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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Friday, October 16, 2009

Isle projects may get $29M


Associated Press

Energy and flood-control projects in Hawaii would receive more than $29 million in federal funding in a measure approved yesterday by the U.S. Senate.

The spending is contained in the final fiscal year 2010 energy and water appropriations bill. The legislation would spend $6 million each on a renewable energy development venture, a biomass energy program and an effort to produce at least 70 percent of Hawaii's energy from renewable sources by 2030.

It also would provide $2 million to rehabilitate the Waiähole and Kokee irrigation systems and lesser amounts for storm surge, hurricane evacuation, flood control and other water related studies and programs.

The spending provisions were sponsored by U.S. Sens. Daniel Inouye and Daniel Akaka, who are both Hawaii Democrats.

"Hawaii consumers should not be subject to volatile energy markets motivated by actions outside of our state's control," said Inouye, chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee. "These funds will help our researchers and local energy producers develop the types of alternatives that make sense for our state."

Akaka said: "Hawaii relies on imported oil for about 90 percent of its energy needs, and we must continue to transition away from foreign oil for the sake of our security and our environment."

The bill also would spend $240,000 to construct a solar power array on the Red Cross headquarters building near Diamond Head and $408,000 to reduce potential flooding threats along the Ala Wai Canal.

Another $670,000 would be targeted for management of dredging programs and inspection of 25 navigation projects, and $500,000 to investigate and document shoreline erosion and associated environmental damage.

Work to mitigate flood damage along the Waiäkea and Palai streams on the Big Island would get $45,000.