Hawaii County Approves Nighttime Drilling Ban

by Peter Sur (Tribune-Herald)

Puna Geothermal Venture must stop nighttime geothermal drilling, the County Council said, sending a bill to Mayor Billy Kenoi’s desk.

The vote was 5-2, with councilmen Fred Blas and Donald Ikeda excused. Council members Brenda Ford, Pete Hoffmann, Angel Pilago, Brittany Smart and Chairman Dominic Yagong all voted in favor of it, with council members Dennis Onishi and J Yoshimoto opposed.

But the final test will be approval of the mayor, because supporters of Yagong’s bill did not have the six votes needed to overcome a potential veto.

The vote came around 6:25 p.m., when lawmakers were so weary that at one point the chairman addressed Ikeda as “Mr. Amendment.”

Yagong was referring to an amendment that Ikeda had introduced that would have exempted geothermal drilling operations from additional regulations prior to the expiration of PGV’s current permit. That amendment was defeated by a vote of 5-3, with Ikeda joining Onishi and Yoshimoto in support.

With a few notable exceptions, most of the public testimony was in favor of the measure that prohibits exploratory and production geothermal drilling from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. when it’s done within a mile of a residence.

The bill is targeted at the only geothermal production well in Hawaii, Puna Geothermal Venture. People living nearby have complained about the constant noise emanating from the plant.

“The noise impact is real. It affects people here,” said Tom Travis.

PGV plant manager Michael L. Kaleikini submitted testimony against the bill. He cited several concerns, chief among them that “stopping drilling at night will not eliminate the sound produced from mandatory equipment that must run for the entirety of drilling,” Kaleikini said in written testimony. “Quite simply, the bill will not accomplish its purpose.”

“Passing Bill 292 is not consistent with safe drilling practices, will not serve to substantially reduce noise, and will greatly increase costs to ratepayers,” Kaleikini wrote. “Geothermal power has the potential to provide the most inexpensive renewable energy on the Big Island. Bill 292 would severely compromise this potential.”

Since the plant began, PGV has drilled no less than 10 wells without being forced to curtail evening drilling, Kaleikini said. Since receiving its most recent development permit, PGV has drilled seven wells.

The last drilling of a well ended in July and took 120 days; prior to that a well that was drilled in early 2010 took 90 days, Kaleikini said.

Source: West Hawaii Today

HELCO Drafts RFP to Expand Geothermal on Hawaii Island

The electric utility on Hawaii island published Friday the first draft of a plan to add 50 megawatts of geothermal power to the island's electric grid.

Hawaii Electric Light Co. will seek public comment on the draft to help guide renewable energy developers as they prepare their bids to supply geothermal power to HELCO. A final draft of the document is scheduled to be completed by January, and selection of the winning bidder or bidders is expected by July or August.

An existing 38-megawatt geothermal plant on Hawaii island already accounts for about 20 percent of the island's peak electrical load. An additional 50 megawatts would push the amount of geothermal generation to nearly 50 percent of peak load.

"This project combines our efforts to increase renewable resources on our island with a commitment to reduce costs for consumers," HELCO President Jay Igna­­cio said.

HELCO customers pay among the highest electricity rates in the state.

HELCO plans to conduct a technical conference webi­nar next month to allow prospective bidders to ask questions and provide comments on the draft document, known as a request for proposals, or RFP.

The contracted price HELCO will pay developers for the geothermal energy will not be linked to the cost of oil, as is the case with many of the other renewable energy projects on Hawaii island.

"This is incredibly important for ratepayers on the Big Island," said Lt. Gov. Brian Schatz. "This will help stabilize prices. What people on the Big Island need is clean, affordable energy, and that's the purpose of this RFP."

One of the keys to making the plan work is engaging the community, he added. "We are working hard to have it done right, respecting the environment and the culture," Schatz said.

Bringing another 50 megawatts of geothermal power online will pave the way for the eventual retirement of fossil fuel-burning electrical generators on Hawaii island, he said.

More than 40 percent of the electricity consumed on Hawaii island is generated from renewable resources, the highest percentage of any island in the state. Besides geothermal, Hawaii island has hydroelectric, wind and distributed solar power generation.

