Tag Archives: Richard Ha

Government

Amazing Amount of Support!

Leslie Lang writes:

Hawaii News Now ran a story last night on Richard Ha's being up for renomination to the state Department of Agriculture board, and state Senator Russell Ruderman's email to other senators about being "revulsed" at the idea of Richard being reappointed to the board. 

Click here for Hawaii News Now video clip

People have submitted an overwhelming number of letters to the legislature supporting Richard's renomination. Here's a link to all of them. 

I'll post here just a few of them; they are the ones that people copied to Richard:

David Fuertes

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To Whom It May Concern;
 
My name is Stuart Nakamoto.  I am an Extension Economist with the University of Hawaii's College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources, and am part of the Risk Management Hawaii/LIFE team.  The statements in this message are my own and do not represent the UH nor CTAHR.
 
I am writing in strong support of the nomination of Richard Ha to a second term on the Hawaii State Board of Agriculture.
 
Richard brings a practical, common sense perspective to the table, as is reflected in his saying "If the farmers make money, the farmers will farm."  He represents the silent majority among producers, and his credentials as a farmer are beyond question.  We need that kind of representation for agriculture to be a vibrant part of the state and especially if Hawaii is to be self sustainable.

I strongly recommend that Richard Ha be re-appointed.

Respectfully,

Stuart T. Nakamoto

Stuart T. Nakamoto, Ph.D.                                
Professor and Extension Economist, Agricultural Economics and Marketing of Perishable Products

University of Hawaii at Manoa

College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources

Dept. of Human Nutrition, Food, and Animal Sciences
Agricultural Sciences Bldg 314B

mailing address:
UH-CTAHR HNFAS
1955 East-West Road, AgSci 314B
Honolulu, HI  96822

 ***

We are Hawaii’s farmers & ranchers and floral & nursery growers who collectively produce more than 80% of the agricultural products, including food, grown in Hawaii. Additionally we are supported by community groups, agricultural support groups and key individuals and individual farmers and ranchers, large and small.  Our alliance includes the commodity groups, individual farmers and ranchers, Ag land owners and support groups, and community groups listed on the attached roster.

Richard Ha is one of the most respected and innovative agricultural leaders in the state. He has been farming successfully for over 35 years.  He is a leading advocate for small farmers, and is widely respected by his fellow board members on the Hawaii Board of Ag, where he has served for the past 4 years.  His widely shared opinions on peak oil, alternative energy solutions and profitable, sustainable farming are above reproach. We need an army of Richard Ha’s.  He’s a smart, selfless, likeable guy who knows what he’s talking about, and is an innovative, progressive and experienced farmer.  And who doesn’t know Richard’s famous quote “If the famer makes money, the famer will farm”. 

Richard is a current and active Board member for the following Boards; The Hawaii Board of Agriculture, Kohala Center, Hawaii Island Economic Development Board (HIEDB), Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Hawaii Clean Energy Initiative (HCEI) steering committee, Chair- Big Island Community Coalition and a Founding member of Hawaii Farmers & Ranchers United (HFRU).

Please support Richard Ha’s Nomination to the Hawaii Board of Agriculture.

Farming & Ranching is not what we do ~ It’s Who We Are

For Questions or Comments Please Contact:

Chris Manfredi, President, Hawaii Farm Bureau Federation

Alex Franco, President, Hawaii Cattlemen's Council, Inc.

***

Honorable Chairman Nishihara,

My name is Robert Rapier. I am a chemical engineer by training, with a focus on energy issues and food security issues, both of which are intertwined. My work has been featured in the Wall Street Journal, Forbes, and the Washington Post, and I have appeared on 60 Minutes, The History Channel, and PBS to discuss energy issues. I have lived and worked on the Big Island for the past 5 years, during which time I have become well acquainted with Richard Ha.
 
Richard Ha is one of the most honorable men I have ever met, and his interests are in helping the people of Hawaii. Richard has described his position as neither pro nor anti-GMO, but rather pro-science. We need more critical thinkers like Richard to counter some of those whose knee-jerk reactions often lead to unwanted consequences.
 
Senator Ruderman should be ashamed of his comment at being "revulsed" at the idea of Richard being reappointed to the to the state Board of Agriculture. That sort of language hints at opposition that is based on a personal vendetta rather than on Richard's qualifications. I can think of nobody more qualified for this appointment that Richard, and I write today in strong support of his reappointment.

Sincerely,

Robert Rapier Chief Technology Officer, Merica International, Kamuela, Hawaii 

 ***

Aloha Senators and associates, 

I have known and worked with Richard Ha for a few years, and one thing I believe everyone can agree on is that he always looks out farms and farmers. He himself has been a farmer for decades and has been highly successful maintaining a productive and profitable farm even amid increases in costs and fluctuations in the market. 

I'm a young professional working with sustainability and rural communities. As is common among my generation, I myself have substantial quandaries with GMOs, in particular around the misuse of patent infringement laws intimidating and suing farmers over uncontrollable and unintentional cross pollination, among other things, as can be seen in the following report by the Center for Food Safety http://www.centerforfoodsafety.org/reports/1780/monsanto-vs-us-farmers-2012-update#

Though I do not support many of the corporations and policies around GMO, I do support the farmers right to choose their own crops and pursue a variety of options for their business in balance with the community's well-being. Richard Ha takes a balanced approach to this issue, understanding both the farm and farm business side of the issue as well as the greater implications to our communities. Richard Ha cares deeply about his community and his workers as can be seen in the changes to his own practices and unique and direct support to his workers.

The question of his qualifications should not be if he is for or against GMOs, but does he approach this issue in a balanced and logical way. He does that far more than most. There is a myriad of information and misinformation around GMOs and it is crucial to have someone on the Board of Ag who is open to hearing all sides. 

The Board of Ag should be supportive of new advancements and technologies that support farmers and benefit our communities, but it should be rigorous in its unbiased assessment of these new opportunities for farms. Richard Ha has always and will continue to advocate for the well being of farmers and Hawaii, and will do so in an open minded manner. That is why I do, and you should, support his nomination to the Hawaii Board of Agriculture.

Mahalo for your time,

Katie Schwind

***

Aloha Senator Nishihara Agriculture Committee Chairman,

My name is Michael Tarring. I am President of Ohana Banana Farm Inc. I have been farming for thirty years and currently farm apple bananas on 120 acres of land in Keaau. Were we produce 2,500,000lbs. of high quality apple bananas sold through out the state of Hawaii. We also employ 27 workers on our farm full time. 

I have known Richard Ha for thirty years and I consider him to be a very good farmer as well as a very important member of our Hawaii Ag. community. I would like to see Richard Ha reappointed to our state Ag. Board. We farmers need expert farmers like him representing us in Hawaii. 
Please support his nomination. 

Mahalo
Michael Tarring
Ohana Banana Farm Inc.

***

To whom it may concern,

My name is Henk B. Rogers. I am writing with regards to the nomination of Richard Ha.

I believe Richard to be the right man for the job. He has all the necessary qualifications from extensive experience as a farmer to having the perfect character for the job. I read that Senator Ruderman has a  “revulsion” to Richard’s nomination because of his stance on GMOs and Geothermal. I strongly disagree with Senator Ruderman who seems to be acting out of uninformed emotion.

Geothermal is one of Hawaii’s greatest clean energy assets. It is base-load which makes it the easiest to implement clean energy. People who oppose geothermal do so in complete ignorance of the damage done by existing oil/diesel fired power plants and the great track record of geothermal.

