City and County Considers Higher Capacity Wind Machines in Agricultural Zone

Item 2 for action on the Honolulu City Council's April 22 Agenda is consideration of Bill 28 (2008).

Council proposes to amend Section 21-5.700, Revised Ordinances of Honolulu, to increase the capacity of wind machines allowed in the agricultural and country zoning districts, from a rated capacity of no more than 100 kilowatts to a rated capacity of 500 kilowatts. Wind machines with a rated capacity of more than 500 kilowatts will require a conditional use permit (minor).

To be consistent with Hawaii's land use policies, the underlying state designation of agriculturally zoned land must also be agriculture. Uses that are not permitted in the state designation requires a state special use permit. However, the state agricultural district allows wind energy facilities under Section 205-4.5(14) as follows:

Wind energy facilities, including the appurtenances associated with the production and transmission of wind generated energy; provided that the wind energy facilities and appurtenances are compatible with agriculture uses and cause minimal adverse impact on agricultural land[.]