HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018-01-29 Letter to Cindy Evans re HB 2233 Special Purpose Revenue Bonds for a geothermal industrial parkHarry Kim
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Wil Okabe
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Barbara J. kossow
Deputy Managing Director
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January 29, 2018
Representative Cindy Evans, Chair
House Committee on Economic Development &
Hawaii State Capitol, Room 309
Honolulu, HI 96813
111,
u iness
Dear Chair Evans and Committee Members:
Re: HB 2233 Special Purpose Revenue Bonds for a geothermal industrial
park
Hearing Date: 01/31/18 — 10:00 am; House Conference Room 309
Thank you for this opportunity to testify in opposition to HB2233.
HB 2233 talks a out "creating economic opportunity for energy intensive industries
engaged in commerce"T is sounds like a very worthy goal. But please keep in mind
the following:
1. The only existing geothermal facility in the State is located in lower Puna, a rural and
agricultural district that would be vehemently opposed to being industrialized. It may be
a so-called "inconvenient truth," but this community has already borne a disproportionate
share of the burden of geothermal development, and to add more energy intensive
industry would be considered an outrage.
2. Years ago, the Legislature abolished geothermal subzones, so creating an "industrial
park near a new or existing geothermal power source" could mean industrial activity
anywhere. Until a community has experienced geothermal energy exploration and
development, it may not realize what it has in store. Adding "energy intensive industries"
to the mix would really be a recipe for disaster.
If this bill is meant to fu her industrialize Puna, without naming Puna, it should be a
non-sta er. If it is meant to create the possibility of an industrial park anywhere else in
this State, 1 can only say "Buyer Beware."
Please do not act favorably on HB 2233.
County of
Respectfully submitted,
Harry Kim
Mayor, County of Hawai'i
wai*i is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.