry construction
March 23, 2011 – By HARRY EAGAR, Staff Writer
Article from: The Maui News
WAILUKU – Maui planning commissioners Tuesday praised a proposed wind farm as a “wonderful, wonderful project” but raised doubts about getting the massive equipment to the remote location on the southwest flank of Haleakala between two sections of the Auwahi native plant restoration area.
The commission was commenting on a draft environmental impact statement for Sempra Energy’s proposed wind project at Ulupalakua.
Worries about losing the last highway ocean views to what Chairman Jonathan Starr called “pole land” also came up Tuesday. But the wind farm itself was warmly received, with Starr wishing only that it could be bigger than the 21 megawatts proposed.
Pardee Erdman, of Ulupalakua Ranch, which will lease nearly 1,500 acres to Sempra, called the project “a win-win for the ranch.” He said the infrastructure needed to transport heavy turbines and lengthy vanes will “make that land more productive than it is today,” although he added, “We are going to continue raising cattle.”
Maui Electric Co. has contracted to begin purchasing wind electricity from the project a year from now.
But developers still have to obtain many permits before they can proceed, including a special management area permit for parts of the project makai of the road to Kahikinui.
That troubled Commissioner Kent Hiranaga, as well as Starr. As proposed now, the 23,000-volt transmission line would run along the highway through Ulupalakua for a distance makai before crossing mauka. The poles would be 60 feet tall and wooden, but Starr wondered whether the line couldn’t be buried, at least for the portion makai, which he described as some of the finest scenic views in the islands.
Hiranaga wondered whether the mitigative measure shouldn’t be moving the farm itself mauka.
Mitch Dmohowski, Sempra’s project manager, said the developers looked at two potential areas, but ultimately chose the makai site because it had better conditions.
“It’s the best wind site I’ve ever seen,” he said.
Hiranaga suggested that by adding a few more towers, the project could generate the same amount of electricity at the mauka site.
“You have to satisfy us that the loss of the view plane is justified,” he said.
Preliminary estimates call for between eight and 15 wind towers, depending on the size of the turbines installed.
Judith and Richard Michaels, residents of Makena Surf, questioned the developers’ plans for access to the site.
The more direct route would appear to be via Kula Highway, but the developers prefer a more circuitous route down Piilani Highway, along Wailea and Makena alanuis and up a private ranch road, which will have to be considerably improved.
Along the way, medians on the alanuis would have to be torn up, trees cut back and several traffic signals at intersections temporarily removed.
The Michaelses pointed out that, toward the end of that trip, the pavement narrows to a two-lane rural road that, south of the Fairmont Kea Lani hotel, is the only way out. If there were a mishap with one of the 116 “superloads,” Judith Michaels said, “we could not get out.”
An extension of Piilani Highway higher up might prove more practical, they said, particularly if the developer of Honua’ula were persuaded to participate in the improvements in order to get a construction access road to its 670 acres.
There is another ranch road from that area that approaches the wind farm site, but Erdman cautioned that the engineering to make that path usable would be formidable.
In any case, commissioners asked that the study investigate alternatives.
Other areas that commissioners wanted expanded on in the nearly 400-page report included effects on native dryland vegetation and birds, benefits to people living in Kaupo and Kahikinui, demand for water, and who will be responsible for removing the equipment, towers and associated substations at the end of the farm’s useful life.
Dmohowski said the equipment is expected to be good for 25 years, but depending on conditions at that time, Sempra might want to rebuild it rather than abandon it.
Copies of the draft EIS can be found on the website of The Environmental Notice of the Hawaii Office of Environmental Quality Control. Visit hawaii.gov/health/environmental/oeqc/index.html.
Send comments to the applicant, Auwahi Energy LLC, 101 Ash St., HQ 14, San Diego, Calif., 92101, attention, Mitch Dmohowski; to the accepting authority, County of Maui, Planning Commission, 250 S. High St., Wailuku 96793, attention Joe Prutch; or the consultant, Tetra Tech EC Inc., 737 Bishop St., Suite 3020, Honolulu 96813, attention Anna Mallon.
The deadline to comment is April 21.