SOURCE: Star Advertiser (11/10/2012)

Council to Hold Hearing for Nighttime Geothermal Drilling Ban

By TOM CALLIS
Stephens Media
tcallis@hawaiitribune-herald.com

A proposal to prohibit geothermal drilling at night ran into a snag Wednesday when the Hawaii County Council opted to hold a public hearing on the issue rather than take a final vote.

Hilo Councilman Donald Ikeda proposed the hearing, approved in a 5-3 vote, citing confusion over whether the nighttime ban would apply to Puna Geothermal Venture. Council members Fred Blas, Brenda Ford and Pete Hoffmann voted no.

The hearing, to be held in Puna on a yet-to-be-determined date, would follow two bill readings by the council and a positive recommendation from the council’s Agriculture, Water and Energy Sustainability Committee. Public testimony was taken at the three previous meetings, sometimes at length, from supporters of the ban as well as PGV representatives.

Ikeda said the hearing would allow PGV to better explain what it does to limit noise during drilling, as well as its “vested rights.” He also mentioned what he saw as a disconnect between some of the testifiers and how PGV runs its 38-megawatt plant, the only geothermal facility in the state.

“I don’t like to be the only dissenting vote, look like I don’t support the people,” Ikeda said before proposing the hearing. “I do, but I also believe Puna Geothermal has rights, too.”

A few council members said they believe the county’s legal staff determined that the bill couldn’t affect drilling at PGV since it already has a permit from the Windward Planning Commission for future drilling, and questioned the need for a hearing.

“I think I heard the Corporation Counsel clearly indicate it can’t be retroactive,” Hoffmann said.

“Therefore, I don’t see PGV related to this issue at all.”

Hilo Councilman Dennis Onishi said he had the same interpretation.

“I think people could misinterpret what could happen,” he said.

Hilo Councilman J Yoshimoto suggested the council adopt an amendment stating the bill doesn’t apply to PGV.

Council Chairman Dominic Yagong, who introduced the bill, said an amendment is not necessary, leading to it being dropped during discussion.

“I think the (executive) session we went through was quite clear,” he said. “I don’t think there is any confusion there.”

Deputy Corporation Counsel William Brilhante said he couldn’t comment on whether the bill would apply to PGV, citing potential liability.

Either way, the bill would still apply to new geothermal operations.

Brilhante said enforcement would be up to the county Planning Department.

Planning Director Bobby Jean Leithead Todd couldn’t be immediately reached for comment.

The bill was prompted by drilling at PGV earlier this year that some nearby residents said was too disruptive and caused them to lose sleep.

PGV Plant Manager Mike Kaleikini told the council he received about 45 complaints during drilling, lasting from March 1 to July 7.

That’s up from the four complaints during drilling in 2010, which he said was a few decibels louder.

Kaleikini said the plant uses insulation and a barrier wall to reduce noise.

It’s also considering adding another wall, he said.

Hawaiian Volcanos Observatory Scientists Say Geothermal Drilling Won't Cause Sinking

Kilauea Volcanic Rift Zones subside whether or not they host geothermal developments

Recently, Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientist’s have been asked if Hawaii Island’s geothermal development causes subsidence of the ground surface, as has been observed at U.S. mainland geothermal areas, such as those in California– Coso, Geysers, the Imperial Valley, and Casa Diablo in the Mammoth Lakes area.

The largest of these mainland developments is heated by magma reservoirs that supplied eruptions through non-volcanic rock layers. The magma, thousands of years old, still heats groundwater within California’s sedimentary basins, where, fluid withdrawal during geothermal energy production can reduce pressure within the subsurface rock formations. When this happens, the ground surface subsides.

The highest subsidence rates are measured at the Geysers Geothermal Field within the Clear Lake Volcanic Field in northern California. The 78 square kilometer (30 sq mi) developed area produces 1,500 megawatts (MW) of electricity from a vapor-dominated reservoir within fractured sandstone that is capped by a zone of rock filled with geothermal minerals at the top and heated by magma below.

