2015-09-14 PVEC Subcommitee Report

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Power, Viewplanes, & Erosion Control subcommittee report to Sept 14, 2015 NK CDP Action Committee meeting POWER Subcommittee members met in Waimea with representatives of Parker Ranch concerning outreach to keep the community informed of Paniolo Power's plans for a Kohala power microgrid. Solar Matters continues to explore the idea of a 58 -mile bikeway and green energy grid that can serve the communities between Kailua-Kona and North Kohala. Sugar cane railroad rights-of-way may be potential conservation easements, especially between Kapaau and Mahukona, the planned first segment of the bike path. The thoroughfare could serve as the foundation for a bikeway and green energy grid in a location with ample sunlight to keep the solar pathway charged, and ample rainfall catchment for agricultural plantings along the way. There would be little contact with motorized vehicles, making it a safer alternative to streets and highways for cyclists and pedestrians from Kapaau and Hawi to access Kapaa and Mahukona beach parks. VIEWPLANES Update on night sky views — the glare visible over a great distance from streetlights is referred to as peripheral glare, and will be significantly reduced with the transition from yellow low pressure sodium or LPS to more efficient light emitting diode or LED. The state's LPS streetlights will be replaced with LEDs hopefully early in 2016. The countywide conversion of approximately 10,000 streetlights is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2016. EROSION CONTROL Subcommittee members met with the chief engineer of Airports Division who reported that the DOT is pleased with the runoff abatement project already started at Upolu Airport. The engineer said more funds and materials are available from DOT for expansion of the soil erosion control project currently being undertaken by Kohala Lihikai, Malama Kohala Kahakai, and Kohala High School students. 2000 acres of the Pelekane Bay watershed project above Kawaihae burned on August 8 — 9, and flooded on August 17. Goat fencing & revegetation efforts were washed away or buried, with sediment build-up extending out into Pelekane Bay. Renewed efforts are needed to re -fence out the feral goats.