Doubts linger on logistics of Upcountry construction
March 23, 2011 – By HARRY EAGAR, Staff Writer
Article from: The Maui News
WAILUKU – Maui planning commissioners Tuesday praised a proposed wind farm as a “wonderful, wonderful project” but raised doubts about getting the massive equipment to the remote location on the southwest flank of Haleakala between two sections of the Auwahi native plant restoration area.
The commission was commenting on a draft environmental impact statement for Sempra Energy’s proposed wind project at Ulupalakua.
Worries about losing the last highway ocean views to what Chairman Jonathan Starr called “pole land” also came up Tuesday. But the wind farm itself was warmly received, with Starr wishing only that it could be bigger than the 21 megawatts proposed.
Pardee Erdman, of Ulupalakua Ranch, which will lease nearly 1,500 acres to Sempra, called the project “a win-win for the ranch.” He said the infrastructure needed to transport heavy turbines and lengthy vanes will “make that land more productive than it is today,” although he added, “We are going to continue raising cattle.”
Maui Electric Co. has contracted to begin purchasing wind electricity from the project a year from now.
But developers still have to obtain many permits before they can proceed, including a special management area permit for parts of the project makai of the road to Kahikinui.
That troubled Commissioner Kent Hiranaga, as well as Starr. As proposed now, the 23,000-volt transmission line would run along the highway through Ulupalakua for a distance makai before crossing mauka. The poles would be 60 feet tall and wooden, but Starr wondered whether the line couldn’t be buried, at least for the portion makai, which he described as some of the finest scenic views in the islands.
Hiranaga wondered whether the mitigative measure shouldn’t be moving the farm itself mauka.
Mitch Dmohowski, Sempra’s project manager, said the developers looked at two potential areas, but ultimately chose the makai site because it had better conditions.
“It’s the best wind site I’ve ever seen,” he said.
Hiranaga suggested that by adding a few more towers, the project could generate the same amount of electricity at the mauka site.
“You have to satisfy us that the loss of the view plane is justified,” he said.
Preliminary estimates call for between eight and 15 wind towers, depending on the size of the turbines installed.
Judith and Richard Michaels, residents of Makena Surf, questioned the developers’ plans for access to the site.
The more direct route would appear to be via Kula Highway, but the developers prefer a more circuitous route down Piilani Highway, along Wailea and Makena alanuis and up a private ranch road, which will have to be considerably improved.
Along the way, medians on the alanuis would have to be torn up, trees cut back and several traffic signals at intersections temporarily removed.
The Michaelses pointed out that, toward the end of that trip, the pavement narrows to a two-lane rural road that, south of the Fairmont Kea Lani hotel, is the only way out. If there were a mishap with one of the 116 “superloads,” Judith Michaels said, “we could not get out.”
An extension of Piilani Highway higher up might prove more practical, they said, particularly if the developer of Honua’ula were persuaded to participate in the improvements in order to get a construction access road to its 670 acres.
There is another ranch road from that area that approaches the wind farm site, but Erdman cautioned that the engineering to make that path usable would be formidable.
In any case, commissioners asked that the study investigate alternatives.
Other areas that commissioners wanted expanded on in the nearly 400-page report included effects on native dryland vegetation and birds, benefits to people living in Kaupo and Kahikinui, demand for water, and who will be responsible for removing the equipment, towers and associated substations at the end of the farm’s useful life.
Dmohowski said the equipment is expected to be good for 25 years, but depending on conditions at that time, Sempra might want to rebuild it rather than abandon it.
Copies of the draft EIS can be found on the website of The Environmental Notice of the Hawaii Office of Environmental Quality Control. Visit hawaii.gov/health/environmental/oeqc/index.html.
Send comments to the applicant, Auwahi Energy LLC, 101 Ash St., HQ 14, San Diego, Calif., 92101, attention, Mitch Dmohowski; to the accepting authority, County of Maui, Planning Commission, 250 S. High St., Wailuku 96793, attention Joe Prutch; or the consultant, Tetra Tech EC Inc., 737 Bishop St., Suite 3020, Honolulu 96813, attention Anna Mallon.
The deadline to comment is April 21.