People who oppose GMOs are not thinking about the rise in population in the world and what that will mean. Our population is slated to reach 10 billion by the end of the century. We either grow food more efficiently through GMOs or we cut down the last of the rain-forests to make room for more ag-land. I don’t support Monsanto’s predatory business practices, so fix the business model. We need GMOs. Richard is not afraid to take controversial positions on important issues. He is exactly the kind of man you need on the Board of Agriculture.

Aloha,

Henk B. Rogers

***

Dear Senator Kahele,

You may remember that I did a lot of writing some time ago on the subject of agriculture. Weekly columns for the Hawaii Island Economic Development Board were called "Focus on Agriculture" and concentrated on the successful economic impact of diversified agriculture.

During that time — and we are going back 20+ years here — I came to know and admire Richard Ha. He was always available to talk about bananas, tissue culture, mountain biking as eco-tourism, sustainable choices for small farmers, and many other topics. I remember covering an event when Richard and his wife June were recognized for their sustainable efforts at an international conference called Food Choices 2000. He has farming experience himself plus much broader interests for the betterment of our island.

He continues in his new location to promote the business of farming and he continues to adapt technologies — the hydroelectric generation of power for the farm is one example.

I support the reappointment of Richard Ha to the State Department of Agriculture board.

Thank you,

K.T. Cannon-Eger

***

Aloha Ag Committee Chair Senator Nishihara and Committee Members,

This letter is written on behalf of Governor Abercrombie’s nomination of Richard Ha to the State Board of Agriculture.

During my eight year tenure as the Hawaii County Director of Research and Development under Mayor Harry Kim (2000-2008), I found myself intrigued, interested, and impressed by the global yet locally grounded perspectives of Richard Ha as we served on various committees and met on a number of topical issues.  We may not have agreed on every specific point, but I never questioned his credibility, his wisdom, nor his integrity.  Richard Ha is a man of the highest moral character who is willing to stand for his truth while consistently encouraging opposing voices to come together for dialogue and compromise.

Part of our Department’s purview was Agriculture, a huge and complex arena. Highly regarded and respected within the movers and shakers of Hawaii Island’s agricultural community is Richard Ha. >/p>

Somewhat of a Renaissance man, he is willing to challenge the status quo or popular majority if he has determined through data and scientific analysis that such a challenge is warranted and for the greater good.  He does this knowing the cost to both his personal and professional reputation.  And he has done so on both sides of the normal divide in agriculture.

The Department of Agriculture will be well served with such an objective, experienced, committed, and intelligent member on its Board.  

Please support Richard Ha’s nomination to the Board of Agriculture.

Mahalo nui loa,

Jane Higa Testa

***

Dear Sen. Kahele,

As a small farmer in the Umauma area of Hakalau, I am endorsing Richard Ha for reappointment for the State AG board. I believe Mr. Ha's successful commercial experience for 35 years shows he understands the needs of Hawaii's agriculture.   We need to maintain a Ag Board that has a balance of all ideas.   
Your assistance is appreciated.

Rodger Hansen

Hakalau HI 96710

***

Chairman Nishihara,

As the Chairman of the State Committee of Agriculture, I would like to address you to express my support.

I support Richard Ha’s candidacy to serve on the Hawai’i Board of Agriculture. Mr. Ha is a farmer with 35 years experience who has worked tirelessly for the agricultural communities of this State. He recognizes the importance of agricultural and has spent his life learning about and working on the land. He is unshakeable in his desire to lead our State toward sustainability.

He sees food security as a priority and understands the connection of agriculture and energy. Lowering food cost for both the farmer and the customer is most important.

Richard Ha supports all farmers including the conventional, permaculture and organic farmers. He works well with people from all backgrounds. He is very capable and humble…. giving of himself. The State is fortunate to have such a qualified person willing to give his time and talents to his fellow citizens.

Mr Richard Ha is an outstanding candidate to continue serving on the Hawaii Board of Agriculture.

Mahalo,

Lynn Hamilton
Ka’u Hawai’i

***

Dear Hawaiian Senators,



I am a consultant in the area of energy/economy/environment. Formerly I worked as a Vice President at Lehman Brothers and Salomon Brothers and now sit on the Board of Directors of: Bottleneck Foundation, Post Carbon Institute, Institute for Study of Energy and Our Future, and Institute for Integrated Economic Research.  In the course my energy/economy work I have many colleagues on Oahu and the Big Island and have met and interacted with Richard Ha frequently over the past several years.



The world is headed for a transition – it may be smooth or it may be rough, but the primary drivers of economic growth – cheap energy and available credit, are waning.  Hawaii especially is vulnerable to high oil prices as you use oil directly for electricity and import oil indirectly in the transportation costs of most goods. Richard Ha is very knowledgeable about the energy foundation of our economies. He is a visionary on how to use local inputs in a sustainable way to produce basic needs (food, electricity).  He is selfless and cares deeply about Hawaii's future in an era of expensive oil, particularly as it pertains to food production and healthy, balanced diets.



I don't claim to know the future, but business as usual, in my opinion, will produce some unpleasant non-linear results.  Hawaii had a much larger population in the past so ambitious locally derived plans are definitely possible to succeed. Adaptive, flexible, ecologically informed thinking by pro-social, civically engaged leaders is what will make Hawaii a better place in the future. If I lived in Hawaii I would be going door to door in support of Richard Ha for Ag Board.  Your county/state needs more thinkers/doers like Richard, not fewer.  I hope you do some research on what he's accomplished and Hawaii's future doesn't become victim to politics as usual. Richard is a unique local resource you should take advantage of.



Sincerely, 
Nate Hagens

Nathan John Hagens

Director Institute for Integrated Economic Research


Bay City, WI 54723

***

Richard Ha has brought and will continue to bring, reasonable, balanced thought and determination to the State Board of Agriculture in the most pono manner for all. He doe NOT have blinders on and thinks "outside the box" – He is what we need – please, do what we know is good, re-appoint Richard Ha.

 
Most sincerely,
Penny Keli'i-Vredenburg
Hawai'i Island
 
***
 Aloha Nominating Committee and State Senators:
 
My name is Kelli Ragual.  I am a resident of Pepe'ekeo, Hawaii and am employed as an Accounts Payable Clerk.
 
As a community member of Pepe'ekeo, Hawaii, I support the views and visions of Mr. Richard Ha for a sustainable Hawai'i  and recommend that he be re-nominated as a member of the Board of Agriculture.
 
Mahalo,
 
Kelli Ragual
Pepe'ekeo, HI  96783
 
***
 
Aloha Nominating Committee and State Senators:
 
My name is Alberdine Pascua, a native Hawaiian born, raised, living and working as a registered voter on the Big Island. I have worked in the tourist industry for 11 years, then 23 years for an aerial agricultural spraying company and since 2007, as an Office Clerk at Mauna Kea Banana Co., Inc.
 
My family's history is strongly affected by the presence of sugar plantation experiences and the traditions that were shaped within that culture. The sugar industry had a significant impact on our Hawaiian lifestyle and culture and its demise left a major portion of our labor force dependents struggling to survive.
 
