91Ö±²¥

Honua Ola will never be a good option for power

Geez, how many times must we say to Honua Ola? The 91Ö±²¥ Supreme Court rejected it unanimously, and our Public Utilities Commission added its thumbs-down. Yet, Glen Kagamida (Your Views, Jan. 20) supports burning trees as a good form of firm energy here on 91Ö±²¥ Island.

There are a couple of inconvenient facts that he might consider.

First, burning wood for electricity generation actually produces more pollution per megawatt-hour than either gas or coal, more fine particulate matter (health risks), and more nitrogen oxide, carbon monoxide and volatile organic compounds.

Even Honua Ola acknowledges that, despite its emissions controls, it would produce 8 million metric tons of pollution over the 30-year life of the plant. Not included in this figure are the tons of pollution coming from the 18-wheel diesel trucks delivering trees to the plant, producing pollution along our highways as they truck trees to and fro.

Second, in its rejection of Honua Ola, the PUC noted that approval of its proposal would increase the average consumer monthly bill by $10.97, or $4,000/customer over the proposed life of the plant. $4,000. Per customer.

This money goes directly from us to the mainland hedge-fund investors. Glen, really?

As an alternative to burning wood, polluting the planet, and paying through the nose, there are a couple of good options that Glen has overlooked, both of which offer none of the disadvantages of burning wood, and both which are offered free of charge by our wonderful and unique home here on 91Ö±²¥ Island.

First, our island’s topography offers elevated areas very proximate to flat areas (for solar panels) and windy areas (for wind turbines). This proximity matters for pumped hydro, making it convenient to produce the juice needed to pump water to elevated reservoirs. When the sun’s not shining and the wind’s not blowing, the water can be released, and gravity can run water turbines to make electricity.

It’s not firm energy forever, but it’s way better than batteries. And it’s certainly way better than burning trees.

Alternatively, our island offers its unique geology for use in generating electricity. Geothermal has already proven itself on the island and offers just about everything on our wish list: It’s nonpolluting, cheap (cheap, cheap, cheap) and firm (firm, firm, firm). No trees to replant later, no pollution to wish away, and no financial underwriting of mainland hedge-fund investors by our ohana here on 91Ö±²¥ Island.

So please, Glen, join me in saying once again to Honua Ola and join the search for better alternatives. The two I’ve mentioned here are two existing ones that deserve our support.

Most importantly, let’s finally say to Honua Ola that no means

Skip Sims

Ninole

Suggestions for preventing outbreaks of the bird flu

We can all help prevent future outbreaks of bird flu — both H5N1 and H9N2 — by not eating animal-derived foods (“Bird flu viruses raise mounting concerns among scientists,” Jan. 11).

Bird flu flourishes when chickens and turkeys are raised for food, in egg factories, and on dairy farms.

It can easily spread to other animals, including humans. But humans can reduce their risk of bird flu by eating vegan foods instead of animal-derived ones.

I enjoy vegan meats from Beyond, Garden, Morningstar Farms, and other vegan-friendly companies. I buy Just Eggs instead of hens’ eggs and choose oat or almond milk rather than cows’ milk, as well as delicious dairy-free foods.

I also enjoy visiting our local farmers markets for fresh fruits and vegetables.

We can all make a difference.

Jade Napierala

Ewa Beach, Oahu