The first wind generator for the Auwahi Wind project stands on Ulupalakua Ranch land Friday morning while another generator (left) is assembled. The immense scale of the windmills can be seen by comparing their size with the trucks that look like tiny toys at the base of the towers. Jonathan Starr captured this photo when he was driving to town from his farm in Kaupo. “I love to see wind energy production being installed on Maui,” he said. “To my eyes, the mills are beautiful and graceful. This site is one of the best in the USA for consistent, steady wind. It is less gusty than other sites in Hawaii, so larger mills could be utilized.” “Superloads” of wind generator components began their long haul from Central Maui to Ulupalakua on Sept. 18. According to developer Sempra U.S. Gas & Power, the wind farm will eventually have eight wind turbines constructed to generate as much as 21 megawatts or enough power for 10,000 island homes.
JONATHAN STARR photo
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JONATHAN STARR photo
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