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Power, Viewplanes, &Erosion Control Subcommittee <br />Minutes of the meeting of Sept. 13, 2012 5pm <br />Present: Susan Fischer, Toni Withington, Heather Meuller, Peter and Val <br />HELCO Power Rates -- Helco is attempting to lower rates by re- negotiating <br />contracts with alternative power suppliers. Current contract rates paid by <br />HELCO are pegged to the price of the diesel. HELCO is now paying suppliers <br />far more than it cost them to generate electricity. Several members as <br />individuals supported a County Council resolution to support HELCO in re- <br />negotiating the contract. At the same time HEECO has applied to the PUC for <br />a rate increase. This action has fostered the formation of a citizens group to <br />keep the rates low. The Kohala Wind Farm could generate more power for <br />our community, but HELCO transformers are not capable of handling that <br />power. Heather said she will try to arrange a tour /meeting for our group <br />with the Wind Farm people. <br />Street lights at Kawaihae — Susan pointed out that the number of street <br />lights at Kawaihae Hawaiian homes are brighter and more closely located <br />than street lights elsewhere and effect the night vision of people driving the <br />otherwise unlit highway at night. She has talked to highways division about <br />switching to LED bulbs that face downward. The group talked about polling <br />the community about highway lighting at Kawaihae since it affects all Kohala <br />drivers at night. <br />Meeting adjourned 6:15 Next meeting is Sept 29. <br />Minutes of the meeting of Sept. 29, 2012, 5pm <br />Present: Toni Withington, Lisa Andrews <br />HELCO Power Rates — Toni reported that the County Council resolution <br />supporting HELCO in renegotiating contracts with alternative energy <br />producers was adopted. She said the group is following the efforts of the <br />citizens group for lowering rates and will report next month. <br />Erosion Control — Toni reported that Kohala Lihikai has begun the growing <br />of naupaka plants at Upolu Airport in preparation for planting them along the <br />de -nuded land makai of the airport. The group will all start growing four <br />native groundcover plants and eventually hala. <br />Street lights at Kawaihae — Lisa suggested we wait until Susan gets back <br />to seek solutions for the bright lights along the highway. <br />Meeting adjourned 5:45 Next meeting Oct. 25 <br />