Hu Honua undertakes site prep

Since we received our air permit in September from the Hawaii Department of Health- Clean Air Branch (DOH), Hu Honua Bioenergy LLC (HHB) has moved forward with Pepeekeo site preparation.

“We are pleased that the DOH has granted us the air permit,” said John Sylvia, CEO of HHB. “The Hawaii air permit process is quite rigorous and it is important for all stakeholders that it was done correctly. We look forward to contributing to Hawaii’s energy sustainability while providing economic benefits for the community.”

During operation of the 24 MW power plant we plan to use locally collected and grown biomass material and non-mulchable wood chips that might otherwise end up in the landfill.

Air permit process

Hu Honua first applied for an air permit two years ago. Following extensive air emissions modeling and engineering analysis conducted by outside experts retained by HHB, which responded to DOH questions and information requests; a year later the DOH issued a draft permit and opened a public comment period. DOH held a public hearing in September 2010.

Based on the feedback from the public hearing and the public comments, Hu Honua revised and resubmitted its application in December 2010.

After further public comments, DOH and Hu Honua made additional modifications to the draft air permit which was reviewed by both DOH and the US Environmental Protection Agency.

Hu Honua pre-construction activities

Site grounds have been cleared of over-growth. HHB has decommissioned old equipment from the site including the coal handling equipment from the days when the facility burned coal. Other materials we’ve removed are the fuel feeding system, barrels of oil and solvents, and combustion air system. We have also begun designing our layout, engineering and our work plan.

We have contracted licensed professionals for the removal and disposal of hazardous materials. Recycling for metal was used when possible.

New site manager hired

HHB has retained Tim Formaz as Owner’s Engineer and Site Manager. Formaz has considerable experience in the energy industry and has recently served at President Turbine Power Inc. and HRSG International as a mechanical engineer. Formaz, a mechanical engineer, brings more than 30 years of energy experience. Formaz has worked on international and domestic utility projects including a 24 megawatt biomass facility on Kauai.

Archeology report shows industrial relevance

Pacific Consulting Services of Honolulu was commissioned to conduct an archeology report of the plant site. The report reviews past site conditions and historical uses of the area.

Hawaii’s early economy relied heavily on the sugar industry after the demise of whaling and sandalwood trade. The area was heavily utilized for its ability to grow sugar and create electricity. For well over a hundred years, the area was in industrial use, including operating the facility as a coal powered plant.

Community Outreach

Hu Honua Sponsors Boys & Girls Club of the Big Island Golf Tournament:

Hu Honua was a Gold sponsor at the Boys & Girls Club of the Big Island’s 5th annual Golf Tournament at the Volcano Golf Course.

Proceeds from the event went to benefit the club, and subsidize fees and operation costs for members.

Mahalo to the Boys & Girls Club of the Big Island for inviting us to support your tournament; congratulations to committee co-chairs Russell Chin and Warren Lee, and steering committee members Newton Chu, Barbara Hastings, Chad Hasegawa, Russell Hayashi, Jay Ignacio, Rhea Lee, Kiyoko Ota, Gerald Takase, Bill Walter, Harry Yada, Wayne and Agnes Yamauchi for putting on this event.

Rural South Hilo Rascals:

The Rural South Hilo Rascals did well this past season, both T-Ball and Coach Pitch teams won over 30% of their games. The team focused on motivation and sportsmanship.

Congratulations to the team manager Marvin Ugalde, T-Ball coaches: Moke Ugalde, Chad Lerma and Coach Pitch Coaches: Craig Miyashiro, TJ Publico, Kevin Matsunami and Sean Cambe for all of your hard work and dedication. Your value instilling commitment to the game, and compassion for working with children will stick with our Rascals forever.

HHB is happy to support the team and coaches for their sportsmanship. Go team!

Hakalau Beach Clean Up:

HHB team members participated in a Hakalau Beach clean up. The team worked with the Hawaii County Parks and Recreation, and Hawaii Electric Light Company to cut out left over metal from the Hakalau Mill. The park is now one step closer to being a safer place for keiki to enjoy.

Did You Know?

Hawaii Island residents are paying more than 40 cents per kilowatt hour and the average is generally running over 35 cents. Privately funded Hu Honua is one of the ways to help bring the costs of electricity down.

“Follow us” on Twitter @huhonua | “Like us” on Facebook /huhonua

Circuit Court removes Hu Honua from lawsuit

Hawaii Third Circuit Court Judge Greg K. Nakamura has removed Hu Honua Bioenergy, LLC as a defendant in the lawsuit filed by area residents against Continental Pacific, LLC and Hank Correa Realty.

The judge ruled that Hu Honua had produced sufficient  evidence to show that no other defendant had legal claim to bring an injunction against Hu Honua to block using the Pepeekeo site as a power plant.

For more information, click here…

SMA permit amendment approved

The County Windward Planning Commission voted 4-0 on May 4 to approve Hu Honua’s amendment request. The Commission set a list of provisions which Hu Honua president Rick McQuain says can be fully and completely met by the company.

The Commission’s decision comes after more than a year of hearings and submissions including substantial testimony in support from the community, laborers, businesses and elected officials.

