2013-54 PCDP Geothermal Amendment - Draft 10Sep13

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Communication No. 2013 -54 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE PUNA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PLAN, AS ADOPTED BY ORDINANCE NO. 08 -116 AND AMENDED BY ORDINANCE NOS. 10-104,11-51,11-52,11-53,11-117 AND 11 -118, RELATING TO GEOTHERMAL POWER GENERATION. BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE COUNTY OF HAWAI`L SECTION 1. Purpose and Findings. To establish county and community oversight of geothermal development in Puna in order to address community concerns about health, safety, noise, and environmental consequences of geothermal development and operations. SECTION 2. Chapter 3, Managing Growth, section 3.6, Energy Sustainability, is amended by amending the 3rd paragraph to read as follows: There are two power generation facilities in Puna. HELCO'S Puna Steam Plant and the geothermal power generation source at Kapoho operated by Puna Geothermal Venture (PGV). [it is unlikely that large seale expansion of geothermal power- generation wi the eastem r-ift zone of Puna Will eeeuf Within the time her-iZen of the Puna Ce Development Plan.4 There are currently efforts by HELCO to expand geothermal energy development in Puna, concentrating the burden and environmental consequences of geothermal development in one area of Hawai'i. The exploration and development of geothermal power generation in Puna must be balanced with interests in preserving the unique social and natural environment as described in the Malama I Ka `Aina section of the PCDP. There are legitimate concerns about health, safety, noise and environmental consequences of geothermal development. The burden of proof must be on those who are doing or wish to do geothermal development. They must show that it is not harmful to the health and safety of the residents. There must be a public process at the county level where the county has control over geothermal permits and the public has an opportunity to participate. Due to the possible effects on the natural environment associated with geothermal development, expansion of solar and wind power is the preferred avenue for meeting Puna's energy needs. [On the other- hand, there is otent a to ° ptuf° exeess heat for- dir-eet use in agr-ieultufal: applieations, if the PGV plant under-goes a m rdi „ , SECTION 3. Material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken. Material to be added is underscored. In re- printing this ordinance or the Puna Community Development Plan (as amended), the brackets, bracketed and stricken material, and underscoring need not be included. SECTION 4. Severability. If any provision of this ordinance or the application thereof to any person or circumstance is held invalid, such invalidity does not affect other provisions or applications of the ordinance which can be given effect without the invalid