The Maui Planning Commission on Tuesday accepted the final environmental impact statement for the Auahi Wind farm to be built on the Southeast slopes of Haleakala by Sempra Energy.

The revised EIS reduced the number of wind towers 15 to 8 while increasing the height and blade width of each to generate 3 megawatts each.

The revised design would have vanes standing about 450 feet high at their peak.  Transportation of the giant wind turbine parts must go from Kahului Harbor via Kihei to Wailea and then up some unimproved ranch roads. These will need to be upgraded.  Additionally, the turning radius of these huge loads is so wide, stoplights, street lights and landscaping must be removed from parts of Wailea in order for the trucks to be able to make the turn onto Wailea Alanui.

Munekiyo & Hiraga planning consultant Leilani Pulmano said three possible routes from Wailea were explored, including one extending Piilani Highway, but they claimed that original route proved the least disruptive.

By reducing the number of towers to eight, the construction traffic will be reduced, they said, however it was pointed out that the larger size of the turbines will make clearing the turns even more problematical.  Residents expressed concern about their emergency route being blocked if anything goes wrong.

During pouring of concrete pads, there will be 40 round trips a day on eight days for concrete trucks, plus five trips per day for eight more days for other concrete work.

Auwahi Energy LLC, a division of Sempra, will drill a well to supply the Kahikinui area with water. A well permit has been obtained and work should start this fall.

See Dick Mayer’s Comments on the Auwahi Draft EIS

Read more at the Maui News.