SENATE APPROVES $34.1 MILLION FOR HAWAII INITIATIVES IN ENERGY AND WATER Thursday, July 30, 2009 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
WASHINGTON — Hawaii is on course to receive $34.1 million in federal funds for the development of sustainable, renewable energy resources that maximize the state’s unique access to natural resources after the Senate passed the Fiscal Year 2010 Energy and Water Appropriations Bill last night, Senate Appropriations Chairman Daniel K. Inouye announced today.
The Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, passed through the Senate by a roll call vote of 85-9, with Senators Inouye and Daniel K. Akaka in support.
The measure now advances to a House-Senate conference committee to resolve differences in the House and Senate versions of the bill.
“Given our dependence on imported energy, Hawaii is susceptible to fluctuating oil costs and our consumers are at the mercy of gas prices set by Mainland and foreign markets,” said Senator Inouye. “We must develop clean, renewable energy technology in order to protect our pristine environment and control the cost of power generation for our residents.”
Senator Daniel K. Akaka lauded the bill’s passage and stressed that the funds would help bolster multiple sectors of Hawaii’s economy. “This bill will spark innovation in clean energy sources that will reduce pollution and our dependence on imported oil,” said Senator Akaka. “It invests in Hawaii with resources for flood control, harbor improvements, and renewable energy that will save money, safeguard communities, and boost our economy.”
Hawaii-related initiatives in the Energy and Water Development bill will receive funding:
Ala Wai Watershed - Island of Oahu $408,000 These funds are to complete the feasibility study and conduct the external independent peer review as required under Water Resources Development Act 2007. The feasibility study is investigating and evaluating solutions to environmental degradation and flood damage problems throughout the entire Ala Wai Watershed, which include the Manoa, Palolo, and Makiki drainage systems, including Waikiki and surrounding areas. The objective is to develop a comprehensive integrated plan that recommends a coordinated approach by all Federal, State, and local agencies and the communities to improving the overall watershed health.
Anahola River Flood Study - Island of Kauai $150,000 The purpose of this initiative is to conduct a flood plain study of the Anahola River on the Island of Kauai. Funds will be used to develop hydrologic and hydraulic models of the Anahola River area. The models will be used to define flood maps and re-mapping for the developing low-lying areas of Anahola.
Barbers Point, Pacific Regional Visitor Center (RVC), Battery Randolph, Fort DeRussy - Island of Oahu $201,000 The RVC serves as a unique asset for the Army and the Corps of Engineers in Hawaii by reaching out to the general public with the theme “Partners in the Pacific”. The RVC uses exhibits, movies, interactive kiosks, and interactive outreach programs with school groups.
Department of Transportation - GIS Program – State of Hawaii $100,000 This initiative is to complete the Department of Transportation GIS program. The establishment of a Harbors GIS program is a high priority for the State of Hawaii Department of Transportation and will aid in the operation and management of the State harbors system. The study involves the establishment of the Harbors Division GIS program, including a vision for future GIS needs, establishing a plan for implementing and maintaining a GIS, converting project specific data and other basic information to GIS, setting up at least one seat of basic GIS software, and providing training to operate the system.
Development of High Yield Tropical Feedstocks and Biomass Conversion $6,000,000 The purpose of this project is to increase Hawaii’s energy self-sufficiency as part of a broader strategy to improve Hawaii’s energy security. This project will focus on developing biomass production capabilities, biomass conversion technologies, and integrated bioenergy systems to guide commercial bioenergy production in the State. In addition, this initiative is to implement, through the Western Insular Pacific Subcenter, a coordinated regional approach to biobased energy and produce technologies.
Hawaii General Technical Services - State of Hawaii $40,000 The requested funds will be used to provide floodplain information, guidance, analyses, and base flood elevations for members of the general public, including architectural and engineering firms and private individuals requiring building permits in hurricane wave run-up zones.
