Kona Blue Water Farms has applied for a permit to determine whether it would be possible to grow young amberjack to harvest size over 10 months in submerged cages tethered to surface buoys drifting freely on a circular ocean current off the Big Island. See Star Advertiser for more Kona Blue’s other open ocean fish […]
Bag Fee Bill Advances to Conference
SB 1363 Plastic Bag Fee – The House and Senate Conferees have been assigned. Because the Senate and House versions of this bill differ, representatives may be inclined to feel differently than they did before. Everyone on the Conference Committee previously voted “aye”, but many with reservations. When a legislator votes “aye with reservations” it […]
Maui Resident Uses Only Solar Power
“Jason King’s solar-powered home is perched amidst his manicured lawn and gardens. Atop his luxury hale are 23 solar panels that power his entire life. With a dual Outback inverter and 24-count battery bank, it’s a robust system that King says, “powers my car, phat sound system, home movie theater, laundry, refrigerator, hot tub, sauna—every […]
Kehalani Development Waiting for Approval of Plan Changes
Developer Stanford Carr plans to build the mixed-use Kehalani Village Center slated to add 200,000 square feet of Wailuku commercial space. The plan was approved ten years ago as part of the Kehalani overall development where about half (1,200) houses have already been built. The planning Department will have to approve the revised plans. This […]
SB120 to Take Money from Land Conservation Fund
SB120, f passed would reduce the distribution of a portion of the conveyance tax to the Land Conservation Fund. Argument in favor: The State needs money. Argument against: Frequently it’s assumed that environmental protection is a luxury, expendable in times of economic distress. This is false. The funds designated to Legacy Land Conservation (LLC) have […]
HB 1520 Will Help Residents Install Solar
House Bill 1520 requires the Public Utilities Commission to consider implementing on-bill financing that would allow residents to pay off clean energy purchases — like solar water heaters and photovoltaic panels — directly on their electric bill. This could really speed the uptake of clean energy by eliminating the need for a hefty upfront investment. […]