May 11, 2022
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Good for the much-needed reality check on solar energy (“Can 100% renewable energy by 2045 be reliable, affordable?,” Star-Advertiser, Island Voices, April 7). Intermittent solar with battery backup that lasts only two days is hardly reliable.
April was cloudy and rainy almost every day on east Hawaii Island. My rooftop solar was near useless. Meanwhile, with higher oil prices in-creasing electricity rates, the twice-am proved Hu Honua Bioenergy plant on Hawaii Island stands 99% complete, ready to produce electricity 24/7, rain or shine, and decrease our dependency on fossil fuels.
It’s still stalled by the Public Utilities Commission, which seemingly is more interested in activism and pleasing the vocal minority rather than serving the public interest with reliable, affordable energy for all. Hu Honua has proven its case and extended a goodwill hand of cooperation. The majority of Hawaii Island residents approve of its completion, which is years overdue.
Glen Kagamida
Hilo