Group News: Hawaiʻi Island, Maui, and Oʻahu
Hawaiʻi Island Group
Hu Honua and the hydrogen unicorn
by Cory Harden, Hawaiʻi Island Group Member | Reading time: 3 minutes
In September 2021, Hu Honua and H2 Energy signed a Memorandum of Understanding to develop hydrogen infrastructure in Hawaiʻi, with support from Mayor Roth.
On May 3, 2023 County Council reluctantly, under time pressure, approved Mayor Roth signing on to a Pacific Hydrogen Alliance with two sister cities.
In June 2023, the County issued five permits for Hu Honua, for buildings for a boiler, maintenance, chipper, chip storage, and turbine.
Also in June, the County issued a Request for Information regarding “climate change solutions, specifically a net-zero emission (green hydrogen and renewable energy) economy and sustainable infrastructure development.”
So will Hu Honua snag any of the federal dollars available for hydrogen projects? Have investors put so much into Hu Honua that they won’t give up? Is the military interested?
Probably not.
The only potential buyers for hydrogen on Hawaiʻi Island are a few hydrogen buses. There are few buyers elsewhere. It’s expensive to store and ship hydrogen.
The Navy needs jet fuel. Not hydrogen. Efforts at planes flying on hydrogen are just barely getting started. Many military jets are older as they keep them going for decades with minor modifications over time. These cannot be retrofitted for hydrogen.
The market for transportation has overwhelmingly gone to batteries rather than hydrogen fuel cells or hydrogen combustion. Solid state batteries have been introduced and expected to hit mass production as they offer longer range, faster charging, and no dendrite formation meaning much longer service life and no fires. This will crush efforts at hydrogen vehicles.
Elon Musk of Tesla has announced a million-mile battery technology. That means batteries that will just be recycled, greatly lowering cost and the need for expensive lithium. Toyota, long a hydrogen promoter, has announced a new solid state battery with a range around 900 miles.
Even the long haul trucking companies which have designed and tested hydrogen vehicles are instead focusing on batteries. Tesla’s new semi is blowing away the competition with major commitments. Not only are these trucks faster going up hills, but there are huge maintenance savings due to reduced parts. Fleet owners want those savings.
Hawaiian Electric would love to fuel switch and keep their existing generators cranking out revenue, but they just cannot compete. Even the argument on intermittent output has gone away with battery storage. Now, with iron batteries rolling out of giant factories at a tenth the cost and 100-hour storage capability that kills the whole argument around “firm” power generation like fuel-based power plants.
Billions are also being pumped into CBRE or community based solar farms with battery storage. Hawaiʻi Island will actually see several of these in the near future. These are energy equity projects that serve low to moderate income families and reduce electric bills. No cost to homeowners or renters. These are decentralized and represent megawatts of new generation and providing grid resilience.
State law actually allows Hawaiʻi County to do fleet conversion to EVs again using a third party performance contracting approach and they could establish fleet charging stations using solar plus batteries. No hydrogen required.
Finally, making hydrogen at Hu Honua isn’t green and it isn’t cheap. To compete as an export, since there is no viable market on Hawaiʻi Island, it has to be cheap. It is so much easier to get dirty hydrogen from existing refineries as they literally flare it off now.
We could take a tip from Honolulu, which is actively going after the billions available for solar using an innovative third party financing approach, instead of pursuing the hydrogen unicorn.
TMT permit challenged
by Deborah Ward, Hawaiʻi Island Group Member | Reading time: 4 minutes
The BLNR has notified the Mauna Kea Hui (a group of island residents opposed to construction of the Thirty Meter Telescope) and supporting appellants that it will finally consider the motion to confirm non-compliance with Condition #4 (initiation of construction) at a meeting yet to be announced, after it was deferred from a meeting scheduled for July 28, 2023.
We encourage members of the Sierra Club to watch the BLNR proceedings on public media when the date is announced, likely in August or September. You can check upcoming meeting dates and agendas here, where you will also find a link to watch the meetings live.
In 2007, a risk assessment was done for the Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT) project by The Keystone Center for the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation, a major funder of this project, to gauge the local sentiment and potential hurdles regarding the construction of an extremely large telescope on the undeveloped northern plateau of Mauna Kea. The report warned of significant opposition to expanded industrial development of the summit region, held sacred by Kanaka Maoli (Native Hawaiians) and people throughout the world. The report also concluded that, “Should TMT decide to pursue a Mauna Kea site, it will inherit the anger, fear, and great mistrust generated through previous telescope planning and siting failures and an accumulated disbelief that any additional projects, especially a physically imposing one like the TMT, can be done properly."
Despite the findings of this report, the TMT project pushed ahead and was met with contested case hearings, legal challenges and court rulings, petitions in opposition signed by hundreds of thousands, and demonstrations by tens thousands of kiaʻi (protectors).