The Clear Lake volcanic field is one of several in California and Nevada that are monitored by HVO’s sister California Volcano Observatory (CalVO; http://volcanoes.usgs.gov/observatories/calvo/). CalVO also monitors the Long Valley caldera, in which the Casa Diablo geothermal development (40 MW) is located; the Salton Buttes volcano, which includes the Imperial Valley geothermal field (>300 MW); and the Coso Volcanic Field, where a 270 MW geothermal development is located.

As volcanic activity waxes and wanes, each of these areas exhibits its own deformation and seismicity. For example, the Long Valley caldera has experienced several episodes of heightened unrest, including earthquake swarms, ground uplift, and volcanic gas emissions during the past several decades. Thus, CalVO watches this area closely. The subsidence related to geothermal development must be documented carefully to separate the effects of volcanic activity from those due to drilling and energy production.

Kenoi, Kim Outline Differences at Friendly Mayor's Race Forum

HILO, BIG ISLAND (HawaiiNewsNow) -
Billy Kenoi and Harry Kim have known each other for decades. Kim coached Kenoi when Kenoi was just eight years old. And Kenoi was Kim's executive assistant when Kim was mayor. So it was a friendly matchup when the two candidates for Hawaii County Mayor met Friday in a candidates forum at the University of Hawaii-Hilo.

One of the topics at the forum was what to do with the island's trash as the Hilo Landfill nears capacity. Mayor Kenoi pointed to Oahu's H-Power facility as something that Hawaii County can emulate.

"They (Oahu) have four times as much trash as we do, over a thousand tons. They generate over 50 megawatts of energy that powers over 40,000 homes, and they do it for a cost of 91 dollars per ton," said Kenoi.

"Whether waste to energy will be the solution here, I don't know," said former mayor Kim. "It may be something we'll pursue, but we will pursue alternatives besides a landfill."

Perhaps the most pointed disagreement between the two had to do with Community Development Planning on the Big Island, a program started by Kim when he was mayor.

"By law, government will work with the public to determine their lifestyle and the future of their land," said Kim. "I think it's very important that we do this, by ordinance, by law. I was not happy with this administration not fully embracing it."

Kenoi countered that his administration has started even more community development plans several Big Island districts. But, he added, "Community development plans are important because they give the community meaningful input. But they do not supersede community services that everybody expects every day."

Both candidates also came out in support of geothermal energy, but with close government oversight.

"I am here to support geothermal," said Kim. "I am here to tell you we must do it safely like California does it. We must enforce rules and regulations and not depend on the private industry to tell you what the situation is in regards to public safety."

"Currently we have 38 megawatts being produced," said Kenoi about Puna Geothermal Venture's plant. "A lot of fear and questions are going around that there will be a thousand megawatts and industrialization of Puna. And the politics of fear is the worst politics of all."

Copyright 2012 Hawaii News Now. All rights reserved.

Geothermal Talk at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Sept. 25

Harnessing geothermal energy from Kilauea will be the focus of a talk on September 25 at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Photo courtesy of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
by Denise Laitinen

“Developing Energy from an Active Volcano” will be the focus of a talk at the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park in the Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium on Tuesday, September 25, at 7 p.m.

The lecture, which is part of the Park’s monthly After Dark in the Park program series, is free but park fees may apply.

Hawaii Volcanoes Observatory scientists Jim Kauahikaua, Frank Trusdell, Wes Thelen, and Jeff Sutton will present a brief history of geothermal development in Hawaii and a description of the location and nature of the hydrothermal system.

The most attractive area for power development is Kilauea’s lower east rift zone. The scientists will address the volcano and seismic hazards on Kilauea and the effects of geothermal development, plus the volcanic gas emissions from the hydrothermal system and their potential hazards.

For more information, contact Jessica Ferracane, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Public Affairs, 808-985-6018.

Geothermal Bills Still Alive

By TOM CALLIS

Tribune-Herald staff writer

After being vetoed last week, two geothermal bills will get another chance Thursday as the Hawaii County Council votes on whether to override Mayor Billy Kenoi’s administrative dismissal.

Both bills were the product of renewed opposition to Puna’s geothermal plant and questions over the safety of the technology.

The legislation partially re-purposes the county’s geothermal royalties fund to allow it to cover public safety programs related to the plant, and mandates an emergency response plan for existing and future plants

In his veto message, Kenoi said the bills are unnecessary since it would duplicate the purpose of another geothermal fund and because the Big Island’s incident command system would cover a geothermal disaster. He also expressed concern with one of the bills preventing the county from selling homes it acquires through the geothermal relocation program.

