Kahana

Project and community benefits

A project that will bring many benefits to the surrounding communities

Construction and operation phases will create benefits in terms of new employment opportunities, as well as the use of local resources. Preference would be given to retaining local persons, consultants, businesses and contractors throughout the development of the project.

Innergex is committed to applying its expertise, resources, and dedication to the good of the planet in actively addressing Maui’s unique challenges.

“Reducing greenhouse gas emissions and combating climate change is critical to our future. …we look forward to exploring opportunities to work with Innergex to preserve and protect the Pu‘u Kukui Watershed Preserve and the ahupua‘a…that surround the project site. The collaborative effort to ensure and provide renewable energy and water to the entire West Maui community and the greater community at large on Maui is exciting and vital.”

– Pomaika‘i Kaniaupio-Crozier, Pu‘u Kukui Watershed Preserve & Makai conservation areas

Project Benefits

The County of Maui’s Maui Island Plan: General Plan 2030 states: “Renewable energy development will be critical to help the State of Hawai`i and Maui County reduce energy costs, avoid the negative economic effects of volatile oil prices, reduce overdependence on oil, and increase energy security by reducing imports.”

Kahana will contribute to Maui’s renewable energy goals as called out in the Maui Island Plan and potentially offer benefits listed below:

Battery Energy Storage Systems Can Reduce Curtailment

The stored power can be dispatched in the evening—when rooftop solar is not available—to help meet demands of residents returning home to deal with dinner, baths, washing, and other tasks or during emergencies.

An Opportunity for Workforce and Local Business

The project will create employment opportunities, as well as the use of local suppliers. Preference will be given to retaining local persons, consultants, businesses and contractors.

A Clean Power Future with Less Vulnerability

Knowing that the sun is a readily-available, reliable resource, Maui residents are supportive of the utility harnessing a renewable resource to improve the island’s energy stability and grid resiliency

Solar Farm as a Firebreak

One of the benefits of the project, with its planned, well-maintained buffers, is its role as a firebreak to lands in the area, given how vulnerable the West Maui region has proven to be during the most recent fires.

Community Benefits

Dedicated Funding to the Pu’u Kukui Watershed Preserve

The largest private nature preserve on Maui is also home to some of the rarest endangered flora and fauna in the State and vital water source for Maui. The Preserve incorporates the “ancestral wisdom of Hawaiian elders [which] has been laid as the foundation for conservation efforts in the preserve; providing culturally sensitive and informed approach to managing the thriving native ecosystem of Pu’u Kukui.” Conservation actions include non-native invasive species and weed control, research, and protecting rare species. Innergex has confirmed its support of the Preserve over the life of the project.

Annual Grant to Support Education & Training

Innergex is committed to an annual grant program to schools, teachers, and non-profit organizations that offer education or training programs that benefit West Maui students. The grant priorities would give preference to renewable energy and environmental stewardship initiatives and training. In addition, Innergex will serve as an education resource and role model for engaging intermediate, high school, and college students in exploring career paths of interest or not previously considered.

For a more detailed outline of project and community benefits see the Community Outreach and Engagement Plan.