HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0400.050 2002-2004 NATURAL ENERGYLABORATORY OF HAWAII AUTHORITY
(NELHA)
An Agency of the State of Hawaii n
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February 24, 2004 z
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Leningrad Elazionoff ~
Hawaii County Council
25 Aupuni Street
Hilo, HI 96720
Deaz Council Member Elazionoff:
It has been brought to my attention that during a recent Februazy 2004 council
hearing, testimony provided by a community member may have been perceived to be
presented from an informed employee of the Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawaii
Authority.
As I read the draft minutes of the council hearing concerning the requested
rezoning of the property of O'oma, a Ms. Sammie Stanbro said, "I am an Ambassador at
NELHA. 1 spent a lot of time on that land I know - I give tours at the Energy Lab there.
I do know that the statement that O'oma made in the paper of using the land - or excuse
me using the water from NELHA is a fallacy. They have already given out all of the
water that they have for the 55-inch pipe. Unless they're going to get it from somebody
that's already been allocated to-there's no way. "
If the perception of the council is that, as an Ambassador at NELHA, Ms. Stanbro
speaks, or is qualified to speak, for NELHA in any authorized manner as a State
Employee -that perception is incorrect. The Ambassadors at NELHA aze volunteer
guides from anon-profit organization, The Friends of NELHA, who conduct educational
and outreach tours at NELHA to the general public for a fee. They are neither State
Employees, nor are they aware of daily and on-going business negotiations and detailed
planning at NELHA.
I can also state that Ms. Stanbro's testimony that NELHA has given out all of the
water it has for the 55-inch pipe is incorrect. That event may or may not happen in the
future, but at this time, that statement is also incorrect. I would also point out that there
aze two other deep seawater pipes located at NELHA.
As to Mr. Morris potentially using the water from NELHA -that is not a fallacy
as Ms. Stanbro stated at the council meeting. Due to on-going, and potential future,
negotiations with Mr. Morris for use of deep seawater, I am not at liberty to discuss the
details of our discussions for deep seawater use without his approval. I can state for the
record that Mr. Morris has been for some time, and is now, in continued discussions with
Comm. No. ~
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73-4460 Queen Kaahumanu Hwy., # 101, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii USA 96740-2637
Ph• /RaRI.?99-Z?41 Fax• lRI1R137R-.?9R? Email~nelha(a~nelha-oro Wehsde: httoalnelha.ora
Leningrad Elazionoff Februazy 24, 2004
Hawaii County Council Page 2
NELHA Staff regazding the possibility and potential for deep seawater use on the
property known as O'oma. I can also state that Mr. Morris is in discussions with
Common Heritage Corporation (a NELHA Tenant) on the potential for use of deep
seawater at O' oma and property surrounding NELHA.
I realize that the Council has a great deal of testimony to listen to at these heazings
and must balance the emotion and the factual data within that testimony provided. If I
can be of any further assistance in this matter please feel free to call upon me. As to Mr.
Morris or Common Heritage and their participation in use of deep seawater at O'oma, I
am confident that they would also provide their input if asked directly.
At this time, I extend an open invitation to the County Council to visit NELHA in
the neaz future. The NELHA Staff and I would particulazly enjoy bringing the Council
up to date on the tremendous advances at NELHA, as well as shazing with you the future
of NELHA. Whenever you have the time, we will make the time for such an event.
If I may be of any further assistance, please feel free to contact me at your
convenience.
Sincerely,
~~"----3Smit~
Executive Director
cc: The Honorable Harry Kim, Mayor, County of Hawaii
Mr. Richazd Henderson, Chairman of the NELHA Boazd
Ms. Pat Giles, Common Heritage Corporation
Mr. Cliff Morris
Ms. Sammie Stanbro
Ms. Saza Peck