Richard Ha not only understands that struggle, but he lives it everyday as a farmer and employer in the agricultural industry. His knowledge and experience has been an asset to the Department of Agriculture board in the past and if reappointed, he will continue to be the common sense voice for all the farmers needing our support to stimulate a sustainable economy. Hawai'i should not have to suffer through another agricultural breakdown at the hands of those that manipulate the system. Richard Ha can offer a balance to the discussion table and the board should be eager to have him present.
 
Sincerely,
 
Alberdine Pascua
Hilo, Hawai'i 96720
 
***
 
I strongly support the reappointment of Mr. Richard Ha to the Board of Agriculture.
 
I have had the honor of knowing Richard for over 20 years. I have also worked closely with him in the partnership between Merriman's Restaurants and Hamakua Farms.
 
His 35 years in farming equips him with a wealth of knowledge and respect for the agriculture of Hawaii.
 
The fact that Richard is first banana farm in the world to be certified Eco OK demonstrates his concern for Hawaii's environment. Added to that is his top six in the country consideration for the Patrick Madden, Sustainable Ag Research and Education (SARE) award as further testimony to his ecological commitment.
 
He is one of the best farmers in the state of Hawaii. Hawaii is fortunate to have farmers of his caliber, and even more fortunate that they are willing to serve on a board that can help the entire state.
 
Thank you very much for your time and consideration.
 
Please let me know if this letter can be considered testimony.
 
Sincerely,
 
Peter Merriman
President of Merriman’s Restaurants
Chairman of Monkeypod Kitchen by Merriman
One Bay Club Place
Lahaina, HI 96761
 
Peter Merriman
Merriman's Restaurants
-Do the Right Thing
808 446 8045
The Home of Hawaii Regional Cuisine
 
***
 
My name is Kim Kaaua-Bell, I reside in Hilo and currently employed as an Account Clerk. I am writing in support of Richard Ha's nomination to the Board Of Agriculture. Richard's extensive knowledge and insight has made him the right candidate for the Board. His ability to represent and support all sides of farming has gained him a huge following on the Big Island. His willingness to listen to others and look at facts is by far humbling.
 
Please elect him once again and he will prove to be a productive and successful member of the board.
 
Thank you for your time.
 
***
 
Dear Nominating committee and State Senators,
 
My name is Kailani Kala and I am a resident of Puna Hawaii for 28 years. I am a registered voter and an Accounts Receivable clerk at Panaewa Distribution Center. As a consumer, I am interested in local products and sustainability. I believe Richard Ha will support my views and I would like to support his re-nomination as a member for the Board of Agriculture.
 
Sincerely,
 
Kailani Kala
 
***
 
Dear Senators,
 
This note is to re-affirm Governor Abercrombie's prudent nomination of Richard Ha to continue to serve on the State of Hawai'i Board of Agriculture.  While Richard has many positive attributes that make him an ideal candidate for the Board, the underlying  character aspect of Richard’s that I think is most important to focus on his integrity and intent to always "seek the truth" in order to find the best path for a community and society on whole to move forward in a complex global framework.  He clearly has the ability to think global and act local.
 
I met Richard a few years ago when he was trying to neutrally assess the potential impact of geothermal energy on the big island of Hawai'I and the entire state.  Richard flew to Iceland to meet with numerous experts in what is considered to be a global "center of excellence" for geothermal to understand IF what these experts were claiming would prove true in Hawai'i.  He spent the time to observe, listen and learn before drawing his own conclusions, which he continues to advocate and act upon today. 
 
Having interacted with him through the course of that visit and being familiar with the manner in which governing boards should act in seeking multiple perspectives to form informed policy, I think Richard Ha is the ideal person for the Board of Agriculture.  I would also suggest his resume of experience and years of successfully operating and evolving his farm on the big island makes him an obvious choice.
 
I would like to note that while I am a partner in a private equity group that invest globally in alternative energy/sustainability and which remains interested in the opportunity to develop a world class geothermal project on the big island, I have no historical or current business relationship with Richard Ha. I consider him to be a wonderful friend and an advocate of the democratic process of informed decision making. He's a role model to us all, including those who may not share his specific views on specific topics.
 
Governor Abercrombie should be commended for his nomination of Richard Ha to the Hawai'i State Board of Agriculture.
 
Regards,
 
Christopher McCormick
Partner, Ambata Capital Partners
Director, Reykjavik Geothermal
 
***
 
I have known Richard Ha for about a decade through our mutual interest in energy issues as they relate to Hawaii. I have always found Richard thoughtful, eager to learn and level headed.   
 
He particularly cares about maintaining a viable economy in Hawaii in a future that is likely to be characterized by an ever increasing price of oil.   
 
I have visited Richard in Hawaii and like most of his ideas and practice a great deal.   
 
I also respect that he is not afraid to speak out about his position, taking the position he believes is best for Hawaii and not necessarily the politically correct  one.    
 
Anyone who knows Richard understands that he is open and gentle while defending his views.  
 
Finally he has a great deal  of practical experience with modern farming in Hawaii and is a great antidote to the increasing importation of food to the Islands.
 
 I support his reappointment  to the state Board of Agriculture very strongly.
 
Sincerely, Charles Hall
Professor Emeritus of Ecology College of Environmental Science and Forestry
State University of New York Syracuse, New York 
 
***
 
Aloha Senator Nishihara, I am Patrick L. Kahawaiolaa a native Hawaiian as defined under the HHCA, 1920 as amended July 9, 1921. I am sending this testimony to all of you for your favorable consideration of another native Hawaiian whose ohana began a career in farming on Hawaii island on some of the most inhospitable lands available for agriculture and 35 years later their humble beginning Mr. Richard Ha is a successful farmer and President of Hamakua Springs in Pepeekeo. I've known Mr. Ha as an honorable person who has the interest of the people who struggle to make ends meet whether it be trying to find alternative ways to be sustainable in food product and in ways to help those same people with finding ways to reduce the high cost of energy and finding alternative forms of producing a clean energy source on Hawaii island. His knowledge in the agriculture field is truly an asset for those who contemplate making a living as farmers and his strong support for Agriculture and food security for Hawaii island and the rest of the islands goes without question.
 
I realize this confirmation hearing is the process we need so take to have someone with his abilities and expertise confirmed to served the people of Hawaii. His reported stance on controversial subjects such as GMO, Geothermal power has always been to have all those issues truly vetted and that the public has the ability to be included in the process.
 
Some of his other attributes are he we both graduated from Big island public schools. He is a combat veteran, like myself serving in Vietnam. He attended the UH-Manoa and majored in Accounting. I am asking for a favorable vote on his confirmation to continue to serve the people of Hawaii island and the rest of the State.
 
'Owau Patrick L. Kahawaiolaa
 
***
 
Kapoho Land Partnership
A Hawaii Limited Partnership
Kapoho Management Company, Inc.
General Partner
Hilo, Hawaii 
 
March 25, 2015
 
Members of the Hawaii State Senate
Senator Clarence K. Nishihara, Chair
Senate Committee on Agriculture
 
Subject:   Governor’s Message 598, Gubernatorial Nominee Richard Ha, for confirmation to the Board of Agriculture for a term that expires June 30, 2018.
 
Aloha Honorable Senators:
 
I am Lono Lyman, and I manage the Lyman family land holdings in Kapoho, Puna District, Island of Hawaii.
 
My family has farmed in Puna since the late-1800s.  Today, we have about a dozen agricultural tenants who are hard working families, putting food on our tables. 
 
