I am a strong supporter of alternative energy to lessen our dependence on fossil fuels. However, I am extremely dismayed by the placement of the solar farm on the slopes of the West Maui Mountains.

This array of panels is a visual blight for the entire Lahaina community and in direct conflict with HRS 226-12, which states “Planning for the State’s physical environment shall be directed towards achievement of the objective of enhancement of Hawaii’s scenic assets, natural beauty, and multi-cultural/historical resources.”

Every postcard, every scenic photo of Lahaina’s mountains will now show a huge industrial smear below the iconic Pu’u Pa’upa’u (Mt. Ball).

While solar is an approved use on agricultural land, the appropriate placement in context of surroundings and view planes is absolutely essential. Solar farms on Maui belong on flat land, not on hillsides.

I urge our county planning and permit departments to carefully consider the context of future solar farms and to insure our Maui community that there will never be another visual disaster like the one on Lahaina’s hillside.

Penny Wakida

Lahaina