Proposed biomass plant draws opposition

HILO, Hawaii - A company seeking to fire up a wood-burning energy plant on the Big Island is facing community opposition as it works to address government requirements.

Hu Honua had hoped to begin selling power to Hawaii Electric Light Co. in late 2010.

But the company has added six months as it waits for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to approve modification of the old coal-burning plant's existing air permit. Hawaii County and state requirements must also be met.

Some Pepeekeo residents have come out against the company's plan to burn as much as 700 tons of wood and other biomass per day.

Opponents say the plant would create clouds of emissions and exhaust, noxious odors and a daily stream of trucks, leading to health problems and lower property values.

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Information from: Hawaii Tribune-Herald, http://www.hilohawaiitribune.com

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