State of Hawaii Jobless Rate Remains at 6.3%
State jobless rate remains at 6.3%
The hospitality and professional sectors gain, while trade and construction cut jobs
By Alan Yonan Jr.
Article from: Star-Advertiser
Hawaii’s unemployment rate held steady at 6.3 percent in February for the third consecutive month as the state’s lackluster economic recovery failed to spur any significant job growth, the state Department of Labor and Industrial Relations reported yesterday.
The jobless rate has inched downward since peaking at 7 percent in mid-2009, when recession-weary businesses were laying off workers to cut costs. Hawaii’s unemployment rate was as low as 2.3 percent in 2006 before the recession hit. Nationally the unemployment rate fell to 8.9 percent in February from 9 percent in January.
The recession officially ended in June 2009, according to the National Bureau of Economic Research.
However, job growth often lags during an economic recovery because businesses that cut payrolls during slow times are reluctant to refill those positions until they are assured that the economic growth is solid.
The University of Hawaii Economic Research Organization is forecasting the state unemployment rate to average 6 percent this year and 5.3 percent in 2012.
The unemployment rate is derived from a telephone survey of Hawaii households conducted by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. A separate BLS survey of businesses showed that the number of nonagricultural jobs in Hawaii was unchanged at 595,700 in February.
The professional and businesses services sector gained 1,000 jobs, according to the DLIR report. Three other categories — leisure and hospitality, financial activities and other services — each added 100 jobs.
The trade, transportation and utilities sector lost 800 positions, while job losses in the construction industry totaled 100.
The state unemployment rate is adjusted for seasonal variations, like extra hiring by retailers for the holidays. Rates for individual counties are reported on an unadjusted basis. Honolulu had the lowest jobless rate at 5.2 percent, followed by Maui County at 7.9 percent, Kauai County at 8.5 percent and Hawaii County at 9.4 percent.
The hospitality and professional sectors gain, while trade and construction cut jobs
By Alan Yonan Jr.
Article from: Star-Advertiser
Hawaii’s unemployment rate held steady at 6.3 percent in February for the third consecutive month as the state’s lackluster economic recovery failed to spur any significant job growth, the state Department of Labor and Industrial Relations reported yesterday.
The jobless rate has inched downward since peaking at 7 percent in mid-2009, when recession-weary businesses were laying off workers to cut costs. Hawaii’s unemployment rate was as low as 2.3 percent in 2006 before the recession hit. Nationally the unemployment rate fell to 8.9 percent in February from 9 percent in January.
The recession officially ended in June 2009, according to the National Bureau of Economic Research.
However, job growth often lags during an economic recovery because businesses that cut payrolls during slow times are reluctant to refill those positions until they are assured that the economic growth is solid.
The University of Hawaii Economic Research Organization is forecasting the state unemployment rate to average 6 percent this year and 5.3 percent in 2012.
The unemployment rate is derived from a telephone survey of Hawaii households conducted by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. A separate BLS survey of businesses showed that the number of nonagricultural jobs in Hawaii was unchanged at 595,700 in February.
The professional and businesses services sector gained 1,000 jobs, according to the DLIR report. Three other categories — leisure and hospitality, financial activities and other services — each added 100 jobs.
The trade, transportation and utilities sector lost 800 positions, while job losses in the construction industry totaled 100.
The state unemployment rate is adjusted for seasonal variations, like extra hiring by retailers for the holidays. Rates for individual counties are reported on an unadjusted basis. Honolulu had the lowest jobless rate at 5.2 percent, followed by Maui County at 7.9 percent, Kauai County at 8.5 percent and Hawaii County at 9.4 percent.
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Kaiwahine Village Affordable Housing Project in Kihei Narrowly Approved
Affordable housing project in Kihei OK’d
March 19, 2011 – By MELISSA TANJI, Staff Writer
Article from: The Maui News
WAILUKU – The Maui County Council on Friday narrowly approved the proposed Kaiwahine Village affordable housing project in Kihei.
After more than an hour of discussion that included the addition of five new conditions to the north Kihei project, the council voted 5-4 to adopt the resolution.
