Nelson Ho, chair of the Sierra Club’s Moku Loa Group, put his foot in his mouth once again. He unfairly criticized Richard Ha for supporting expanded geothermal power generation on the Big Island this time.
The Big Island’s economic future will be bleak if we continue to depend on oil. Lloyd’s of London is is predicting oil will cost $200.00 a barrel by 2013. So, we need to reduce our consumption soon. However, geothermal is the only proven and reliable energy source here. Wind, OTEC, and solar power generation are simply niche energy sources.
Robert Wessels, co-managing partner of DW Aina Le’a Development LLC, has decided to continue the Villages at Aina Le’a project despite the LUC’s land classification reversion. The latter decision has made Robert Wessels, etc job even more difficult. It will be impossible to secure additional financing and or investors due to the LUC’s decision.
Related item: Lack of Adequate Financing Doomed The Villages at Aina Le’a Project
Robert Thomas has until February 10, 2011 to petition (or ask for an extension) the US Supreme Court to hear the Coupe land condemnation appeal.
Lastly, West Hawaii Today had a very troubling article regarding the condemnation of the Smith/Whitaker’s land for the Mamalahoa (Hokulia) bypass. Alexander Smith, one of the landowners, claimed the county hasn’t spoken to him for over a year. However, I’ve repeatedly spoken to the county attorneys handling this issue. The county has actively worked with these families to obtain this land for at least the past year (or more).
I wonder if Alexander Smith truly speaks for both families in this matter. Caroline Smith expressed strong opposition against the condemnation of this property.
January 28th, 2011 at 5:38 AM
This is an interesting group looking at really out there alternative energy sources. I have often thought there must be some way to harness the volcanic heat like Iceland does with its geothermal plants. It would be partial relief to the Peak Oil problem facing not only the Hawaiian Islands, but all of Earth Island. (Or harness DW Aina Le’as hot air.)
January 31st, 2011 at 7:07 PM
I am concerned that I heard Richard say, they inject chemicals to keep the geothermal pipes corrosion free. I asked him which chemicals, but don’t recall getting an answer.
I wonder if they’re using the chemical, hexavalent chromium, that has been in the news lately for contaminating so much of the U.S. groundwater supply and is used for keeping pipes free of corrosion? Richard?
January 31st, 2011 at 9:29 PM
Hi Shannon:
I do not have any knowledge myself about what chemicals they use to keep geothermal pipes corrosion free. I will ask the PGV folks and post a reply.
Aloha
Richard
February 1st, 2011 at 9:32 AM
Mahalo Richard. The “injecting chemicals” part makes me very wary of supporting geothermal. I appreciate you letting us know about all of the chemicals involved.