County Council Chairman Dominic Yagong, who introduced the bills, said the move snubs the dozens of Puna residents who have called on the county to do more to ensure the nearly 20-year-old plant has no impact on health and safety.

He called the veto political (Yagong is one of Kenoi’s main challengers in this year’s election) and expects a large turnout of bill supporters at the meeting. Six votes are needed to overturn a veto.

“I truly believe that these bills were correct and we’re going to do our darnedest to make sure we do have our six votes,” Yagong said.

Kenoi did not return a request for comment by press time.

Recent council meetings have turned into marathon public comment sessions with Puna residents, both for and against the bills, speaking for hours to the council.

Pele Defense Fund President Palikapu Dedman said his group stands by the bills and will make its support known inside and outside the council chambers.

Dedman said PDF members will join geothermal opponents in testifying before the council and picketing that same day outside the county’s Hilo offices and possibly and state Department of Health building on Kamehameha Avenue.

“We’re bringing all that we can,” he said, adding that group members will also present Kenoi with a list of their concerns.

Dedman said he hopes to see at least 100 people picketing.

Thursday’s meeting will be held in Kailua-Kona, but those unable to make the trip can still speak to the council via videofeeds in Pahoa, Hilo and Waimea.

Dedman said he expects a lot of geothermal opponents and other supporters of the bills to testify from the windward side.

After spending hours testifying in past meetings, he doesn’t expect too many of them to be happy.

“After all those hours and days of testimony … with one stroke of the pen he shuts everybody off,” Dedman said. “That’s pretty bad.”

The geothermal bills aren’t the only legislation Yagong is seeking to revive.

The council will also consider on Thursday overriding Kenoi’s veto of a bill that Yagong introduced requiring the county to make payments into a county retiree benefits account.

Kenoi called the bill “ill-conceived” and “fiscally irresponsible.”

The county is deferring the payments, which the administration says prevents the county’s fund balance from being drawn down to unacceptable levels that would threaten its bond rating.

Email Tom Callis at tcallis@hawaiitribune-herald.com.

ORMAT Signs EPC Contract With ENEL for Cove Fort

Ormat Technologies signs EPC contract valued at $61.4 million with Enel Green Power North America for its Cove Fort geothermal power plant project in southern Utah.

Reported earlier here, Ormat Technologies, Inc. “announced today that its wholly owned subsidiary, Ormat Nevada Inc., concluded and signed the $61.4 million engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contract with Enel Green Power North America. Under the EPC contract, Ormat will provide two air-cooled Ormat Energy Converters at Enel’s Cove Fort geothermal power plant project in southern Utah.

The parties have entered into an interim agreement in the amount of approximately $9 million to ensure timely completion of the project in April 2012. Now that the full EPC contract has been executed, Ormat’s product backlog announced May 8, 2012 increased by an additional $52 million to a total of approximately $260 million, most of which is expected to be recognized as revenues through 2013.

“This development will incorporate Ormat’s low-operating-cost design and our consistent project completion standards,” said Yoram Bronicki, president and COO of Ormat. “We’ve had great success in deploying similar equipment to a myriad of projects worldwide and we intend to continue reinforcing this track record in established and new markets.”

Source: Ormat release via Marketwatch

Asia Pacific Clean Energy Summit and Expo 2012

The 2012 Asia Pacific Clean Energy Summit and Expo will be held at the Hawai‘i Convention Center, August 13 - 15.

The event is the preeminent meeting place for international leaders and energy experts at the forefront of the clean energy movement. Securing energy independence and developing a clean energy industry that promotes the vitality of our planet are two reasons why it is critical to reaffirm already established partnerships and build new ones throughout the Asia-Pacific region and the world. The Asia Pacific Clean Energy Summit and Expo provides a forum for the high-level global networking necessary to advance this emerging clean energy culture. Read our 2011 attendee testimonials at right.

For more info, visit: Asia Pacific Clean Energy Website

Volcano Watch: Can Geothermal Energy Development be Balanced with Volcanic Hazards in Hawaii?