“I feel ecstatic that most of the council agreed (with me). I’m sad that I couldn’t get through to the ones that voted no,” said developer John Sindoni after the meeting.
“I’m going to prove to the county our commitment to affordable housing. I’m excited about it,” he added.
Council members who voted in favor of the project were Gladys Baisa, Robert Carroll, Don Couch, Mike Victorino and Mike White. Elle Cochran, Riki Hokama, Danny Mateo and Joe Pontanilla voted no.
Royal Main Properties LLC proposes to build Kaiwahine Village as a 120-unit multifamily subdivision with a mix of one-, two- and three-bedroom units in 15 buildings, off-street parking and other improvements on 9.3 acres at the intersection of Kaiwahine and Hale Kai streets.
The project, which was going through the state’s fast-track approval process, came under fire from area residents citing concerns about more traffic and people in the crowded area. Some council members suggested Friday that Kaiwahine was a market-priced project disguised as an affordable housing project.
Unions and construction workers have come forward to support the project, which they say could result in jobs and affordable housing for working families.
Baisa called the project a “difficult matter” and said it was sad some neighbors opposed the project. She said she would support the project but with reservations, adding, “It’s rare we have a 100 percent housing project put before us.”
Council members pointed out that many affordable housing projects have not been constructed, and Baisa acknowledged that.
“It remains to be seen if this will ever be built,” she said.
Council Member Mike White said, “I’m supporting this project wholeheartedly.”
He said adding conditions for developers, as in this case, hampers construction of affordable housing projects. He felt one condition added Friday should be a county expense because “everybody uses it.”
That condition requires Royal Main to resurface Kaiwahine Street.
Pontanilla, who had voted on the Land Use Committee against the project, offered four project conditions, which were approved, as follows:
* To designate the homes as “affordable” for three years instead of one year before they are eligible to be sold at market rates. (Affordable is defined as within the means of households, whose incomes are from 60 to 80 percent of the area median income, as established by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development or as adjusted by the Department of Housing and Human Concerns for Hana, Lanai and Molokai.)
* After the three-year affordability period, the developer shall forfeit one housing credit for each unit sold at market rates equal to the value assigned for that unit.
* For any unit sold at market rates, the director of Housing and Human Concerns shall assess that unit’s pro-rata portion of the total value of the exemptions listed for the project. Funds would go to the Department of Parks and Recreation or the affordable housing fund, depending on the circumstances.
* During the construction phase, Royal Main Properties cannot have under its control vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating of 10,000 pounds or more travel on Hale Kai Street. Couch introduced the amendment to make Royal Main repave Hale Kai Street.
After the meeting, Sindoni said he didn’t object to the added conditions and is “more than happy” to accommodate Pontanilla’s modifications.
“I don’t have a problem with any of it,” Sindoni said.
Carroll, who heads the Land Use Committee that wrangled with the project, said the panel did its best to make a decision in the 45-day period allowed under state law.
The state’s fast-track approval process exempts affordable housing developments from certain land use and other governmental requirements.
Friday’s council discussions resembled those usually held at the committee level.
“This wouldn’t have happened if we had additional time,” Carroll said.
He added that Pontanilla’s amendment to extend the project’s affordability timeline also was discussed but turned down during committee review.
Besides the five conditions approved Friday, the Land Use Committee recommended:
* Driver feedback signs that tell motorists how fast they are going, to be installed on Kaiwahine and Hale Kai streets.
* A turnaround area for firetrucks.
* That the developer set maximum values for the 120 housing credits, as follows: $54,000 for one-bedroom units, $67,000 for two-bedroom units, and $75,000 for three-bedroom units. (Housing credits traditionally have been provided under the county’s residential work- force housing ordinance and not for a fast-track affordable housing application.)
* That construction begin within five years and be completed within 10 years. A request for a time extension would have to be filed at least 90 days before the designated construction date to be considered.
* If some units are converted to market prices, the developer would pay the state Department of Education appropriate impact fees for each market unit sold, with the money going to Kihei public schools.
Estimated prices for the units are $180,000 for one-bedroom units, $225,000 for two-bedroom and $250,000 for three-bedroom.