Hawaii Energy Sustainability Program (formerly Hawaii-New Mexico Sustainable Energy Security Partnership) $6,000,000 The purpose of this project is to support achievement of the goal of deriving at least 70 percent of the Hawaii’s energy from renewable sources by 2030 and to validate technology and processes that will allow mainland grids to increase their use of intermittent renewable technologies.
Hawaii Regional Sediment Management Demonstration Project - State of Hawaii $500,000 This initiative is to conduct technical investigations, coordination, and documentation of other regions within the State of Hawaii. Numerous shorelines within the Hawaii islands have diminished significantly and no longer provide a buffer to the impacts of storm waves with a corresponding loss of recreation opportunities. This investigation will further the understanding of the dynamics of complex coastal processes at work and promote the development of long-term strategies for sediment management in other problematic regions in Hawaii.
Hawaii Renewable Energy Development Venture $6,000,000 This initiative will help Hawaii make progress towards a meaningful level of energy self-sufficiency and address energy security by supporting the development of technologies to convert, store and transport these renewable energy sources for integration with the island electrical grids and transportation systems.
Hawaii Water Management - Islands of Kauai and Oahu $2,000,000 The purpose of these funds is to rehabilitate the Waiahole and Kokee irrigation systems. The local sponsor has requested that the Waiahole improvements be implemented first and that the Kokee investigations be deferred until completion of Waiahole. The awarding of a construction contract is anticipated in Fiscal Year 2012.
Hurricane Evacuation Studies - U.S. Islands - State of Hawaii and all U.S. Territories in the Pacific and Caribbean $1,000,000 Funds for this initiative will be used to complete a Mass Management Tool, a computer model and graphical user interface based on available information which identifies vulnerable island populations, hazards, public shelter capacities, transportation routes/clearance times and evacuation behavior statistics, for use by local emergency planners within the State of Hawaii and all U.S. Territories in the Pacific and Caribbean.
Iao Stream - Island of Maui $250,000 This initiative is to complete the plans and specifications package and prepare the draft Project Cooperation Agreement for the Iao Stream Flood Control project. The project protects the town of Wailuku, Maui. The project was not fully lined due to limited project funding and benefits. Numerous storm events of high velocity flows within the steeply sloped channel have occurred over the years and resulted in recurring damages to the stream channel, particularly to the right bank levee toe of the unlined section of the project.
Inspection of Completed Works - State of Hawaii $705,000 Flood and coastal damage reduction projects are inspected on an annual basis, because of the probability of flood events due to the general geophysical landscape of the islands and the high energy ocean climate surrounding the islands. Flash flooding can occur within 30 minutes of peak rainfall. Failure to inspect Flood Damage Reduction (FDR) projects could increase the potential of structural failure, damages to property, and the possibility of loss of life within the project area.
Kahuku Area Drainage - Island of Oahu $4,360,000 At the request of the sponsor, the State of Hawaii Department of Education, language was included in the Fiscal Year 2008 Energy and Water Appropriations Act, directing the Honolulu District to initiate Preconstruction Engineering and Design (PED) phase activities in support of local drainage/flood damage reduction features at the Kahuku High School and the surrounding community.
Kalaeloa Barbers Point Harbor Modifications $300,000 To determine the feasibility of modifying the Barbers Point Harbor entrance channel and turning basin to improve cargo transportation by enabling the harbor to accommodate larger, more economically efficient vessels.
Kaluanui Flood Study - Island of Oahu $150,000 The purpose of this initiative is to conduct a flood plain study of the Kaluanui Stream area on the Island of Oahu. Funds will be used to develop hydrologic and hydraulic models of Kaluanui Stream. The models would be used to define flood hazards, flood maps, and give the State of Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources options to consider for the Kaluanui Stream Valley and State Park areas.
Maalaea Harbor - Island of Maui $202,000 Funds for this initiative are to complete the Preconstruction Engineering and Design (PED) Phase for the Maalaea Harbor. The objective of the project is to improve navigational access by realigning the entrance channel, and modifying/extending the breakwater to attenuate surge within the harbor, thus, eliminating damage to vessels.