Richard Ha’s origin as a farmer began in Puna.  After serving in the Army as a Captain in Viet Nam, he got an accounting degree from the University of Hawaii.  Then he began farming.  Through hard work and perseverance, he has established himself as a successful farmer, now based on the Hamakua coast.   Five family members and 70 employees operate his 600-acre Hamakua Springs Country Farm.
 
He is a supporter of all farmers in Hawaii, and his continued service on the Board of Agriculture will significantly benefit not only Hawaii’s farmers, but also all residents of Hawaii.
 
I ask that you vote to confirm him, as a vote for Richard Ha’s confirmation is a vote to support all agriculture in Hawaii and a vote to support Hawaii’s hardworking farm families.
 
Mahalo a nui loa,
 
A Lono Lyman
Lono Lyman
President Kapoho Management Company, Inc.
Manager Kapoho Land Partnership
 
***
 
Dear Senators, 
 
I am writing to support the nomination of Richard Ha for another term as a member of the State's Board of Agriculture. 
 
As everyone who knows Richard will agree, he is a tireless advocate for the public interest in everything he does. He has dedicated his whole career to developing agricultural practices and other programs that better serve the environment and the people of Hawaii. What he has done on his own Hamakua Springs Country Farm is great testimony to that, in both farming practices and the use of renewable energy. 
 
In addition, he has demonstrated his strong commitment to Hawaii's sustainability through his many public roles, including his service on the Board of Agriculture, the Hawaii Clean Energy Initiative steering committee, the Big Island Community Coalition, the State's Geothermal working group, and his informal community leadership in the thirty meter telescope process. Throughout all of his work, Richard has always been unquestionably honest, accessible, and straightforward with both the public and with elected leaders — and always focused on what is in the best interests of the people of Hawaii.
 
I offer these comments from the perspective of someone outside of Hawaii who has dealt with officials at the national level in Washington, DC, and in states and counties across the country. I served the country during the Clinton Administration for over five years at the White House as a Presidential appointee at the Office of Management and Budget (where, among other things, I worked closely with the Department of Agriculture), and for two years as the Senate-confirmed Deputy Secretary of Energy, the number two official at the DOE. I was also on President Obama's transition team and I continue to serve informally as an advisor. Currently, I am a member of a Congressional advisory panel reviewing the governance and structure of the nation's nuclear weapons programs. I also serve at the local level, where I am the president of the San Mateo County Resource Conservation District in California. 
 
Throughout my experience in government, I rank Richard Ha as one of the most dedicated, honest, knowledgeable and public-focused people I have ever had the pleasure to know. I admire him greatly and encourage you to confirm him in order to continue his good public service for the people of Hawaii.
 
Aloha,
 
TJ
 
TJ Glauthier
TJG Energy Associates, LLC
Moss Beach, CA 94038
 
***
 
Testimony in favor of GM598, Richard Ha reappointment to the State Department of Agriculture Board
 
My name is Dexter Keawe`ehu Vredenburg, President of Hui Kako`o, a non-profit organization formed to help grassroots groups with technical support. I live in Waimea in Hawai`i County, I am a small farmer. My wife Penny and I have known Richard Ha since long before his banana plantation days – at Hilo High.
 
The single measure of Richard Ha that distinguishes him from anti-GMO opponents is that Richard Ha runs a number of farms where the basic tenet is NOT pro-GMO or anti-GMO – if it helps Hawai`i’s farmers and their agricultural programs, if it’s provably healthy and safe, that’s what we need to support.
 
Richard Ha has worked his way through a number of crises, notably the bunchy top banana virus. Despite that huge agricultural loss, he nevertheless came back and earned honor as the first banana farm, in the world to be certified as Eco OK.  He was spared but was deeply hurt as anti-GMO supporters cut down acres of papaya trees whose national reach depended on a Federally approved GMO method for Rainbow papayas. Farmers understand farmers and having your crop of year or older trees cut down really ruins a farmer.
 
We need Richard Ha to represent the objective viewpoint of a farmer who must have successful agricultural methods to survive. And remember, if the farmer fails, we have no food.
 
Keawe Vredenburg
Kamuela HI
 
***

HAWAII LABORERS-EMPLOYERS COOPERATION AND EDUCATION TRUST 1617 Palama Street · Honolulu, HI 96817 · Phone: 808-845-3238 · Fax: 808-845-8300 · URL: hilecet.org

Dear Chair Nishihara, Vice-Chair Kouchi and members of the Committee:

My name is Clyde T. Hayashi and I am the Director of Hawaii LECET. Hawaii LECET is a labor- management partnership between the Hawaii Laborers Union Local 368, its 5,000+ members, and 250+ unionized contractors.

We support GM 598, submitting for consideration and confirmation to the Board of Agriculture, Gubernatorial Nominee Richard Ha. We believe Mr. Ha is more than qualified to be part of the Hawaii State Board of Agriculture. During his first term on the Board of Agriculture, Mr. Ha has proven to be a staunch advocate for agriculture and food security and a great friend of local farmers.

Mr. Ha and his family run a 600 acre farm in Pepeekeo on the Big Island, which I have visited several times. Their Hamakua Springs Country Farms grow bananas which feed many local families. In keeping with his strong beliefs on sustainability, Mr. Ha added a hydroelectric plant on his property which will help him avoid the high electric prices on the Big Island and allow his farm to become much more sustainable.

Mr. Ha has been a leader in the fight to have science lead our agricultural policies. He has been recommending the formulation of a task force or working group to facilitate objective discussion on the issue of GMOs. Mr. Ha believes having a taskforce where people from all sides of this issue can present their view with supporting evidence in an atmosphere conducive for open discussion will be beneficial for the industry and for the community. Anti-GMO groups and individuals have chosen to push for passage of laws without having this discussion. Mr. Ha has been unafraid to stand-up to those who have instead chosen to use scare tactics, aggressiveness and personal attacks to promote their message. It is unfortunate that there are people with differing viewpoints who are opposing his nomination.

I consider the local papaya industry to be the best example of how the discussion on GMOs has become much too subjective and emotional. The ringspot virus nearly destroyed the entire papaya industry. In response, local scientists developed the Rainbow papaya, a GMO papaya, which saved the industry. Most local people know that papayas are a GMO product, yet many continue to buy and consume them. We all probably know people who eat papayas every day or nearly every day. There are those who say that GMO products hurt or kill people and want to ban GMO papayas entirely. If what they are saying is true, then why does Hawaii, with so many of our local residents consuming GMO papaya, have the highest life expectancy of any State?

page1image26736

We need a shift in our discussion and focus to "How do we feed our people?" Mr. Ha has been a leader in raising this topic to the forefront of public discussion. How does our state become food secure and how do we achieve food sustainability? With our huge dependence on imported food, how do we grow more of the food we consume? Mr. Ha will be a leader in this critical discussion and help to develop policies which will move us closer to our goals.

In addition to his support of the local agriculture industry, Mr. Ha is also a staunch advocate of geothermal energy. He believes geothermal energy is the best way to stabilize electric costs, a huge factor and expense in agriculture. Affordable electricity is needed for our local farmers to have a better chance to survive and prosper.

Mr. Ha is a life-long farmer who understands the challenges that local farmers face. He is a staunch advocate for agriculture and food security. He is a leader in the development of geothermal energy which will provide stable, affordable electricity and he is a community leader who is a strong advocate for the Thirty Meter Telescope and for the Big Island Science and Technology industry. Mr. Ha is exactly the kind of leader we need on the Board of Agriculture.

