Hu Honua hype ADVERTISING Hu Honua hype This project started in 2005. Back when it was christened Hu Honua, the cost was pegged at $70 million, which the Planning Department thought was realistic. By now, funds already spent are variously
Hu Honua hype
This project started in 2005. Back when it was christened Hu Honua, the cost was pegged at $70 million, which the Planning Department thought was realistic.
By now, funds already spent are variously reported to be $150 million, $137 million or $139 million and it is claimed to be 50 percent complete.
Now there is yet another incarnation of Hu Honua Bioenergy, with a new board and new investors who claim to have another $125 million to invest to achieve a functioning power plant. None of this can be verified. The total cost of this plant would then come out to be $275 million or so.
One hears locally that there are still contractors who have not been paid for work performed previously under the former management, that evidently did not believe in paying the folks who were working for them.
The Tribune-Herald has done no investigative reporting on this project and has chosen to mostly publish only the self-serving propaganda presented by current investors. It is high time for a reality check.
There is information on the internet about the current cost of a thermal electric plant. The website of Mason, Bruce &Girard, a consulting firm in Portland. Ore., lists the total capital cost of a 40-megawatt plant at $90 million to $110 million, with completion in 18 months.
The original Hu Honua plant for which I reviewed the application for a clean-air permit was described as producing 23 megawatts. Now, the plant suddenly morphed into a 30-megawatt plant. HELCO should not waste any more time negotiating with Hu Honua.
The Consumer Advocate has supported cancellation of this contract, and the Public Utilities Commission should not waste its time forcing HELCO to reinstate this contract. Rather, HELCO should move ahead with geothermal power production and other renewable sources of energy.
The current public relations efforts in support of Hu Honua by state Rep. Mark Nakashima and by the ILWU leadership are misguided. We all support creation of more good jobs on Hawaii Island, and these jobs are much more likely to result by supporting construction of the Thirty Meter Telescope.
Adrienne S. Dey
Hilo
Love is not enough
In a recent TV interview, our nation’s attorney general was interviewed about the Orlando massacre. Her plan for fighting terrorism is love, understanding and compassion.
Tell that to the people with bullets in their heads.
Where did they find this jewel? Vote smartly!
Bob Dukat
Pahoa