Nuuanu Reservoir Flood Study - Island of Oahu $150,000 This project is to initiate a study that will analyze the hydrologic and hydraulic parameters of Nuuanu Reservoir and identify limitations as a flood control project.
Pacific Island Land Ocean Typhoon Experiment Program - State of Hawaii, Ipan, Guam, Caribbean $1,000,000 The purpose of this initiative is to continue the operations of the Pacific Island Land Ocean Typhoon Experiment Program (PILOT) at the Hawaii, Guam and Caribbean test sites.
Planning Assistance to States - State of Hawaii/Pacific Territories $1,000,000 This initiative is to support the Planning Assistance to States (PAS) program in the State of Hawaii, American Samoa, Guam, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.
Project Condition Survey - State of Hawaii $570,000 The purpose of this initiative is for the management of the dredging program and inspection of 25 navigation projects with Federal breakwater structures.
Rainfall Atlas - State of Hawaii $100,000 The update of the Rainfall Atlas of Hawaii is a high priority for the State of Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources Commission on Water Resources Management. Knowledge of the mean rainfall patterns is critically important for a variety of resource management issues, including ground water and surface water development and protection, controlling and eradicating invasive species, protecting and restoring native ecosystems, and planning for the effects of global warming.
Southeast Oahu Regional Sediment Management Demonstration Project $500,000 The purpose of this initiative is to conduct technical investigations, coordination, and documentation of other regions on the Island of Oahu. Numerous shorelines within the Hawaii islands have diminished significantly and no longer provide a buffer to the impacts of storm waves with a corresponding loss of recreation opportunities. This investigation will further the understanding of the dynamics of complex coastal processes at work and promote the development of long-term strategies for sediment management in other problematic regions in Hawaii.
Surge and Wave Island Modeling Studies - State of Hawaii $1,200,000 The purpose of these funds are to continue the development of the next generation island storm surge model in conjunction with the University of Hawaii as well as other universities. These advances in the modeling of the science and engineering of the wave-reef interactions during hurricane/typhoon conditions will provide for better island inundation predictions and designs of navigation and shore protection structures.
Waiakea-Palai Streams Flood Damage Reduction - Island of Hawaii $300,000 This initiative is to initiate the Preconstruction Engineering and Design (PED) phase, including the preparation of the Engineering Design Report (EDR). The individual Waiakea and Palai Continuing Authorities Program (CAP) projects are being converted to the General Investigations (GI) Program. Due to the proximity of Waiakea and Palai, and partially-shared drainage, these projects are being combined into a single project. The new Waiakea-Palai Streams Flood Damage Reduction project is being proposed for the PED phase.
Wailupe Stream Flood Damage Reduction - Island of Oahu $175,000 The purpose of this project is to continue the Preconstruction Engineering and Design (PED) phase. The Wailupe Stream drainage basin is located approximately eight miles east of Honolulu and encompasses the Aina Haina residential community. The Wailupe Stream flooding is the result of inadequate channel capacity, debris blockages, and stream bank erosion that impacts 614 residential and 28 commercial structures within the 100-year flood plain.
Waimanalo Wastewater Reuse Plan - Island of Oahu $67,000 The purpose of this initiative is to complete the Waimanalo Wastewater Reuse Plan. These funds will be matched with local sponsor funding.
Waimea River Zone A Flood Study - Island of Kauai $185,000 The purpose of this initiative is to conduct a flood plain study of the Waimea River on the Island of Kauai. Funds will be used to develop hydrologic and hydraulic models of the Waimea River.
Waiohuli Flood Study - Island of Maui $200,000 The purpose of this initiative is to conduct a flood plain study of the Waiohuli area (Upcountry Maui) on the Island of Maui. The Upcountry Maui area is prone to flooding as was highlighted during the December 2007 storms.
West Maui Watershed - Island of Maui $100,000 The objective of this initiative is to initiate a cost-shared feasibility study. The reconnaissance study identified flood damage reduction, aquatic and marine ecosystem restoration, and shoreline protection projects that could be undertaken by the Corps of Engineers along with County and State agency partners.
