Army opens comment period on renewable energy project in Hawaii

In Hawaii, the US Department of the Army has launched a 45-day public comment period on its draft environmental impact statement (DEIS) for the construction and operation of a proposed 50MW renewable energy plant.

Hawaiian Electric Company will build, own, operate and maintain the plant – known as the Schofield Generating Station– on over 8 acres of land leased from the Army.

In accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), the DEIS analyses the environmental impacts associated with construction and operation of the project and associated infrastructure. The Army has determined that there are historical properties nearby, but that the undertaking will have no effect on them.

The Draft environmental impact statement (EIS) documents this finding and it is now being made available for public review. The draft EIS comment process is also an opportunity for public to provide input about the effects of the proposed actions on historical property, for consideration in Army decision making.

The plant will provide improved energy security to the US Army Garrison, Hawaii at Schofield Barracks, Wheeler Army Airfield, and Field Station Kunia, and will also provide secure renewable energy generation to the grid on Oahu, Hawaii. It will assist the Army in supporting renewable energy-related laws and meeting its renewable energy goals, as well as helping Hawaiian Electric in meeting the Hawaii Renewable Portfolio Standard goals.