Molokai panel to discuss wind farm

KAUNAKAKAI - Gov. Linda Lingle's Molokai Community Advisory Council is set to discuss this month a project to establish a wind farm on Molokai.

The meeting is scheduled for 3 p.m. April 14 at the Kulana O'iwi's Department of Hawaiian Home Lands / Office of Hawaiian Affairs conference room in Kaunakakai.

Joshua Strickler, facilitator of renewable energy projects for the state Department of Business Economic Development and Tourism, will update the community on the administration's Hawaii Clean Energy Initiative.

Last month, the governor joined with Hawaiian Electric, First Wind and Castle & Cooke to announce a plan to build new wind farms or expand existing ones on Maui, Molokai and Lanai.

Noelani Kalipi, director of government and community relations for First Wind, also is expected to be on hand for the Molokai meeting to provide an update on project plans.

First Wind has tried to make inroads with Molokai's major landowner, Molokai Properties Ltd., without success so far.

But Lingle has said she will continue to try to work out a deal for First Wind to either buy or lease property for wind farms.

In the meantime, the alternative energy company plans to move ahead by using some Department of Hawaiian Home Lands property, Lingle said.

Lingle's alternative energy plans call for Hawaii to use 70 percent renewable energy by 2030.