Keʻāmuku Solar + Storage

AES Hawai'i is deeply committed to being an active, invested member of the communities we serve. 

 

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AES Hawai'i has a track record of successfully and sensitively engaging with the community and stakeholders near the proposed project.  AES Hawai'i recently completed construction and is now operating the Waikoloa Solar + Storage project adjacent to the proposed project.

Continuing to identify communities and other interested stakeholders affected by the Project is an essential part of project planning. Upon award, the AES Hawai'i team will engage area organizations and leaders to provide timely and relevant project information and collect feedback to refine and finalize the Project’s design with community input.

We intend to make every effort to keep the following list up to date throughout the Project’s lifecycle. Preliminarily, AES Hawai'i has identified the following organizations, landowners, community leaders, and key decision-makers that will be engaged in the Project outreach process:

• Kilauea Trust
• TDA Investment Group
• Waikōloa Dry Forest Initiative
• Waimea Community Association
• Waikōloa Village Association
• Waikoloa Community Leadership Council
• Area County Council member, Cindy Evans
• Area Senator, Tim Richards
• Area House members David Tarnas and Nicole Lowen

In addition, AES Hawai'i's standard practice is to ask these stakeholders to help identify others who should be contacted to continually expand outreach.

Comprehensive communications plan

A significant goal of AES Hawai'i's Community Outreach Plan is to inform stakeholders and neighboring communities about the Project and its progress and collect their feedback. AES Hawai'i will build upon our previous experience to provide timely updates through a detailed community outreach schedule. AES Hawai'i is committed to sharing important information about projects before any community meetings. Specific tactics to share information and gather input will include, but are not limited to:

• Issuance of Public Community Meeting Notice(s)
• Conducting Public Community Meeting(s)
• Conducting strategic outreach to area organizations, community leaders, and elected officials
• Dedicated email address (keamukusolar@aes.com) to gather input, comments, and questions
• Dedicated Project phone number (+1 (808) 800-3942)
• Construction and status updates will be posted on the Project website (https://www.aes-hawaii.com/hawaii/project/keamuku-solar);
• Issuance of monthly project status updates to our project mailing list; and
• Public Community Meeting Summary.

 

Our community engagement process will:

Inform stakeholders and neighboring communities about the Project by communicating potential environmental, social, economic, and land use changes, and also answering their questions.

AES Hawai'i will continue to plan for either in-person or virtual community meetings based on public health and safety conditions at the time.  To support community awareness of meetings, AES Hawai'i will issue media advisories a minimum of 30 days before a public meeting to Hawaii Island and statewide media, including but not limited to, the Hawaii Tribune Herald, West Hawaii Today, Civil Beat, Hawaii News Now, KHON2 News, and KITV4 News. Additionally, we will advertise in area community publications and provide email notifications to stakeholders and those who have signed up to be on our Project mailing list.

Public comments supporting and opposing the proposed project will be compiled and filed with the Public Utilities Commission.

AES Hawai'i believes in the importance of maintaining community collaboration and consultation throughout the Project lifecycle and has successfully implemented this strategy with Hawaiian Electric Company's RFP Phase 1 & 2 projects. Throughout this process, collecting, considering, and responding to feedback from the stakeholders and neighboring communities enabled AES Hawai'i to garner support and tailor each project to address and mitigate community-identified issues or concerns.

One of the earliest steps we take when starting a new project is to engage area community leaders, elected officials, residents, key government and industry organizations, and businesses. This approach enables AES Hawai'i to share information about a given project, build support and identify issues of concern so that we may respond to feedback from stakeholders and neighboring communities and develop mitigation measures.

As an initial step in the strategic community outreach process, AES Hawai'i has conducted a survey of residents in West Hawai‘i to gauge community sentiments and identify issues of importance. 

Construction related updates

AES Hawai'i is committed to providing project status updates via email to our project mailing list at least once per month and in conjunction with key milestones to ensure community members and stakeholders have the opportunity to provide public comment as required by the RFP. 

Local labor partnerships

AES Hawai'i has a history of working with local labor organizations, including:

• Hawaiʻi Carpenters Union
• International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local 1186
• Hawaiʻi Operating Engineers,
• Local 3 Hawaiʻi Laborers Union, Local 368

AES Hawai'i is deeply committed to maintaining these partnerships and providing opportunities for local residents to work in the renewable energy industry.