A Conservation District Use Permit for the project was granted by the Board of Land and Natural Resources (BLNR) in September 2017. As part of the permit, General Condition No. 4 stipulates that “any work done or construction to be done on the land shall be initiated within two (2) years of the approval of such use.” A two-year extension on the deadline for Condition No. 4 was granted by the former DLNR/BLNR Chair Suzanne Case in July 2019. That same month, Hawaiʻi residents opposed to the TMT project gathered at the base of the Mauna Kea Access Road, leading to a standoff with authorities. The months-long impasse began with the arrest of 38 kupuna (elders), whose charges were later dismissed. Tens of thousands of people gathered here to protect Mauna Kea from further destruction and desecration during that time.
In April 2021, the University at Hawaiʻi at Hilo (UHH) notified the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) that “work and/or construction” was initiated in compliance with Condition No. 4, citing the removal of ahu (shrines), “kick-off” meeting, survey, invasive species inspections, and the mobilization of construction equipment. Then subsequently, Chair Case exceeded her authority to conclude that the TMT project met Condition No. 4 without any review and consultation with the entire BLNR.
In May 2021, the Mauna Kea Hui – (full disclosure, the author is a member of the Hui) comprised of various groups and individuals supporting the proper management and protection of Mauna Kea's natural and cultural resources requested a BLNR hearing for a motion to “confirm non-compliance with Condition No. 4, or, alternatively, petition for declaratory orders concerning the same”. The Mauna Kea Hui asserts that “no construction or work on the land was initiated under the plain and ordinary meaning of the terms”.
The BLNR has notified the Mauna Kea Hui and other parties that it will finally consider the motion to confirm non-compliance with Condition No. 4 at a meeting yet to be announced, after it was deferred from a meeting originally scheduled for July 28, 2023.
Since 2014, the TMT has not been able to proceed with construction as was predicted in the risk assessment done by The Keystone Center. Changed conditions and unexpected circumstances continue to challenge UHH’s permit to build. Hurdles include sustained public opposition, legislative changes to the management structure, and TMT's funding shortfall of over $1 billion. Construction costs alone, once estimated to cost $700 million have ballooned to over $2.65 billion. The TMT partners were never able to secure sufficient partners willing to fund the full cost of construction, management, operation, and eventual decommissioning of this project. Last year, the TMT developers sought funding from the National Science Foundation, requiring a federal NEPA Environmental Impact Statement and Section 106 consultation with Native Hawaiian practitioners and lineal descendants. The federal process could last several years, and even then, funding for all aspects would be neither sufficient nor certain. Meanwhile the UH General Lease for the Conservation District lands of Mauna Kea is due to expire in 2033, and the lease requires telescope decommissioning and site restoration if the lease and subleases aren't renewed at that time. The newly formed Maunakea Stewardship Oversight Authority (MKSOA) designated by the legislature to take over management from UH will not take the reins until 2028, after a comprehensive management plan and administrative rules are developed. Act 255 that created this authority is not clear regarding responsibilities for permit and lease approvals, conservation protections, and enforcement.
Upcoming Outings
Saturday August 19, 2023
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park Service (F/C/S)
Kaʻū Moku, Keauhou Ahupuaʻa, moderate service up to hike, 1 mile, E=4,000’, +/- 200’
Stewardship at the Summit Rainforest Restoration. Volunteer to help the ‘āina by removing invasive, non-native plant species in the national park. Wear sturdy hiking boots and long pants. Bring a hat, rain gear, day pack, snacks, and water. Gloves and tools will be provided. Under 18? Participants under 18 years old require a parental or guardian accompaniment with written consent. This is a ROD protocol outing.
Call Sierra Club leader, Diane Ware, at 808-967-8642 for details to sign up and meeting place and time.
Sunday, September 10, 2023
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park Hike (F/C)
Kaʻū Moku, Keauhou Ahupuaʻa, moderate, 4 miles, E=4,000’, +/- 200’
We will be hiking round trip from Puʻu Pua Ulu also known as Bird Park along a gravel road parallel to Mauna Loa Road through the Tree Molds viewing area then across the highway at KMC to Kilauea Crater Rim. We will pass through mesic forest with numerous native plants then loop back along Mauna Loa Road with spectacular views of the maunas to our cars. Bring plenty of water, snacks and sun protection. ROD protocol will be followed.
Call leader, Diane Ware, at 808-967-8642 for details on time and meeting place.
Maui Group
Upcoming Outings
Saturday, August 12, 2023
Palauʻea Mālama Day (C/E/S)
South Maui (Palauʻea), 2 miles
Visit an ancient Hawaiian kauhale (cluster of dwellings and other sites) in the upper part of the Wailea 670 lands and help clear away brush from the ceremonial sites and pre-contact habitations. Help bring this archaeological complex back to life. All tools and gloves will be provided.
Leader: Lucienne de Naie, huelogrl@icloud.com
Sign up
Sunday, August 13, 2023
Makawao Forest Reserve – Kahakapao Loop (E)
Upper Olinda, 7 miles
Moderate hike in big tree forest on undulating trail, estimated time 3-4 hours. Meet in parking lot across from St. Joseph’s Church on Makawao Avenue at 8:00am. We will caravan to the trailhead. Limit 15.
