Barbers Point Solar Project (Formerly Kalaeloa Solar Energy)

Barbers Point Solar Project (Formerly Kalaeloa Solar Energy)

Developer:  Innergex Renewables USA LLC

In December 2018, DHHL issued a solicitation for renewable energy projects for Kalaeloa, O‘ahu.  In January 2019, DHHL received competitive proposals for renewable energy projects which were duly evaluated and scored.  Innergex was selected because the company offered the best compensation and community benefit package.  Innergex proposed to develop a 20MW solar project with an optional battery storage system.  The company presented the best compensation and community benefit package. 

Details on Innergex’s proposed project were presented at a Beneficiary Consultation meeting held on March 21, 2019 at the Kapolei Middle School Cafeteria.  The Beneficiary Consultation report was submitted and accepted by the HHC in Details will also be presented at two (2) Public Hearings which are scheduled for July 8, 2019 and July 9, 2019 (see below for more information). 

Beneficiary Consultation 

Proposed Action or Issue for Discussion

 Right-of-Entry (“ROE”) permit for due diligence purposes for two (2) years with the option to extend the due diligence period for up to three (3) one-year terms.  The option for a General Lease is contingent on Innergex securing a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) from HECO for the project and Innergex’s completion of an Environmental Assessment (EA) and related Chapter 343, HRS requirements.  If a PPA is secured and the EA completed, a long-term General Lease would begin when construction activities begin.  The term of the general lease would be 20-25 years, consistent with the PPA term.  Compensation to the Department is the lease rent and a community benefits package. 

Background Information

 DHHL selected Innergex’s project among other competitive proposals received in response to DHHL’s Solicitation for Renewable Energy proposals.  In HECO’s Phase I Request for Proposals process, Innergex was awarded two (2) Power Purchase Agreements.  Innergex plans to submit the Kalaeloa Project in response to HECO’s Phase II Request for Proposals, which has not yet been released.  The project will consist of solar panels with a possible battery storage component that would be constructed on two parcels in East Kalaeloa generating up to 20MW of electricity that would be delivered to HECO’s energy distribution grid.

The Solicitation for Renewable Energy Proposals may be accessed by clicking here.

Notification

 The Beneficiary Consultation invitation letter was mailed on March 4, 2019 to 1,453 Lessees and Applicants who reside in the Kapolei (96707) zip code area. 

Beneficiary Meeting

 Beneficiary Consultation Meeting:

March 21, 2019 – 6 p.m.

Kapolei Middle School CafeteriaKapolei, Hawaii
                           Public Hearings Public Hearings:

The Public Hearing Notice was published in newspapers across the State on June 24, 2019 and may be accessed by clicking here.

July 8, 2019 – 6 p.m.

Hale Ponoi conference facility at DHHL Headquarters, Kapolei, Oahu

July 9, 2019 – 9 a.m.

Hale Ponoi conference facility at DHHL Headquarters, Kapolei, Oahu

Hawaiian Homes Commission Decision

 HHC July 9, 2019 –HHC Submittal requesting approval to issue Right of Entry permit and conversion to a General Lease pending completion of conditional requirements.

Environmental Assessments