Local community support or opposition

AES Hawai'i has already conducted early-stage outreach by commissioning a public opinion survey by SMS Research and Peters Communications to understand community sentiment regarding the proposed Project.

The public opinion poll provides initial documentation of the community’s support for the Project. Of the West Hawai‘i residents who responded to our survey, the majority (71%) said they would support a solar and battery storage project capable of powering the equivalent of between 26,000 and 39,000 homes sited on approximately 600-900 acres in South Kohala. The majority of residents who supported the Project cited that it would be good for the environment or climate and would reduce the cost of electricity. Similarly, more than half support it because it would help reduce fossil fuel use. Other key reasons for support of the Project include the understanding that it would create new jobs and be good for the community and the economy. These results will shape our strategy for communicating the Project’s overall benefits.

During our community engagement process, AES Hawai'i will directly engage and listen carefully to community feedback regarding the Project. Project support and opposition will be identified through this process, along with community-identified concerns about project design, location, and visual impacts. 

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Community outreach efforts 

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As mentioned above, AES Hawai'i commissioned a public opinion survey by SMS Research and Peters Communications to proactively seek early-stage community feedback and de-risk this Project. The confidential survey includes responses from 249 residents in West Hawaiʻi communities and gauges their level of support or opposition to this potential solar plus battery project sited on approximately 600-900 acres of land in the South Kohala region.

In addition to the survey, AES Hawai'i will continue to host community meetings and meet with key leaders to provide opportunities for project feedback. The project website and dedicated email address will provide an additional venue to gather input, comments, and questions.  

Community benefits

Our early-stage outreach through a public survey provided insight into the type of community benefits West Hawaiʻi residents value most. These findings are the first step in soliciting feedback and understanding the community-identified needs of West Hawaiʻi.

As community engagement continues for this project, AES Hawai'i will seek guidance from stakeholders on appropriate benefits the community would support.

Annual community benefits commitment

AES Hawai'i commits to setting aside a minimum of $3,000 per MW AC per year for community benefits aimed at addressing specific needs identified by the Host Community or to a 501(c)(3) non-profit community-based organization(s) to address Host Community-identified needs.

AES Hawai'i understands that each community in Hawaiʻi is unique, with different concerns and needs. Our early-stage outreach is our initial effort to understand these concerns and needs and will inform future engagement. As part of the initial community meeting and continued engagement with the host community throughout every stage of the Project, AES Hawai'i will consult and solicit feedback and guidance from the community on where these funds are needed the most. This feedback will serve as the foundation of the Community Benefits Package for this Project and ensure it is specifically tailored to address the host community-identified needs.

Additional community benefits

Additional Project benefits and impacts were assessed by the commissioning of a preliminary economic and fiscal analysis. The analysis was based on preliminary project schedules and conceptual design and was conducted in constant 2023 dollars.

1. Project construction will result in economic output benefiting Hawai‘i's economy.

• The Project is anticipated to create approximately 1,908 direct, indirect and induced jobs during development and construction. 
• The Project is anticipated to generate approximately $353 Million in direct, indirect and induced economic activity.

2. Local Labor & Prevailing Wage

• AES Hawai'i has existing partnerships with local unions and a proven track record of generating meaningful local employment opportunities with living wages.
• Construction will create direct, indirect and induced jobs that benefit the local labor market.

3. The Project is anticipated to reduce environmental impacts and increase energy resilience with local renewable power production.

• Anticipated to generate approximately 20% of Hawai'i Island's energy needs.*
• Upon completion, the Project is estimated to power 35,336 homes with clean, renewable energy annually.* 
• The Project is expected to prevent the consumption of more than 8.4 million barrels of oil over its 25-year lifespan.*

4. The Project provides fixed, low-cost, reliable renewable energy pricing compared to the fluctuating cost of fossil fuels.

5. The Project helps to support the phasing out of traditional fossil fuel plants and grid modernization.

6. The energy produced from this Project will help the state achieve its goal of 100% renewable energy generation by 2045 and offset Hawaiʻi’s reliance on price-volatile, imported fossil fuel.

As predevelopment of the Project proceeds, additional opportunities for benefits will be explored in direct collaboration with the area communities.

