Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 3, Number 8, 1 August 1986 — Hydroelectric Plant Opposed [ARTICLE]

Hydroelectric Plant Opposed

Development Threatens Maui Watershed Area

By Stanley Ki'ope Raymond Community Resource Specialist, Maui Members of the Ke'anae-Wailuanui Community Association Ine. are opposed to a proposed building of a hydroelectric plant by a California company because it will threaten the integrity of the forests, streams and lifestyle of the Ke'anae-Wailuanui watershed area. According to a position statement issued recently by the association, it notes that the developer plans to divert more than 90 percent of the water from four streams, including East and West Wailuaiki, for a total distance of about eight miles. The development, they

point out, would drastically: • Reduce the available habitat and the opportunities for seaward migration necessary for reproduction of native species that inhabit the stream, such as 'opae, a native shrimp whieh is eaten as a delicacy. • Affect many unique native plants growing near streams the whole length of the project area requiring constant watēr from streamflow and/or seepage. • Have an effect on the gathering rights practiced for centuries by residents of the ahupua'a. • Affect hunting. • Disturb native plants and at least two species of native birds whieh inhabit the area. Some of the plants

are very rare with a total world distribution of only a few locations in East Maui. The developers, according to the association's position statement, do not plan to do an archeological survey prior to construction, although it is well known that the area has never been surveyed, and the large population at lower elevations in ancient times makes the existence of sites likely. "Our kupuna tell us of agricultural and religious use of this special area," the association points out. The association's statement adds further: The entire construction area has the strictest zoning designation of "Conservation/Protective," whieh is meant "to protect valuable resources in such designated areas as restricted watersheds." The development does not conform with any of the uses permitted in a Conservation/Protective area nor with the objectives of the subzone. The developers hope that the Board of Land and Natural Resources (BLNR) will overlook this fact and approve their Conservation District Use Application (CDUA) that has been filed.

The proposed diversions are at about the 2,600-foot elevation. A 10-foot diameter intake and a 30-ineh pipeline (penstock) would run one and one-half miles down stream to a powerhouse where the water would generate electricity, and then be released into the East Maui Irrigation Company ditch intake. The total generating capacity of 2.7 megawatts (2,700 kw) is expected to produce 7.9 million kwh annually. This is strictly a commercial venture. The electricity would be sold by the developer to Maui Electric Company (MECO) at rates set by the government and be transmitted via MECO lines. It is not specifically for use in the Ke'anae-Wailuanui area and would not be available to use in case of a general power outage. Our eleetric bills will not be affected. lt will provide additional power for development in Hana and elsewhere. The developer will receive tax credits and an accelerated depreciation schedule as tax benefits. "77i/s project is on/y the beginning. lf they are successful here, the developers have told us they will attempt to move on and divert other streams in the area. " The Environmental Assessment and the Draft Environmental Impact Statement are available at Maui public libraries. We urge you to read these and eomment on them. The Ke'anae-Wailuanui Community Association ine. is on record as opposing the project. "We do not oppose hydroelectricity — in many cases it is a good and appropriate technology. There are existing projects on Maui and others that could be proposed that do not have an environmental, cultural or eeonomie impact. But this project is simply in the wrong plaee. We have lost too mueh of our natural streamflow already. We do not want to see our native forest and irreplaceable watershed desecrated." The statement was authorized unanimously by the board of directors of the Ke'anae-Wailuanui Community Association ine., as directed by its membership. Board members are: Frances Ah Koi, Angela Ah Koi, Wendy L. Akuna, Juanita J. Chong, Ruth Hanson, Hannah K. Kaauamo, Sarah Kaauamo, Isaac Kanoa Jr., Harry K. Mitchel!Sr., Harry Pahukoa Jr. Those seeking more information about the situation are encouraged to eall 248-8006 or 248-8985.