Mahalo for the opportunity to express our strong support for Mr. Richard Ha. 

***

Lee West

***

Aloha Senator-

I would like to offer my support for Mr. Richard Ha to be appointed as a member of Agriculture Committee.  I have known Mr. Ha from a number of years now.  We occasionally meet at community meetings as well as public forums.  I found him being a good listener and supportive of a project I am interested in.

You see, I am a founding member as well as an officer for the Piihonua Hawaiian Homestead Community Association in Hilo, Hawaii.  We have been blessed with having a year round stream in the back of our DHHL homestead.  I found out that he was also interested and working on installing a hydroelectric at his farm, so I would always ask him on the process and issues he needed to address obstacles to overcome.

I had previously gone to the Department of Land and Natural Resources here in Hilo to find out how we can generate electricity from our stream.  They basically tried to talk me out of it because they informed me that I needed to go to various other state and county regulatory agencies and they were not sure which ones and what department I had to go to.  Needless to say, I was disillusioned to learn that our Association has access to a natural resource we can easily harvest, but not able to tap into this energy source.

In any event, upon talking with Mr. Ha, he informed me that he took years to go through the “red tape” but finally was able to get the proper permits from the various regulating state and county departments.  However, he has it up and running at his farm.  He offered his help and when I am ready, he would advise me of the process.  He invited me to visit his farm and view his hydroelectric system which he has installed and currently in use on his farm.

When I fly along the Hamakua Coast on Hawaiian Airlines, I see many rivers and streams that run from Mauka to Makai, I can just imagine the farms and homes which can benefit from a simple hydroelectric system to power their homes and farm enterprises.  His knowledge, experience and skill level would go greatly forward to help his neighbors and friends lucky enough to have flowing water next to their lots.

The Hamakua Coast was the bedrock for agricultural lands that was used to grow sugar in its heydays.  I feel that with Hawaii’s effort to become self-sufficient in food, the Big Island could and should be the breadbasket of Oahu and Maui who are converting prime agriculture lands into housing.  Here on the Island of Hawaii, we are blessed to have good soil and ample rain to grow anything we wish to harvest. Richard would be a tremendous asset to have on the Ag Committee since he has the vision and attitude to overcome obstacles and challenges.

I found out from a technicial at CHTAR that the Island of Hawaii has 11 of the 13 types of growing climates. Therefore, we should be able to sustain our population with locally grown produce such as vegetables, fruits, and livestock.  This has Mr. Ha’s career choice.  Hawaii would be better served by a person of his knowledge, skills, and experiences in agriculture and related fields.  In this manner, Hawaii is able to import less and less of what we consume and create jobs and careers for future farmers and ranchers.  I should know, I was a Sales Manager for a Big Island Supermarket Chain for over 20 years. We bought our goods via Matson and Air Cargo.  Many of the products “locally grown” would benefit our State of Hawaii residents if grown here.  And this is what I feel Mr. Ha brings to the table as a member of the Agriculture Department and I wholehearted support his continued presence on the Agricultural Board.

Sincerely, 

Ronald T. Kodani

Vice President, Piihonua Hawaiian Homestead Community Association

 ***

TESTIMONY OF SCOTT E. ENRIGHT

CHAIRPERSON, BOARD OF AGRICULTURE

Chairperson Nishihara and Members of the Committee,

Thank you for the opportunity to testify on Governor’s Message 598 for the consideration and confirmation of Richard Ha to the Board of Agriculture.  The Hawaii Department of Agriculture (HDOA) strongly supports Mr. Ha’s nomination and reconfirmation to the Board of Agriculture.

Richard comes from three generations of farmers and has ***an extensive local agricultural background.  Richard is the founder and president of Hamakua Springs Country Farms, a 35 year old diversified agriculture operation consisting of 600 acres and employing 70 workers.  As president of Hamakua Farms, Richard has a wealth of knowledge about the agriculture industry in Hawaii and the challenges and opportunities the industry faces. 

Richard is also an active participant in the local community. He is the founding member and president of the Big Island Community Coalition, member of the Hawaii Clean Energy Steering Committee, board member of the Kohala Center and co-chair of the geothermal working group.  As a current member of the Board of Agriculture, Richard is a vital contributor to Board deliberations, bringing a farmer’s perspective to all discussions.

Based on Richard’s extensive local agricultural experience, community involvement, and solid track record as a current Board member, the HDOA strongly supports the consideration and reconfirmation of Richard to the Board of Agriculture.       

Thank you for the opportunity to submit testimony.

***

SUBJECT:  Governor’s Message 598 Reappointing Richard Ha to the Board of Agriculture,

State of Hawaii

Aloha Chair Nishihara, Vice Chair Kouchi and members of the Senate Agriculture Committee,

Richard Ha is a hard working and successful farmer who has served Hawaii extremely well as a member  of the Board of Agriculture (BOA) for the past four years.  He should be confirmed to a second term on the BOA where he can continue to be a thoughtful advocate for agriculture in Hawaii.  His family farm, Hamakua Springs, is at the forefront in terms of demonstrating the practical application of 21st century cultivation practices such as greenhouse and hydroponic techniques, aquaponic technology, food safety practices and alternative energy utilization.  Similarly, the innovative marketing of his farm’s products has opened the door for many other farmers to realize its significance to the success of an agricultural enterprise.  Essentially, Hamakua Springs is a working model for successful agriculture and Richard has always demonstrated his willingness to share his experience and knowledge with anyone who wishes to engage.  Having known Richard for over 30 years and having served with him on the BOA, I can say unequivocally that he is an honorable person who has a deep commitment to Hawaii which is reflected in his dedication to the agricultural industry in our state.  I have also observed that he works extremely well with the other members of the BOA to develop solid solutions for, at times, complex issues that demand extensive research and collaboration. His encouragement to new farmers who appear before the BOA for leases or loans is heartfelt and inspiring to them.  The agricultural industry in all its aspects will continue to grow and thrive with Richard’s leadership.

Please consider my strong support for Richard Ha in your deliberations.  You can be confident that he will serve all of Hawaii well as a member of the Hawaii Board of Agriculture.

Mahalo for the opportunity to share my view.

Russell S. Kokubun

***

Aloha Senators,

I am writing this letter in support of the reappointment of Richard Ha to the State Board of Agriculture.

My name is Petra Wiesenbauer and I have been a Big Island resident for over 15 years. I live in Leilani Estates by Pahoa and am the owner of Hale Moana Bed & Breakfast. I have known about Richard Ha for many years, but met him personally in May of 2012, when the Hawaii Island County Council tried to pass a bill to establish a one-mile buffer zone around the Puna Geothermal Venture, in which properties could have been bought out by the County and then were to be kept uninhabited. It would have been a disaster for the residents of this area. At the time we had formed a residents group opposing the bill and in support of constructive collaboration with PGV. We had asked Richard Ha to join our group and support us in our venture. With the help of Richard Ha we were able to make our voices heard and in the end the bill did not get signed into law. Instead a process began together with a consultant (Peter Adler) to support safety and health in this area and make future decisions based on facts and not fears or assumptions.

It was at that time that a continued relationship developed with Richard Ha and I have since been able to witness many of his concepts, approaches and innovative projects.