Among the provisions are that the refurbishment of the plant from the existing coal operation to a biomass facility be completed within five years; compliance with all federal, state and county regulations on air, water quality and discharge, and noise; sound levels at the plant boundary at to be kept within residential levels of 55 decibels; biomass truck traffic to and from the plant should be restricted to 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. and no “jake brakes” be used on Sugar Mill Road.

There are also provisions for construction dust, runoff, drainage, solid waste management and proper handling of archeological or historical artifacts if found.

Archeology survey being reviewed by SHPD

The State Historic Preservation Division of the Department of Land and Natural Resources is reviewing the archeology inventory and study that was conducted for Hu Honua by Pacific Consulting Services, Inc. of Honolulu. We are awaiting SHPD’s comments.

In the report the consultants found:

“The historical research conducted for this AIS has revealed an approximate 150-year history of the Pepeekeo Sugar Mill complex that included periodic expansions of the mill and almost continuous upgrades since the late-1800s …”

We’re part of our community

Recently, Hu Honua has donated to various organizations. The company is sponsoring the Rascals Rural South Hilo little league baseball team through a donation of $1,000. The team plans to use the funds to purchase baseball equipment, team uniforms, and to subsidize entrance fees.

“This makes it possible to continue our sports activities despite the economic distress we are having. Community activities in our rural areas will help our children gain positive attitudes; achieve their goals in life along with respect. We need to remember that our children are our future,” said Marvin Ugalde, president of the Rascals Rural South Hilo.

Hu Honua has given financial sponsorship of $2,000 to the American Young Soccer Organization (AYSO). It is also a corporate sponsor for Kalanianaole Elementary and Middle school, and plans to be present at the year-end Ho’olau’le’a.

Hu Honua Bioenergy is also proud new member of the Japanese Chamber of Commerce & Industry of Hawaii, and has applied for membership in the Hawaii Island Chamber of Commerce.

We’re also supporting the Business-Education Partnership program, through hole sponsorship in its annual golf tournament.

Company team members have taken a personal commitment to helping our community. For several years, we’ve participated in “Walk a mile in her shoes” a charity event that is an international men’s march to stop rape, sexual assault and gender violence against women. This photo at left is from a previous year, Charlie Toguchi, our government liaison, Wes DeMotta, site supervisor, and Rick McQuain, president.

Sherrie Thomas of Hu Honua’s Honolulu office has also donated to and participated in the Hawaii Island United Way’s 9th annual luck of the Irish golf tournament.

Did you know?

Hu Honua Bioenergy will produce baseload power for Hawaii Electric Light Company. That means that it’s steady and reliable, which allows HELCO to add more intermittent alternatives, such as wind, to the grid.

Legislators Tour Hu Honua

Big Island Senator Malama Solomon hosted a tour of Hawaii Island sites for fellow legislators that included Hu Honua’s Pepeekeo facility on Feb. 27.

HuHonua’s Rick McQuain told the group refurbishing and retrofitting will bring it into modern environmentally-sound operation that supports a local energy future, the local economy and forestry industry.

From left to right, DLNR’s Guy Kaulakakui, Sen. Clarence Nishihara, Rick McQuain, Sen. Solomon, Sen. Donovan Dela Cruz, Sen. Gilbert Kahele, Susan Kodani of U.S. Rep. Hirono’s office, and Hu Honua supervisor Wesley DeMotta.

Permits & Environmental Regs for Hu Honua

Hu Honua Bioenergy is able to meet or exceed the stringent public health air emission requirements set in the draft air permit released by the Hawaii Department of Health in late February 2011. And, Hu Honua meets newly released U.S. Environmental Protection Agency maximum achievable control technology standards as well.

Hu Honua is refurbishing a power facility into a renewable biomass energy plant in an existing industrial complex at Peepekeo on the Hamakua Coast of Hawaii Island.

More on the DOH draft air permit

Survey of Island Residents: Strong Support

A survey of Hawaii Island residents was conducted in December 2010 to get a sense of the level of acceptance for the planned 23.8-megawatt biomass facility. Island residents clearly see the need for locally grown, renewable fuel to generate electricity and for stabilized electricity rates.

The survey, conducted in December by Qmark Research of Honolulu, found that 70 percent of those asked indicated they favor the Hu Honua facility.

More on the survey

Special Management Area Permit Status

Also in the last week of February, the hearing officer, Robert Crudele, closed the contested hearing on the SMA permit. The Windward County Planning Commission has placed the matter on its agenda for April 7. Hu Honua is seeking to change the existing permit based on coal to one based on biomass.

The County Planning Department recommended approval of the SMA permit last year.

Community Support

Coming in 2011
Sponsor: Kalanianiole Elementary & Middle School community program
Sponsor: Kalanianiole Elem. & Middle School hoolaulea

Previous Gifts
Kalalau Ranch & Victory Garden fence posts donation
HIUW Mayor’s Cup
Senior Center appliances donation

Other contributions: YWCA Walk a Mile in Her Shoes; Hakalau Beach Park renovation; Hawaii County Economic Opportunity Council; Hawaii Island United Way