March 19, 2011 – By MELISSA TANJI, Staff Writer
Article from: The Maui News
WAILUKU – The Maui County Council on Friday narrowly approved the proposed Kaiwahine Village affordable housing project in Kihei.
After more than an hour of discussion that included the addition of five new conditions to the north Kihei project, the council voted 5-4 to adopt the resolution.
“I feel ecstatic that most of the council agreed (with me). I’m sad that I couldn’t get through to the ones that voted no,” said developer John Sindoni after the meeting.
“I’m going to prove to the county our commitment to affordable housing. I’m excited about it,” he added.
Council members who voted in favor of the project were Gladys Baisa, Robert Carroll, Don Couch, Mike Victorino and Mike White. Elle Cochran, Riki Hokama, Danny Mateo and Joe Pontanilla voted no.
Royal Main Properties LLC proposes to build Kaiwahine Village as a 120-unit multifamily subdivision with a mix of one-, two- and three-bedroom units in 15 buildings, off-street parking and other improvements on 9.3 acres at the intersection of Kaiwahine and Hale Kai streets.
The project, which was going through the state’s fast-track approval process, came under fire from area residents citing concerns about more traffic and people in the crowded area. Some council members suggested Friday that Kaiwahine was a market-priced project disguised as an affordable housing project.
Unions and construction workers have come forward to support the project, which they say could result in jobs and affordable housing for working families.
Baisa called the project a “difficult matter” and said it was sad some neighbors opposed the project. She said she would support the project but with reservations, adding, “It’s rare we have a 100 percent housing project put before us.”
Council members pointed out that many affordable housing projects have not been constructed, and Baisa acknowledged that.
“It remains to be seen if this will ever be built,” she said.
Council Member Mike White said, “I’m supporting this project wholeheartedly.”
He said adding conditions for developers, as in this case, hampers construction of affordable housing projects. He felt one condition added Friday should be a county expense because “everybody uses it.”
That condition requires Royal Main to resurface Kaiwahine Street.
Pontanilla, who had voted on the Land Use Committee against the project, offered four project conditions, which were approved, as follows:
* To designate the homes as “affordable” for three years instead of one year before they are eligible to be sold at market rates. (Affordable is defined as within the means of households, whose incomes are from 60 to 80 percent of the area median income, as established by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development or as adjusted by the Department of Housing and Human Concerns for Hana, Lanai and Molokai.)
* After the three-year affordability period, the developer shall forfeit one housing credit for each unit sold at market rates equal to the value assigned for that unit.
* For any unit sold at market rates, the director of Housing and Human Concerns shall assess that unit’s pro-rata portion of the total value of the exemptions listed for the project. Funds would go to the Department of Parks and Recreation or the affordable housing fund, depending on the circumstances.
* During the construction phase, Royal Main Properties cannot have under its control vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating of 10,000 pounds or more travel on Hale Kai Street. Couch introduced the amendment to make Royal Main repave Hale Kai Street.
After the meeting, Sindoni said he didn’t object to the added conditions and is “more than happy” to accommodate Pontanilla’s modifications.
“I don’t have a problem with any of it,” Sindoni said.
Carroll, who heads the Land Use Committee that wrangled with the project, said the panel did its best to make a decision in the 45-day period allowed under state law.
The state’s fast-track approval process exempts affordable housing developments from certain land use and other governmental requirements.
Friday’s council discussions resembled those usually held at the committee level.
“This wouldn’t have happened if we had additional time,” Carroll said.
He added that Pontanilla’s amendment to extend the project’s affordability timeline also was discussed but turned down during committee review.
Besides the five conditions approved Friday, the Land Use Committee recommended:
* Driver feedback signs that tell motorists how fast they are going, to be installed on Kaiwahine and Hale Kai streets.
* A turnaround area for firetrucks.
* That the developer set maximum values for the 120 housing credits, as follows: $54,000 for one-bedroom units, $67,000 for two-bedroom units, and $75,000 for three-bedroom units. (Housing credits traditionally have been provided under the county’s residential work- force housing ordinance and not for a fast-track affordable housing application.)