Community meetings and presentations

July 23, 2024 Waikoloa Village Association Meeting

Presentation:  Keʻāmuku PPT- WVA meeting 7.23.24.pdf

Environmental Permits and Approvals Strategy:  

• Perform extensive due diligence on the site;   
• Identify community organizations, area leaders and key stakeholders;   
• Engage early and often with aforementioned individuals and organizations to share information and gather feedback; and   
• Proactively consult with resource and permitting agencies. 

Due diligence	Status
Initial Community Assessment and Outreach	Initial community outreach and sentiment survey completed; community engagement will continue throughout Project development
Permit Assessment	The assessment of permits and the required land use approvals needed is complete
Title and Easement Review	Title and easement review completed
Archaeological Resources	Literature Review and Field Investigation (LRFI) completed.
Cultural Resources	Preliminary assessment completed, Cultural Impact Assessment in process.
Biological Resources	Desktop assessment completed; field survey to be conducted
Waters of the U.S. Delineation and Jurisdictional Determination	To be conducted following selection by Hawaiian Electric Company
Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA)	Phase I ESA completed
Geotechnical and Soils Investigation	Desktop geotechnical assessment (inclusive of site visits and consultation with local civil/geotechnical firms) completed; full geotechnical and soils investigation to be conducted following selection by Hawaiian Electric Company
Visual Resources	Preliminary visual simulations and glint/glare study conducted. Updates to be conducted as design continues to be refined.
Traffic Impact Assessment	A Traffic Impact Analysis Report (TIAR) is in process. Multiple access points, a Construction Traffic Management Plan (TMP), and other best practices will be adopted based on the study. Upon completion of construction, the Project is only anticipated to require 4-5 vehicles per day to maintain operations over its lifespan.

 

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Based on a preliminary review, the following determinations have been made:

U.S. Federal

• Federal permits or approvals are not anticipated for project implementation
• Compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) is not anticipated

Hawaiʻi County

• County Plan Approval

State of Hawaiʻi

• An Environmental Assessment (EA) or Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) are not anticipated – the Project does not “trigger” HRS Chapter 343
• Certain construction-related State permits may be required, including:
  - National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit
  - Noise Permit
  - Compliance and coordination with the State Historic Preservation Division under HRS Chapter 6E is anticipated

Listing of anticipated Permits and Approvals

AES Hawai'i and its environmental consultant conducted a preliminary assessment of the environmental conditions at the site based on a review of publicly available maps, studies and previous environmental reports prepared for the property. More detailed information is being obtained through the due diligence and site-specific studies, as well as community feedback, and will be used to inform the design process.

The Project design will seek to avoid and minimize environmental impacts to the extent possible. Best Management Practices (BMPs) will be implemented to further minimize impacts throughout the Project lifecycle.

Feedback will be collected throughout the Project lifecycle, and updates will be provided as outlined in the Community Outreach section. To get the latest project information sign up to be placed on our mailing list.

Natural environment

Air Quality:
None of the equipment associated with the solar arrays or battery storage system emit air pollutants of any kind. Overall, the Project would provide a net benefit by replacing energy generated by burning fossil fuels with renewable energy, thereby reducing emissions of greenhouse gases. 

Biology:
A site‐specific biological survey would be conducted as part of the detailed due diligence effort and the results would be incorporated into the planning and design process; if any sensitive biological resources are identified during this survey, the appropriate steps will be taken to avoid, minimize and mitigate potential impacts.

Natural Habitats and Ecosystems, Vegetation and Wildlife: 
Based on available information, the Project area has likely been disturbed by past land uses, such as cattle grazing, which has presumably reduced the number and abundance of native species. In addition, a relatively recent wildfire that burned the northeastern corner of the Project area (Hawaiʻi Wildfire Management Organization 2013) has likely further transformed the habitats and ecosystems in the Project vicinity.

Data from a statewide habitat assessment by U.S. Geological Survey characterize the Project area as comprised of mixed native and non‐native habitat in the central and northeastern portions, with patches of bare to sparsely vegetated areas in the western portion. It is likely that most of the Project area is dominated by non‐native species, particularly fountain grass (Cenchrus setaceus) and buffelgrass (Cenchrus ciliaris).

Wildlife expected to occur within the Project area include nonnative species that are typically found in disturbed areas on Hawaiʻi Island. Two previous biological surveys conducted in the Project vicinity recorded only non‐native birds, mammals, and insects. No critical habitat for wildlife species has been designated within or adjacent to the Project area.

