State considers extending
Kona power plant permit
KAILUA-KONA >> The state Board of Land and Natural Resources will consider tomorrow whether to give the Hawaii Electric Light Co. 19 more months to build a 56-megawatt power plant at Keahole, North Kona.
Helco has tried since 1992 to build the oil- and steam-powered plant. The Keahole Defense Coalition has opposed it, concerned about noise and air quality.
The project has been subject to 15 lawsuits and four administrative challenges, Helco says.
The Land Board last year granted an extension until the end of this year to finish the project, which is 85 percent complete.
On July 6, Circuit Judge Ronald Ibarra overturned the extension. Helco is now asking for another extension while it appeals the judge's ruling.