* That construction begin within five years and be completed within 10 years. A request for a time extension would have to be filed at least 90 days before the designated construction date to be considered.
* If some units are converted to market prices, the developer would pay the state Department of Education appropriate impact fees for each market unit sold, with the money going to Kihei public schools.
Estimated prices for the units are $180,000 for one-bedroom units, $225,000 for two-bedroom and $250,000 for three-bedroom.
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Solar Water Heater Rebate To Double
Solar water heater rebate to double
Hawaii Energy will raise the cash return to $1,500 as a way of promoting sales
By Alan Yonan Jr.
Article from: Star-Advertiser
STAR-ADVERTISER
Hawaiian Electric Co. customers who install solar water heaters will receive a cash rebate of $1,500 for a limited time in an effort to lift sagging sales of the energy-efficient units. Here, Shree Sadagopan of True Green Solar inspects the solar water heating system his company installed on a Circle Drive home in Wahiawa.
A cash rebate for Hawaiian Electric Co. customers who install solar water heaters will double to $1,500 for a limited time in an effort to lift sagging sales of the energy-efficient units.
The rebate, which had been $750, will be available for systems purchased between Monday and May 31, or until program funds run out, said Hawaii Energy, the company that administers the state’s energy conservation program. The company did not say how much money is available for the program.
The enhanced rebate, combined with a 35 percent state tax credit and a 30 percent federal tax credit, will reduce the cost of a typical solar water heating system from $6,600 to $1,785.
Hawaii Energy said it is boosting the rebate to lift sluggish sales of solar water heating systems. Rebates given out for solar water heaters fell to 3,656 in 2010 from 8,770 in 2009, according to Hawaii Energy.
Program officials said a bold move to increase the rebate was needed to get people’s attention.
“We’re glad to be able to offer these bonus rebates to help residents take advantage of the benefits of solar water heating in these tough economic times,” said Ray Starling, program manager for Hawaii Energy. “Solar water heating significantly reduces electricity usage and helps to lessen our state’s dependence on imported oil.”
Solar water heaters, which can cut water heating costs by up to 90 percent over an electric resistance heater, are considered one of the most cost-effective ways to cut a household power bill. Once installed, a system will pay for itself in two to four years depending on electricity rates, according to Hawaii Energy.
The standard $750 rebate is paid for by a fee levied on Hawaiian Electric Co. ratepayers. The increased rebate is funded through a federal stimulus grant.
The offer is available on Oahu, the Big Island and in Maui County.
Homeowners also will have the option of combining the old $750 rebate with a new $1,000-interest-free loan. That program, also funded with federal stimulus money, allows participating financial intuitions to make interest-free loans to homeowners for solar water heaters.
The rebates are not available for solar water heaters installed on new homes. A state law that went into effect Jan. 1, 2010, requires most new homes to be built with solar water heaters.
With about 80,000 solar water heaters installed, Hawaii leads the nation in the number of solar heating systems on a per capita basis, according to the Hawaii Solar Energy Association. Over the past three decades the penetration level for residential single-family homes has grown to about 30 percent, the trade group said.
However, the penetration rate should be even higher given Hawaii’s abundant sunshine and the various incentives available to homeowners, the association said. Growth of new installations has slowed for a variety of reasons, including aesthetic considerations, lack of understanding of the benefits of solar water heating, and the inability to finance the uppoint cost, according to the association.
Hawaii Energy will raise the cash return to $1,500 as a way of promoting sales
By Alan Yonan Jr.
Article from: Star-Advertiser
STAR-ADVERTISER
Hawaiian Electric Co. customers who install solar water heaters will receive a cash rebate of $1,500 for a limited time in an effort to lift sagging sales of the energy-efficient units. Here, Shree Sadagopan of True Green Solar inspects the solar water heating system his company installed on a Circle Drive home in Wahiawa.
A cash rebate for Hawaiian Electric Co. customers who install solar water heaters will double to $1,500 for a limited time in an effort to lift sagging sales of the energy-efficient units.
The rebate, which had been $750, will be available for systems purchased between Monday and May 31, or until program funds run out, said Hawaii Energy, the company that administers the state’s energy conservation program. The company did not say how much money is available for the program.
