HECO proposes mediation in Wa'ahila dispute
| • | Map: Proposed power line route |
Dan Nakaso
Advertiser Staff Writer
After seven days of testimony over its plan to install steel poles and high-voltage power lines along Wa'ahila Ridge, Hawaiian Electric Co. proposed yesterday that the retired judge hearing the case mediate a settlement, rather than take the next step of going to the state Board of Land and Natural Resources.
Retired Maui Circuit Judge E. John McConnell said he is responsible for making a recommendation to the Board of Land and Natural Resources, but also asked the three community groups opposed to the plan for their input on HECO's request.
"I guess all of the parties have to get together and see if there's a possibility for something mutually agreeable," said attorney Corey Park, who represents the group Malama o Manoa.
HECO has spent millions of dollars since 1993 on environmental studies and to argue the need for the $31 million project. So yesterday's suggestion stunned the attorneys and representatives for the environmental and community groups, Park said.
"Everybody was surprised on our side," Park said.
"They raised this idea after all of the evidence had been in and introduced it at the very last second."
HECO made the proposal because "after seven days of testimony, McConnell understands the issues and understands the parties" and has been a mediator before, said HECO spokesman Chuck Freedman.
If no mediation is attempted, McConnell wants all parties to file their findings of fact and conclusions by Jan. 7. He is scheduled to make his recommendation on the proposal to the Board of Land and Natural Resources by Jan. 31.
HECO's suggestion was the latest development in its plan to link the Pukele substation at the back of Palolo Valley to the Kamoku substation at Date and Kamoku streets 3.8 miles away. The utility company wants to replace the existing poles of about 40 feet high with new ones as tall as 120 feet.
HECO officials argue that the work is needed to ensure service to 54 percent of their customers and to prevent major power failures such as the one in 1983 that left most of O'ahu in darkness.
Environmental groups and Manoa residents say the transmission line is unnecessary, could cause health problems and that the bigger poles would be any eyesore.