(Volcano Watch is a weekly article written by scientists at the U.S. Geological Survey’s Hawaiian Volcano Observatory.)

Puna Geothermal Venture. Hawaii 24/7 File Photo

For decades, the State of Hawaii has been trying to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels. Energy from Hawai`i geothermal resources is but one of several alternate energy sources that have been explored.

In Hawai`i, geothermal resources depend on volcanic heat. Magma, stored in rift zones, heats groundwater which can be tapped by drilling. It is then pumped to the surface where its heat is extracted to drive electrical generators.

It makes sense that the most attractive geothermal target in the State of Hawaii is also the most active volcano—Kilauea. The nearly continuous supply of magma to Kilauea pumps heat into the geothermal resource, but it also fuels eruptions that could threaten structures on the volcano.

To make clear where future lava flows are most likely, Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO) scientists published Lava-Flow Hazard Zone Maps as early as 1974, designating the summits and rift zones of Kilauea and Mauna Loa volcanoes as the most hazardous. For Kilauea, the summit and rift zones of the volcano also have the highest geothermal potential, so the Lava-Flow Hazard Map closely resembles the geothermal resource map.

Geothermal resources definitely exist on Kilauea, as established by the HGP-A pilot project in the 1970s. The Puna Geothermal Venture commercial power facility has produced 30 Megawatts (MW) from Kilauea’s heat, 20 percent of the annual electrical usage of the Island of Hawai`i, since 1993.

The most recent study in 2005 suggests that the potential of the Kilauea resource, excluding areas within national parks and state reserves, could be between 250 and 600 MW. Development of geothermal resources may also be possible on volcanoes with less frequent eruptions than Kilauea, such as Hualalai, Haleakala, or Mauna Kea.

If a resource of this size exists and is fully developed, the power generated from it would far exceed the need for electricity on the Island of Hawai`i. Therefore, the State of Hawaii is proposing the use of an undersea cable to link the islands between Hawai`i, the potential major energy producer, and O`ahu, the major energy consumer.

But what about the risk posed by volcanic eruptions? In a 1994 USGS publication (pubs.usgs.gov/of/1994/0553/rep…, HVO scientists estimated a high probability of eruptions from Kilauea’s lower east rift zone within any 50-year period. The publication also found a significant likelihood of lava inundation along the cable pathways linking the proposed Kilauea geothermal developments to the Honolulu energy grid, because the cable would have to pass across the northeast flank of Mauna Loa, Hawai`i’s other very active volcano.

These threats are real. In the last 200 years, eruptions have occurred three times in the lower east rift zone of Kilauea and six times on the northeast flank of Mauna Loa. The possibility of an eruption in the geothermal resource or state-wide cable path within any 50-year period is between 60 and 90 percent.

The effect of an eruption within a geothermal power development could be severe, and the site could be deeply buried by lava.

The power generated by the geothermal facility would be lost—possibly for weeks, months, or even years. The 1840, 1955, and 1960 eruptions in lower Puna continued for weeks to months. Power generation and transmission could not resume until after the eruption ceased, and it was safe to re-enter the area and re-establish the facilities and the cables carrying electricity away from the site.

With enough lead time before the eruption, however, much of the power-generation equipment might be moved offsite and saved for future use.

The effects of an eruption would be more profound as the geothermal power development increased in size. If a 500-MW power generation facility were developed within the lower east rift zone of Kilauea and power exported to O`ahu and Maui, a volcanic disruption would have state-wide effects.

As a community, we should explore all options in our quest for inexpensive, reliable electricity. There are down sides to the utilization of any energy source, and we must balance the negatives with the positives when making choices. This includes balancing the considerable benefits of geothermal resource development with the inherent volcanic risk of such development on active volcanoes.

Abercrombie: Big Island to 'Lead the Way'

Hawaii Governor - Neil Abercrombie

By TOM CALLIS
Updated: 12:06 am - June 26, 2012
Tribune-Herald staff writer

The future of the state will depend much on the Big Island, particularly with its development of energy and agriculture, Gov. Neil Abercrombie told business leaders in Hilo on Monday.