Richard Ha is a remarkable person and some of the most outstanding characteristics about him include the following: 

  • He has decades of successful farming experience in a wide range of soil conditions and environments.
  • He is a visionary and oftentimes far ahead of the mainstream operations: he continuously seeks innovative ways to reach sustainability, efficiency and integration into the local culture and economy. Examples are (1) his focus on sustainable energies and the implementation of a hydro-power system on his Hamakua farm, (2) the use of unmanned aerial vehicles to study the lay-out of his land, determine the best use and monitor the farm’s crops, (3) implementation of new methods of farming responsibly in terms of the use of chemicals;
  • He is a community integrator and not polarizer. His interest is to bring people together to facilitate dialog and communication between different groups and opinions. He is solution oriented.
  • He has a social conscience and always looks out for the little people here on this island, the rubbah slippa folks. As soon as you talk to him you will notice this and it is documented over and over again in so many of his actions: the way he believes in the strength of a united community, the way he takes care of his family and employees at the farm and the respect he has here in this business community, on a State level and beyond the State of Hawaii.
  • He is a solid, down-to-earth person who will always take responsibility with a bigger picture  and long term vision in mind. It is never about personal agenda for him. It is always about “what is good for this community”.

Re-appointing him to the Board of Agriculture will be a benefit to the Ag community and the State of Hawaii. His visions can help the farming community to adopt strategic and all-encompassing solutions.  With his strong focus on food and energy sustainability for this great State of Hawaii and his connectedness with many other strategic thinkers and innovators all across the country, it would be a great loss for us, if his nomination was not approved.

I sincerely ask you to support the re-appointment of Richard Ha to the Board of Agriculture.

With warm Alohas,

Petra Wiesenbauer
Hale Moana Bed & Breakfast
Pahoa, HI 96778

***

Biofuel, Renewable Energy Sources

Good News: PUC Says No To AKP Biofuels

7 Comments

Richard Ha writes:

Happy holidays, everyone!

We received good news on Monday: The PUC rejected the ‘Aina Koa Pono biofuel project.

From Civil Beat:

The Public Utilities Commission has rejected a proposal to build a biofuels facility in Kau on the Big Island. 

The developer, Aina Koa Pono, hoped to use plant feedstocks to produce drop-in biofuel for the electric utilities on the Big Island, Maui and Oahu. But the PUC said that the fuel would be too expensive, in a decision issued on Monday.

“The contract price for the AKP-produced biofuel is excessive and not cost-effective at present and for the foreseeable future, and thus, is unreasonable and inconsistent with the public interest,” commissioners wrote…. Read the rest

It goes to show that “we, the people” can make a difference.

In this case, a grassroots group of folks came together spontaneously to advocate for low-cost electricity on behalf of the rubbah slippah folks on the Big Island. We called ourselves the Big Island Community Coalition (BICC).

We supported other community members by submitting written testimony, and helped organize public participation at two PUC hearings on the Big Island. Here’s a post about it from last year.

The people involved in the BICC were Dave DeLuz, Jr., John Dill, Rockne Freitas, Michelle Galimba, Richard Ha, Wallace Ishibashi, Kuulei Kealoha Cooper, Robert Lindsey, H.M. Monty Richards, Marcia Sakai, Kumu Lehua Veincent and William Walter.

Helping the rubbah slippah folks helps all of us.

Uncategorized

KITV: Hamakua Springs Volunteers Acres For Testing

2 Comments

Richard Ha writes:

Did you catch the KITV news last night? Here’s a link to our story Hamakua Springs Volunteering Hundreds of Acres For Testing. 

Take a look at this photo. I was receiving instructions on how to fly the small chopper in Ted Ralston’s hand.  

Ted Ralston and Richard Ha

I actually launched it, flew it around and spotted a banana clump, which we were able to look at. We saw how different heights affected the screen resolution.

It was very easy to operate, and at a cost of $1500 to $2000, it’s very affordable compared to a real chopper at $500,000. With one of these, we could check around our three streams for invasive species and plan our strategy. We could make a long-term plan for our property based on terrain, soil fertility, etc.

We would coordinate with our neighbors, too, and offer to help them with aerial photos and such. It’s very interesting.

Food Safety Certification

Watch Richard on KHON Tonight (Wed) at 5 & 6 p.m.

Richard and his daughter Tracy were interviewed today by Olena Heu at KHON in Honolulu. The segment will be on the KHON News tonight at 5 p.m., with a shorter version of the interview at 6 tonight.

They were interviewed about food safety, which has been in the news lately. Tune in and hear about current food safety practices at Hamakua Springs, and how they are experimenting with ozone for food safety right now.

A transcript of the interview is here.

KHON streams its newscasts live here, if you want to watch live at 5pm HST.

Geothermal, Government

In Support of Lower-Cost Electricity for the Big Island (HB106)

7 Comments

Richard Ha writes:

Although we are testifying in strong support of HB106 HD2, SD1, we would support any bill or combination of bills that further our efforts to bring lower-cost electricity to the Big Island in a pono way.

Aloha Chair Gabbard and Vice Chair Ruderman:

The Big Island Community Coalition (BICC) is strongly in favor of HB106 HD2, SD1.

The BICC steering committee members are Dave DeLuz, Jr., President of Big Island Toyota; John E. K. Dill, Chair of the Ethics Commissions; Rockne Freitas, former Chancellor, Hawai‘i Community College; Michelle Galimba, Rancher and Board of Agriculture member; Richard Ha, farmer, Hamakua Springs; Wallace Ishibashi, Royal Order of Kamehameha; Ku‘ulei Kealoha Cooper, Trustee, Kealoha Estate;  D. Noelani Kalipi, who helped
write the Akaka Bill; Ka‘iu Kimura, Director of Imiloa Astronomy Center; Robert Lindsey, OHA; H. M. (Monty) Richards, Rancher; Marcia Sakai, Vice Chancellor, University of Hawai‘i at Hilo; Kumu Lehua Veincent, Principal, Kamehameha High School, Kea‘au; William Walter, President, Shipman Estate. All speak here in their private capacity.

Our mission is to drive down the cost of electricity on the Big Island. The cost of the Big Island’s electricity has been 25 percent higher than O‘ahu’s for as long as we can remember. Yet the Big Island has the lowest median family income in the state. Three school complexes in East Hawai‘i lead the state in free and subsidized school lunches: Pahoa at 89 percent, Ka‘u at 87 percent and Kea‘au at 86 percent.

Education is the best predictor of family income. But because the Big Island’s electricity rate is 25 percent higher than O‘ahu’s, we waste more than $250,000 annually in some of our school complexes.

The cost to generate electricity from geothermal is less than half that of oil. And because the Big Island will be over the hot spot for more than 500,000 years, that cost will be relatively stable – unlike the cost of oil, which will rise in the not-too-distant future.

I asked Carl Bonham, Executive Director of the UH Economic Research Organization, if it is fair to conclude that if geothermal were the primary base power for the Big Island, then the Big Island would become more competitive to the rest of the world as oil prices rise? He said, Yes, we would become more competitive. I concluded, and he agreed, that our standard of living would then rise. And that our working homeless could get off the streets.

We all need to work together to make things work. Get thousand reasons why no can! We only looking for the one reason why CAN!

Richard Ha
BICC Steering Committee Representative

Education, Geothermal, Peak Oil, Renewable Energy Sources

Blessing or Curse? Native Hawaiians & Geothermal Energy

Tomorrow (Thursday, March 7, 2013) Richard will be sitting on a panel called Native Hawaiians and Geothermal Energy: Blessing or Curse? It's at the University of Hawai‘i at Manoa's Richardson School of Law.