The enhanced rebate, combined with a 35 percent state tax credit and a 30 percent federal tax credit, will reduce the cost of a typical solar water heating system from $6,600 to $1,785.
Hawaii Energy said it is boosting the rebate to lift sluggish sales of solar water heating systems. Rebates given out for solar water heaters fell to 3,656 in 2010 from 8,770 in 2009, according to Hawaii Energy.
Program officials said a bold move to increase the rebate was needed to get people’s attention.
“We’re glad to be able to offer these bonus rebates to help residents take advantage of the benefits of solar water heating in these tough economic times,” said Ray Starling, program manager for Hawaii Energy. “Solar water heating significantly reduces electricity usage and helps to lessen our state’s dependence on imported oil.”
Solar water heaters, which can cut water heating costs by up to 90 percent over an electric resistance heater, are considered one of the most cost-effective ways to cut a household power bill. Once installed, a system will pay for itself in two to four years depending on electricity rates, according to Hawaii Energy.
The standard $750 rebate is paid for by a fee levied on Hawaiian Electric Co. ratepayers. The increased rebate is funded through a federal stimulus grant.
The offer is available on Oahu, the Big Island and in Maui County.
Homeowners also will have the option of combining the old $750 rebate with a new $1,000-interest-free loan. That program, also funded with federal stimulus money, allows participating financial intuitions to make interest-free loans to homeowners for solar water heaters.
The rebates are not available for solar water heaters installed on new homes. A state law that went into effect Jan. 1, 2010, requires most new homes to be built with solar water heaters.
With about 80,000 solar water heaters installed, Hawaii leads the nation in the number of solar heating systems on a per capita basis, according to the Hawaii Solar Energy Association. Over the past three decades the penetration level for residential single-family homes has grown to about 30 percent, the trade group said.
However, the penetration rate should be even higher given Hawaii’s abundant sunshine and the various incentives available to homeowners, the association said. Growth of new installations has slowed for a variety of reasons, including aesthetic considerations, lack of understanding of the benefits of solar water heating, and the inability to finance the uppoint cost, according to the association.
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Governor Abercrombie Visits Islands ~ Aims To Show Its Business As Usual
Gov. Abercrombie visits Maui to assess tsunami damage (video available)
Article from: The Maui News
MAALAEA — Gov. Neil Abercrombie made a brief stop at Maalaea Harbor Tuesday afternoon to talk to those affected by Friday’s tsunami and assess damage to the small-boat harbor.
The stop was one of at least two on Neighbor Islands Tuesday. Earlier, the governor visited the highly impacted Kona area on the Big Island.
At Maalaea Harbor, Abercrombie chatted with people who work on fishing and tour boats as well as visitors.
Donalyn Dela Cruz, the governor’s press secretary, said part of the aim of the trip was to show that it’s business as usual in the islands despite the impacts of the tsunami generated by a 9.0-magnitude earthquake that hit Japan Thursday evening, Hawaii time.
Mayor Alan Arakawa joined Abercrombie on the visit to Maalaea Harbor. Both men said they are trying to obtain federal funds to pay for repairs.
For more details and a full story, see Wednesday’s edition of The Maui News.
Article from: The Maui News
MAALAEA — Gov. Neil Abercrombie made a brief stop at Maalaea Harbor Tuesday afternoon to talk to those affected by Friday’s tsunami and assess damage to the small-boat harbor.
The stop was one of at least two on Neighbor Islands Tuesday. Earlier, the governor visited the highly impacted Kona area on the Big Island.
At Maalaea Harbor, Abercrombie chatted with people who work on fishing and tour boats as well as visitors.
Donalyn Dela Cruz, the governor’s press secretary, said part of the aim of the trip was to show that it’s business as usual in the islands despite the impacts of the tsunami generated by a 9.0-magnitude earthquake that hit Japan Thursday evening, Hawaii time.
Mayor Alan Arakawa joined Abercrombie on the visit to Maalaea Harbor. Both men said they are trying to obtain federal funds to pay for repairs.
For more details and a full story, see Wednesday’s edition of The Maui News.
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
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