Puʻu Hao Solar + Storage

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

U.S. Federal

• Filing of Notice with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)

Maui County

• County Special Use Permit (CUP)

• Grading and Grubbing Permit 

• Building Permit

State of Hawai'i

• 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:

1. National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit
2. Noise Permit
3. Compliance and coordination with the State Historic Preservation Division under HRS Chapter 6E is anticipated
    

Listing of 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 emits 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, appropriate steps will be taken to avoid, minimize and mitigate potential impacts.

Natural Habitats and Ecosystems, Vegetation and Wildlife:

Data from a statewide habitat assessment by U.S. Geological Survey characterize the Project area as comprised of native/alien mix habitat consisting of predominately non‐native dry grassland, with patches of non‐native dry shrubland and non‐native kiawe (Neltuma pallida) dry forest and shrubland scattered throughout the Project area. It is likely that most of the Project area is dominated by non‐native species and the habitats have been disturbed by agricultural activities. 

According to publicly available data from the National Wetlands Inventory, National Hydrography Dataset (NHD), and the Hawai'i Division of Aquatic Resources (DAR) dataset, the Project area does not contain any perennial streams or wetlands. However, Kūlanihākoʻi Gulch, a non‐perennial stream, is identified within the southeastern portion of the Project area. In addition, Waiakoa Gulch is mapped along the northern boundary of the Project area. This feature is identified as a non‐perennial stream by DAR, intermittent stream by NHD, and as a freshwater forested/shrub wetland by NWI. The overhead interconnection line would also cross Waiakoa Gulch and Keāhuaiwi Gulch. The location of these features would be confirmed through a field assessment and the jurisdictional status would be verified with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The Project would be designed to avoid discharge into any jurisdictional features such that no impacts to aquatic habitats are anticipated.

Previous biological surveys conducted in the vicinity of the Project area indicate that the vegetation in this area is dominated by non‐native, invasive species. 

As the Project area is likely dominated by non‐native species and is unlikely to support listed plant species or sensitive vegetation communities, and with proper implementation of BMPs to address invasive species, construction and operation of the Project is not expected to adversely affect botanical resources. 

Similar to the vegetation assemblage, wildlife expected to occur within the Project area include non‐native species that are typically found in disturbed, lowland areas on Maui. No critical habitat for wildlife species has been designated within or adjacent to the Project area. 

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 that 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 as 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:

The project is not anticipated to cause long-term impacts to future uses for this land. After the life of the PV + BESS facility, the land will be restored and it will be ready and available for the most beneficial use determined at that time.

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 Hawaiʻi 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 is not expected to require any utilities during construction.

Socio-Economic Characteristics

The site is currently vacant land with similar uses surrounding the Project site. AES 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 2.6 miles away from the nearest community with an average electricity burden of 1.82%. 

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 following selection. 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) have been reported within 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 would 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.

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

 

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AES Hawaiʻi has a track record of successfully and sensitively engaging with the community and stakeholders in areas where our projects are located.   
 
Continuing to identify communities and other interested stakeholders affected by the project is an essential part of project planning. Upon award, the AES Hawaiʻi 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 Hawaiʻi has identified the following organizations, community leaders and key decision-makers that will be engaged in the project outreach process: 

• Kula Community Association 
• Senator Lynn DeCoite
• Area Council member Nohe Uʻu-Hodgins 
• Representative Kyle T. Yamashita 
• Representative Terez Amato
• Kīhei Community Association
• Alliance of Maui Community Associations
• Maui Chamber of Commerce
• Maui Economic Development Board
• Maui Economic Opportunity

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

Comprehensive communications plan

A significant goal of AES Hawai'iʻs Community Outreach Plan is to inform stakeholders and neighboring communities about the Project and its progress and collect their feedback. AES Hawaiʻi will build upon our previous experience to provide timely updates through a detailed community outreach schedule.