Kalei Nu‘uhiwa is also on the panel, which takes place from 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. Free and open to the public. We invite you to come and learn more about this subject!

Screen Shot 2013-03-06 at 11.48.11 AM

– Leslie Lang

Big Island, Geothermal, Government, Iceland, Lowering Electric Rates, Peak Oil, Philippines, Renewable Energy Sources

Amending HB 106: ‘Let’s Fix It”

Richard Ha writes:

I sent in testimony, on behalf of the Big Island Community Coalition, regarding HB 106, draft 1. This bill contemplates repealing Act 97 (geothermal subzones, etc.).

We should keep the good parts of this bill and add parts that make it better. We need balance as we take care of everyone’s needs. This is about all of us, not just a few of us.

Here’s my testimony:

To the Water & Land committee

Aloha Chair Evans and Vice Chair Lowen,

The BICC is very strongly in favor of amending this bill.

There are good things in this bill; let’s leverage that. We are strongly against repealing it in its entirety.

No question: home rule should be addressed. This was an unfortunate oversight the last time around. Let’s fix it.

The heart of the bill that must be kept is the part that allows geothermal exploration and development in various land use designations.  The geothermal resource exists where it exists, not where we want it to exist. So we need a larger area to explore, not less. By having more choices we can get further away from populated areas. And we can increase our chances of success. The permitting process gives the necessary checks and balances to protect the people.

The essential problem we must solve is how to protect the people from rising oil prices. Repealing Act 97 in its entirety will raise our electricity prices.

The petroleum era is less than 150 years old. Oil is a finite resource and we are observing increasing oil prices. Oil price has quadrupled in the last 10 years. In contrast, the Big Island will be over the “hot spot” for 500,000 to a million years.

Geothermal-generated electricity is less than half the cost of oil-generated electricity. And it will be stable for 500,000 years.

The Big Island’s electricity costs have been 25 percent higher than O‘ahu’s for as long as anyone can remember. The Big Island Community Coalition is a grass roots organization that was formed to drive the cost of electricity on the Big Island down.

One of the BICC members did a cost analysis of a local school district’s 12 month electricity bills – generally 2012. Their costs (total of all schools involved) averaged $115,900/month.

At O‘ahu’s rates, those costs would be $115,900/1.25 = $92,700. That’s a savings of $23,200/month or $278,400/year.

If we figure $70,000/year pay for a teacher, the difference is four teachers for the district.

Because of these kinds of things, the BICC said enough was enough.  People turned out at the PUC hearings, and consequently the governor issued a press release saying that HECO/HELCO had withdrawn its proposed 4.2 percent rate hike.

No one has ever told us: “We disagree with you; we want higher electricity rates.”

The members of the BICC are Dave DeLuz, Jr., John E.K. Dill, Rockne Freitas, Michelle Galimba, Richard Ha, Wallace Ishibashi, Ku‘ulei Kealoha Cooper, D. Noelani Kalipi, Ka‘iu Kimura, Robert Lindsey, H.M. “Monty” Richards, Marcia Sakai, Kumu Lehua Veincent and William Walter.

Rising electricity rates act like a regressive tax, but worse. As electricity prices rise, folks who can afford to get off the grid will do so. Those who cannot leave, the rubbah slippah folks, will be left to pay for the grid.

If we can achieve low-cost, stable electricity, trickle-up economics can result. If the rubbah slippah folks have money to spend, they will spend. Then businesses will be able to hire, and then we won’t have to send our children away to find jobs.

There is a lot at stake here.

Good luck.

Aloha,

Richard Ha
Cell 960-1057

I’ve been to five Association for the Study of Peak Oil conferences. I was co-chair of the Geothermal Working Group authorized by SCR99, and sit on the Hawaii Clean Energy Initiative (HCEI) steering committee and the State Board of Agriculture. I’ve been to Iceland to see geothermal in operation, and I was part of the Big Island delegation that toured geothermal resources in the Philippines.

At Hamakua Springs we farm 600 fee simple acres of diversified crops. I do an Ag and energy blog at hahaha.hamakuasprings.com.

Biofuel, Food Security, Geothermal, Lowering Electric Rates, Peak Oil, Renewable Energy Sources

Energy & the Future of the Big Island

Richard Ha writes:

This past Friday I participated on an energy panel at the Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel called “Energy: Facing the Reality of Renewables.” Panel members were Jay Ignacio, President of Hawaii Electric Light company; Mike Kaleikini, who is General
Manager of Puna Geothermal Venture; and myself, as steering committee member of the Big Island Community Coalition.

From the Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce: “The 2013 Summit will further explore those initiatives via ‘panels of conversation’ on each topic. Three guests per topic have been invited to participate on panels to discuss their work with the Summit audience, ideas that inspire them and what they see as the future for Hawaii Island. Each panel will have 45 minutes of discussion followed by questions from the audience. We are pleased to have Steve Petranik, Editor of ‘Hawaii Business Magazine’ as our moderator again this year.”

There were five panels: Education, Sustainability, Employment, Energy and Health Care.

West Hawaii Today wrote about it in an article called Prospects of an All-Geothermal Isle Unlikely.

I started out by saying mixed messages are being sent out. Some say that the U.S. has enough oil and gas that we will soon replace Saudi Arabia as a world energy supplier. Using data and scientific methods, the Association for the Study of Peak Oil-USA (ASPO) has come to different conclusions. Its agenda is merely to spread the best information it has on this topic. You can learn more by viewing video at the ASPO-USA.org website.

I described the Big Island Community Coalition’s mission, which is to achieve, for the Big Island, the lowest-cost electricity in the state. Striving for a low cost solution hedges our bets. It is better to be safe than sorry. I told them that those interested in supporting this group can get on the Big Island Community Coalition mailing list.

I related how food and energy are inextricably tied together. Food security has to do with farmers farming. And if farmers make money, the farmers will farm! But while only two percent of the mainland’s electricity comes from oil, more than 70 percent of the electricity in Hawai‘i does. The mainland, of course, is our main supplier of food and our biggest competitor. As oil prices rise, Hawai‘i becomes less and less competitive.

As oil prices rise, and electricity prices rise, and farmers and other businesses become less competitive, local families have less spending money.

The answer is to find the lowest electricity cost solution. For if people have extra money, they will spend it. Two-thirds of our economy is made up of consumer spending.

Provided that the expensive and ill-advised Aina Koa Pono biofuel project does not go forward, we have a bright future ahead of us. In the pipeline is Hu Honua’s 22MW biomass burning project, and
next is 50W of additional geothermal. Add to that 38MW of present geothermal, and, assuming the old geothermal contract is renegotiated, that would amount to 110MW of stable affordable electricity. This would be more than 60 percent of the peak power use on the Big Island. Even if we do not count wind and solar renewables, this would put the Big Island on a trajectory of achieving the lowest cost electricity in the state.

What would happen if our electricity costs were lower than O‘ahu’s? We can’t even imagine it.

  • It would change our economy.
  • It would help our County government preserve services.
  • Fewer of our kids would have to go to the mainland to find jobs.
  • More of our money could be used for education, instead of paying for oil.
  • More people would have money to support local farmers.
  • Single moms would have less pressure than they do now.
  • Folks on the lowest rungs of the economic ladder would not be pushed over the edge.
  • There are lots and lots  of younger folks who want to farm. Maybe they could actually make money so they could farm.