Leaders Annie Schultz, acm_schultz@hotmail.com or 808-344-6628
Sign up
Friday, August 18, 2023
Baldwin Beach Sunset Stroll (C/E)
North Shore (Hāmākualoa and Wailuku Moku), 3.5 miles
Celebrate the 20 year effort to preserve the magnificent sand dunes, sweeping white sands and popular shoreline of Baldwin Beach as a county park under public ownership, as you enjoy a late-afternoon/sunset stroll and learn about the area's history. Optional swimming opportunities.
Leader: Lucienne de Naie, huelogrl@icloud.com
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Saturday, August 26, 2023
Hāmākua Malama Service Outing (C/E/S)
Ha‘ikū (Kaupakulua ahupuaʻa), 2 miles
Help clear away abandoned rubbish from gulches in Ha‘ikū’s Hāmākua Coastal Preserve and re-plant native species. Tools, snacks, trash bags, etc will be provided. Co-sponsored by Mālama Hāmākua.
Leader: Lucienne de Naie, huelogrl@icloud.com
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Sunday, August 27, 2023
Kapalua Coastal Trail Hike and Welcome Home to Our Beautiful Kōlea (C/E)
West Maui, 3.5 miles
Meet in the D.T. Fleming Beach Parking Lot, left side, at 8:00am. We will walk along the coastal path, a combination of asphalt, gravel, and rocky trail. We will look for the kōlea (Pacific Golden Plover) that make their winter homes on the grassy lawns in front of the Kapalua hotels. The kōlea arrive in August from their 3,000-mile migration from their breeding grounds on the tundra of southwestern Alaska. After a stop at Kapalua Bay, we will return to Fleming Beach. Although the footing can be rough in places, this is an easy three and a half mile round trip hike. There are restrooms at each end of the walk. There is an optional detour to Makāluapuna Point on the way back to see the jagged rock formation known as Dragon’s Teeth and to walk the labyrinth for those interested. Swimming and snorkeling are excellent at both D.T. Fleming Beach and Kapalua Bay, so bring appropriate gear if you wish. Snack/lunch on the beach at Kapalua Bay. Bring water and reef-safe sun protection.
Leader: Ann Schultz, acm_schultz@hotmail.com
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Sunday September 3, 2023
Makapipi Watershed Trail (C/E)
East Maui, 4 miles
Varied terrain. Ko‘olau Ditch trail: Makapipi to Kopili‘ula Stream. Scenic vistas, pools, waterfalls, native plant life. Hike crosses several bridges with no handrails, not recommended for those sensitive to heights. EMI waiver required (see emi.html). Meet at 8:00am at the Ha‘ikū Community Center. Limit 15.
Leader: Rob Weltman, robw@worldspot.com
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Oʻahu Group
Upcoming Outings
Sunday, August 6, 7am
Mālama Tree Crew: Ala Mahamoe Tree Maintenance
1,000+ trees were planted in this area by volunteers led by Professor Mora, in partnership with The Outdoor Circle, Mālama Learning Center, Ko‘olau Mountain Watershed Partnership, and the Garden Club of Honolulu in 2018. Unfortunately it was a rough winter and many trees died. However, in the years since, we have planted almost a thousand trees to re-establish the native watershed—and most of them have survived! Help us keep them thriving! We will be watering, weeding, and clearing debris from around these recently planted trees. Meet at 7am at the gate between 1800 and 1812 Ala Mahamoe St. Tools and refreshments provided. Bring long pants, long-sleeve shirt, water, hat, sunscreen, gloves. Reservations required at least 1 day prior to makikirandy@yahoo.com.
Sunday, August 13, 7:45am-11am
Mālama Tree Crew: Pālehua Service Project
Native forest restoration.The work is in Akupu Enclosure, restoring ʻelepaio habitat. Tasks include planting, weeding, watering, fertilizing and berming. Please bring water, a snack, and gloves. There may be some mosquitoes so long pants and long-sleeve shirts are recommended. Meet at Makakilo Community Park at 7:45am. RSVP to leader Randy Ching at makikirandy@yahoo.com.
Sunday, August 20, 8am-11am
Wāwāmalu Beach Service Project
Help return Wāwāmalu Beach to its native/natural status after years of off-road abuse and inattention. Seed collection and sowing, as well as removal of invasive plants on tap. Personal pickaxes welcome. Bring closed-toe shoes/boots, gardening gloves, sunscreen and water flask (iced refill available, no plastic water available). Meet 8am at western access area just left off the eastern driveway for Sandy Beach Park. RSVP to leader Reese Liggett at wliggett@twc.com. Co-leader Suzan Harada.
“It was great fun! Thanks for organizing, Sierra Club, and getting us out of the house!” - Kim Kido, after July 16 Wāwāmalu Service Day