AES Hawaiʻi is committed to sharing important information about projects in advance of any community meetings. Specific tactics to share information and gather input will include, but are not limited to: 

• Issuance of Community Meeting and Public Hearing Notice(s)
• Conducting Public Community Meeting(s)
• Conducting strategic outreach to area organizations, community leaders, and elected officials
• Dedicated email address (puuhaosolar@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/puu-hao-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 of the Project by communicating potential environmental, social, economic, and land use changes; and also answering their questions.

AES Hawaiʻi 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 Hawaiʻi will issue media advisories a minimum of 30 days prior to a public meeting to Maui and statewide media, including but not limited to:  Maui News, Maui Now, 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 in support of and in opposition to the proposed Project will be compiled and filed with the Public Utilities Commission.

AES Hawaiʻi 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 Hawaiʻi to garner support and tailor each Project to address and mitigate community-identified issues or concerns. 

One of the earliest steps we take when undertaking a new project is to engage area community leaders, elected officials, residents, key government and industry organizations, and businesses. This approach enables AES Hawaiʻi 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 Hawaiʻi has conducted a survey of residents in South Maui to gauge community sentiments and identify issues of importance. 

Construction Related updates

AES Hawaiʻi 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 Hawaiʻi 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 Hawaiʻi is deeply committed to maintaining these partnerships, expanding the local economy, and providing opportunities for locals to work in the renewable energy industry.

Local community support or opposition

AES Hawaiʻi has already conducted early-stage outreach by commissioning a public opinion survey 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 Maui residents who responded to our survey, the majority (72%) said they would support a solar and battery storage project capable of powering the equivalent of 9,000 homes sited on approximately 200 acres of land east (mauka) of Piʻilani Highway and southwest (makai) of Pūlehu Road in South Maui (between Kīhei and Kula). 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 to cut down on 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 help shape our strategy for communicating the Project’s overall benefits.

During our ongoing community engagement process, AES Hawaiʻi 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 Hawaiʻi commissioned a public opinion survey to proactively seek early-stage community feedback about the project. The confidential survey includes responses from 359 residents in South Maui including Kīhei, Kahului, Makawao, and Kula residents and gauges their level of support or opposition to this potential solar plus battery project sited on approximately 200 acres of land east (mauka) of Piʻilani Highway and southwest (makai) of Pūlehu Road in South Maui (between Kīhei and Kula).

In addition to the survey, AES Hawaiʻi 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

An early-stage community consultation occurred through a survey of South Maui residents. The survey provided insights into the type of community benefits South Maui residents value most. These findings are the first step in soliciting feedback and understanding the community-identified needs of South Maui.

As community engagement continues for this project, AES Hawaiʻi will seek further guidance from stakeholders on appropriate benefits the community would support. The project website and dedicated email address will be another venue for us to gather input from the host community.

Annual Community Benefits Commitment

AES Hawaiʻi 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 Hawaiʻi understands that each community in Hawaiʻi is unique. They have different concerns and different 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 Hawaiʻi will consult and solicit feedback and guidance from the community on where these funds are needed the most. This feedback will also be the foundation of the Community Benefits Package for this Project.

Additional Community Benefits

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

1. Project construction will result in economic output benefiting Hawai'i's economy.  
2. Local Labor & Prevailing Wage  

• AES Hawaiʻi has existing partnerships with local unions and a proven track record generating meaningful local employment opportunities with living wages.  
• Construction will contribute to the creation of direct, indirect and induced jobs benefiting the local labor market. 

3. The project provides fixed price renewable energy prices compared to the fluctuating cost of fossil fuels. 
4. Upon completion, the Project is estimated to power the equivalent of 8,793 homes with clean, renewable energy annually. *
5. Anticipated to generate approximately 4.68% of Maui's energy needs. *
6. Approximately 83,776 barrels of oil/year for electricity generation would be avoided. *
7. The energy produced from this Project will help the state achieve its goal of 100% renewable energy generation by 2045 and offset reliance on price-volatile, imported fossil fuel. 
8. The Project is anticipated to reduce environmental impacts and increase energy resilience with local renewable power production.
  

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