I told the audience that we on the panel were all friends. But there is too much at stake for the BICC to give ground on our goal to make the Big Island’s electricity the cheapest in the state.

During the Q & A, someone asked what we each thought about an undersea cable to connect all the islands. I replied that our primary objective is to bring low cost electricity to the Big Island before we do anything else.

The audience liked that a lot and spontaneously applauded.

Biofuel, Lowering Electric Rates, Renewable Energy Sources

Is HECO Seriously Damaging Its Credibility?

A proposed biofuels project that Hawaiian Electric Company (HECO) supports is going through PUC approval process right now.

HECO’s public relations people say that as a result of this new project going through, the average Hawai‘i rate payer’s electricity bill would increase by only about $1 per month.

But let’s look at that in a little more depth. HECO is seeking approval to pay Aina Koa Pono (AKP) $200/barrel for the biofuel it produces on the Big Island at Ka‘ū, and would pass on any extra cost (beyond what oil actually costs at the time) to its rate payers, both on the Big Island and on O‘ahu.

HECO has kept that $200/barrel price secret – they are still keeping it secret – but the Big Island Community Coalition folks figured out the price, and how the “$1/month rate increase” was determined.

Using the Energy Information Agency’s (EIA) Annual Energy Outlook (AEO-2012), one can see that HECO is using the highest price scenario, which projects an oil price close to $180/barrel in 2015. In the AKP discussion, it was said that the price of oil would exceed the actual price projected at the end of the period.

We can see that the line hits $200/barrel in 2035. Since they assume that oil will be $180 in 2015, they can therefore say that the difference (between the actual and projected price) would be very small: Hence, an increase of only perhaps $1/month for the average rate payer.

However, it follows that if the actual price of oil is much lower than $180/barrel, rate payers will be paying the difference between that amount and $200. What if the actual cost of oil in 2015 is $120/barrel? That would cause rates to go up much more than $1/month – especially for high-power users.

I cannot help but think that HECO is damaging its credibility immensely by pushing this project. HECO is spending hundreds of
thousands of dollars on public relations to convince us that it is trying to lower people’s rates – when, in secret, it appears to be doing exactly the opposite.

By the way, HECO says the hundreds of thousands of dollars it spends on PR comes from its shareholders. How can rate payers tell when HECO is speaking on behalf of its shareholders, and when it’s speaking on behalf of its customers?

This Aina Koa Pono project needs to be rejected because it will make our electricity rates rise. Rising electricity rates act like a giant regressive tax, because as folks who are able to leave get off the grid, those who cannot afford to are left to pay for the grid.

This results in farmers and other business folks having higher operating costs. For everyone else, it takes away discretionary income. And we know that two-thirds of our economy is made up of consumer spending.

There are also problems with the project itself. Fuel has never actually been produced using the process and feedstock that Aina Koa Pono proposes. AKP does not know what it is going to grow. So far, the feedstock it is testing experimentally is white pine. The Micro Dee technology that AKP wants to use is still experimental.

There is also a risk that this process might use more energy than it generates. Generating electricity is generally about boiling water and making steam that turns a turbine. It is cheapest to burn the stuff, boil water and make steam.

But Aina Koa Pono’s proposed process is extremely energy-intensive and expensive: It would make electricity to make microwaves to vaporize the cellulose to get the liquid and then take the pyrolysis oil, refine it to make it burnable, and then haul it down to Keahole in tanker trucks to make steam. Why should the rate payer pay for all that?

Cellulosic biofuels are not yet a cost-effective technology. On the mainland, in the middle of last year, the Environmental Protection Agency drastically decreased its 2011 estimate for cellulosic biofuel from 250 million gallons to a paltry 6 million gallons.

In 2010, cellulosic biofuel companies on the mainland needed to buy their feedstock for $45/ton. But because farmers were earning $100/ton for hay, the biofuel firms received a $45/ton subsidy.

I asked how much AKP expected to pay for feedstock, and the AECOM Technology Corporation consultant said between $55 and $65/ton. The problem there is that Hawai‘i farmers have been earning $200/ton for hay for 10 years now.

There is an agricultural production risk, as well. Palm oil is the only industrial-scale biofuel that can compete with petroleum oil. AKP has 12,000 acres and it says it will produce 18 million gallons of biofuel annually, and another 6 million gallons of drop-in diesel. So it will produce 24 million gallons using 12,000 acres. That is 2,000 gallons per acre, and that is four times the production of palm oil. More likely they would need at least four times as much land, or 48,000 acres. But where?

Consider too that Ka‘ū Sugar relied on natural rainfall, and it was one of the least productive of the sugar companies. There is a drought right now. And at 22 degrees N latitude, the area has less sun energy than the palm oil producers located on the equator.

According to Energy Expert Robert Hirsch, in his book The Impending World Energy Mess, the best model for biofuel production is a circular one, where processing is done in the
center of a field (which does not exceed a radius of 50 miles) consisting of flat land and deep fertile soil with irrigation and lots of sun energy. This situation exists in Central Maui, where Hawaiian Commercial & Sugar Company (HC&S) is located. It explains exactly why HC&S is the sole surviving Hawai‘i sugar plantation.

To compete heads up in the world market would require the best possible combination of production factors. These are not them.

It’s also important to consider that locking ourselves into a 20-year contract now would preclude lower cost alternatives. Geothermal, for example, is the equivalent of oil at $57/barrel. Ocean thermal has the possibility of being significantly lower in price than $200/barrel oil.  LNG is on the radar and so is biomass gasification. Who knows what else would come up in 20 years?

Paul Brewbaker and Carl Bonham, both highly respected Council of Revenue members, have said, very emphatically and for a while now, that low energy cost is critical. We should listen to them.

The International Monetary Fund team modeled different oil supply scenarios and did a presentation at the Association for the Study of Peak Oil (ASPO) conference a month and a half ago. They could not model a constant $200/barrel oil. Those would be uncharted waters; and ones, by the way, that would devastate Hawai‘i’s tourist industry. Why should we start paying $200/barrel for oil in 2015 if we don’t have to?

Five people from Hawai‘i attended this year’s ASPO conference. Notably, Kamehameha Schools sent two high-level people. Next year, Hawai‘i should send 20 people to learn what’s happening with oil prices and energy.

In the meantime, the amount of risk involved in the AKP biofuels proposal is just far too great. In the investment world, reward is generally commensurate with risk. Except for protection from $200/barrel oil in later years, the AKP project would provide little reward for all the risk we rate payers would assume.

This is a very, very bad deal for consumers.

Big Island electricity rates have been 25 percent higher than O‘ahu’s for as long as anyone can remember. This probably adds to the reason why the Big Island has the lowest median family income in the state, as well as the social ills that go with it. We need lower rates, not higher rates!

Although this is not an official Big Island Community Coalition (BICC) communication, I would like to point out that the BICC has been very instrumental in getting lots of people to stand up and say, “Enough is enough.”

The BICC is a bare-bones, grass roots citizen group with some of the most recognizable names on the Big Island on its steering committee: Dave DeLuz Jr., John E K Dill, Rockne Freitas, Michelle Galimba, Richard Ha, Wallace Ishibashi Sr., Ku‘ulei Kealoha Cooper, D. Noelani Kalipi, Ka‘iu Kimura, Robert Lindsey, H M Monty Richards, Marcia Sakai, Kumu Lehua Veincent and William Walter.