HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-54 PCDP Geothermal Amendment - Draft 10Sep13Communication 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 Material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken.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
provision or application, and to this end, the provisions of this ordinance are to be
severable.
SECTION 5. This ordinance shall take effect upon its approval.
INTRODUCED BY:
COUNCIL MEMBER, COUNTY OF HAWAII