Available data indicate the Project area does not contain any perennial streams or wetlands (USFWS 2022a). However, several non‐perennial (likely ephemeral) streams are identified in the Project area including two branches of ʻAuwaiakeakua Gulch and two branches of Popo‘o Gulch. The location of these features would be verified through a field assessment and the jurisdictional status would be verified with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE).

In addition to the habitat types described above, it is important to note that the Project area is located on a geological substrate (pāhoehoe lava flows) where caves and lava tubes may be present. Should any caves or lava tubes be identified within the Project area, these would be investigated as part of the due diligence process and avoided as appropriate.

The Project is being designed to minimize ground disturbance and maintain ample, natural open space surrounding the Project facilities. Impacts to natural resources, including listed species that could possibly occur within or traverse over the Project area, will be avoided and minimized to the extent possible through implementation of standard measures.

Climate:
The Project would generate clean renewable energy which would replace the burning of fossil fuels for the production of electricity, thus offsetting greenhouse gas emissions and providing a beneficial impact on climate conditions. 

Soils:
Ground disturbance during construction would be primarily related to driving steel posts to support the racking system for the solar panels, trenching for placement of electrical wiring, and excavation for foundations for the battery storage units, substation and interconnection facilities. All equipment will be removed, and the site restored after the life of the Project leaving the soils in the same condition prior to construction.

Topography and Geology:
Topographic surveys have been conducted to inform project design as well as to minimize ground disturbance to the greatest extent practicable. Project design will continue to be refined as additional site studies are conducted. 

Land regulation

Land Uses:
There will be no long-term impacts to future uses for this land.

After the life of the PV + BESS facility the land will be restored for future uses.

Flood and Tsunami Hazards:
The Project has been sited to ensure Project infrastructure is outside the Hawai‘i Tsunami Evacuation Zone, and the Hawai‘i Department of Land and Natural Resources flood map’s flood zones A, AE, AEF, AH, AO, VE based on the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Digital Flood Insurance Rate Maps.

Noise:
The Project is not anticipated to generate meaningful noise impacts when operational. However, AES still plans to perform a noise assessment and, if required, obtain a noise permit for work during construction.

Roadways and Traffic:
A Traffic Impact Analysis Report (TIAR) will be prepared and any required mitigation will be implemented during the construction phase of the Project. Once operational and for the duration of the project, it is anticipated there will be minimal new traffic generation.

Utilities:
This project will not require any utilities during construction.

Socio-economic characteristics

The site is currently vacant land with similar uses surrounding the Project site. AES Hawai'i utilized the State of Hawai‘i Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism (DBEDT) Map of Electricity Burdens on Hawai'i Households by Census Tract to preliminarily assess the Project’s location and distance from nearby residents and the energy burden (defined as percentage of gross household income spent on energy costs) of those closest communities. The site is located approximately 4.0 miles away from the nearest community with an average electricity burden of 3.89%.

According to the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE), the Median energy burden nationally is 3.1% and the median low-income energy burden is 8.1%, which puts this area at slightly above the national average for non-low-income households. According to the same source, a high energy burden is considered to be above 6% and a severe energy burden above 10%.

Aesthetic/visual resources

A visual impact analysis will be conducted. The Project will be designed to minimize visual impacts to the extent practicable.

Solid waste

The facility is not anticipated to generate solid waste.

Hazardous materials

A Phase 1 Environmental Assessment was conducted for the site and it was confirmed that no recognized environmental conditions (RECs), historical RECs (HRECs), or controlled RECs (CRECs) in connection with the subject property.

Water quality

A Waters of the U.S. Delineation and Jurisdictional Determination will be conducted prior to construction and any potential jurisdictional water feature is expected to be avoided such that the Project would not result in discharge to Waters of the U.S.

Public safety services (Police, Fire, Emergency Medical Services)

The Project is located near dense population centers and has access to Public Safety Services.

Recreation

The Project site does not host any recreation activities and will not impact future recreation activities.

Potential cumulative and secondary impacts

The Project would directly contribute to the state’s renewable energy goals and in doing so would directly contribute to replacing a portion of electricity that is currently generated by burning fossil fuels, thus reducing greenhouse gas emissions and other forms of pollution that are detrimental to the environment and human health.