Bill > HCR61

This Concurrent Resolution urges the Department of Planning and Permitting, the Mayor, and the Honolulu City Council to increase public involvement before wind machines with a rated capacity of up to one hundred kilowatts are built. Currently, these smaller wind machines, unlike larger ones, only require a "minor" conditional use permit, which involves less public input, often just asking nearby property owners if they want a hearing. The resolution proposes changing this to a "major" conditional use permit process for all wind machines, which mandates a public hearing, to address concerns about noise, shadow flicker, and flashing lights that can negatively impact communities. Additionally, it calls for prohibiting waivers from Hawaii's environmental impact statement law for these smaller wind machines, ensuring a more thorough review of their potential environmental effects.