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f r A HRCC[WindFamis.doo-9/19/07 COUNTY OF HAWAII PLANNING DEPARTMENT BACKGROUND AND RECOMMENDATION INITIATOR: COUNTY COUNCIL AMENDMENT TO CHAPTER 25 The County Council has submitted an amendment to Chapter 25 (Zoning Code), Hawaii County Code 1983 (2005 Edition), as amended, which would permit wind energy facilities in the Open (O) zoned district. BACKGROUND The County Council has referred a proposed amendment to the Zoning Code to permit wind energy facilities in the Open (O) zoned district. Resolution No. 235 07 requests the Planning Director to initiate an ordinance to amend Chapter 25, article 5, division 16, section 25- 5-162(b), Hawaii County Code (2005 Edition, as amended), to permit wind energy facilities in the Open zoned district (Exhibit 1- July 20, 2007 letter and Resolution 235 07). The Council cites several reasons for the request: • the General Plan (Energy) states that the county must reduce its dependence on imported petroleum and encourage renewable energy production; • power rates in the county are the highest in the nation, partially due to high distribution costs for power transmission from generation centers in East Hawaii to West Hawaii; • private initiatives to enhance energy efficiency and generate renewable power closer to customer load centers should be encouraged, especially in fast-growing areas of West Hawaii; • wind energy facilities are clean, renewable energy sources which produce no emissions or chemical wastes; • the Waikoloa Village Association is exploring opportunities to becomes more energy self- sufficient through photovoltaic and wind power generation; • the Waikoloa Village Association owns a 250-acre parcel of land located within the Open zoned district that is being considered as a site for potential wind power generation; and ATTACH: Cortm. 752 1 Bill 190