This is in reply to Ben Davis’ letter, which requires clarification about Honua Ola Bioenergy’s operations (“Honua Ola plant not part of green energy future,” Star-Advertiser, Dec. 16). First of all, Ben, welcome to the Pepeekeo neighborhood. Honua Ola will produce green, renewable energy from locally grown Big Island biomass from commercial plantations of eucalyptus and invasive species like albizia, gunpowder, gorse, strawberry guava and ironwood trees.

Honua Ola, with advanced emission- control equipment, will generate electricity for Hawaii island’s power grid 24 hours a day, seven days a week, under strict Environmental Protection Agency and state Health Department air emission regulations. Honua Ola is capable of displacing two Hawaiian Electric steam boilers/generators in Hilo that use residual medium sulfur fuel. The generators are scheduled for retirement in 2028, as they are over 50 years old and for air quality purposes.

Honua Ola, along with diverse energy sources like geothermal, biofuel, solar, wind and hydropower, will help keep the lights on for Big Island residents.

Warren Lee

President, Honua Ola Bioenergy

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