During the speech to about 130 Hawaii Island Chamber of Commerce members at the Hilo Yacht club, the governor laid out a confident outlook on the state’s future, and hinted at another speech to come later this week that he said is going to be “very, very positive” about Hawaii’s fiscal position.

Saturday marks the end of his first full fiscal year while in office.

“In a few days time I think you are going to be very well pleased,” said Abercrombie, who didn’t offer any details.

But Abercrombie, who turns 74 today, also assured the businessmen and women that the island will not be on the periphery when it comes to the state’s future.

“The Big Island is going to lead the way … in setting the direction of the state,” he said.

Abercrombie said it has “endless possibilities” in regards to providing energy to the rest of Hawaii, adding that the big issue in Honolulu is how to “deliver it to the rest of the islands.”

He didn’t mention geothermal power, considered a key part of the state’s energy future.

Talk of expansion of geothermal production has recently caused a resurgence in opposition to the power source in Puna, which hosts the state’s only geothermal plant.

The state Legislature this last session developed the regulatory framework for the creation of an underwater power cable that would connect the islands, if a private developer decides to take it on.

The idea is that the cable would allow the islands to share cheap, reliable geothermal power, as well as other renewable sources, and lower the costs of energy production.

Abercrombie received applause when he mentioned his support for adding a fourth state senate seat to the island.

The addition was the result of a 25 percent population growth on the island between 2000 and 2010.

“I supported it because it was the right thing to do,” he said.

Abercrombie also said the island is “right in the center and key of it” when it comes to agriculture.

He noted the cattle industry in particular, adding that the state will come out with an agriculture plan in January.

Abercrombie also spoke of the island’s military presence, saying the state should host more troops serving the Pacific region.

“We have to be ahead of the curve,” he said, noting the transition of troops out of Okinawa, Japan.

“We have the training capacity for 21st century marines and army in Pohakuloa.”

He ended his speech by telling the chamber, “I think we’re on our way to a new day in Hawaii and on the Big Island in particular.”

Email Tom Callis at tcallis@hawaiitribune-herald.com.

World's Top 10 Generators of Clean Energy

With Rio 20+, the latest United Nations organized Earth Summit, less than a week away, the Natural Resources Defense Council has released a scorecard ranking the G20 nations and their commitment to clean energy development.

It comes as no surprise that G20 countries lead the world in renewable energy investment.  Since 2004, investment in clean energy from G20 countries has grown by nearly 600%, while electricity produced from solar, wind, geothermal, tidal, and wave power has tripled. 

Nevertheless, the NRDC says an even greater commitment to clean energy is required, given that clean energy currently only accounts for 2.6% of the G20's electricity production.  This number is expected to increase to 6% by 2020 -- which is not nearly enough to meet the demands of climate scientists.  The NRDC recommends G20 nations seize the opportunity of Rio 20+ to enhance their commitment to clean energy.

Here is a list of the G20's top 10 producers of clean energy in 2011 -- in terms of total percentage of renewable energy in the nation's electricity generation mix.

1.    Germany -- 10.7%

2.    European Union (as a whole) -- 6.7%

3.    Italy -- 6.2%

4.    Indonesia -- 5.7%

5.    United Kingdom -- 4.2%

6.    France -- 2.8%

7.    United States -- 2.7%

8.    Mexico -- 2.6%

9.    India -- 2.4%

10.  Australia -- 2.0%

By Nathanael Barker - June 15, 2012

Energy Boom

Relocation Requests Rise

By TOM CALLIS – Hawaii Tribune Herald 06/10/2012

Tribune-Herald staff writer

Hawaii County has spent $646,407 purchasing homes near Puna’s geothermal power plant, but that number could soon be about to rise.

Joaquin Gamiao, planning administrative officer, said the department is processing seven relocation requests that could end up increasing that amount by about 55 percent.

“We’re out about $1 million,” he said, if all are approved.

The requests have all been submitted in the past month, Gamiao said, after the geothermal issue once again took center stage with the County Council.

The money comes from the county’s geothermal royalty fund, which now has about $3.3 million, according to the Finance Department.

It is funded with the county’s share of royalties from Puna Geothermal Venture. The amount the county receives varies based on production levels, but has hovered recently around $500,000 a year, Gamiao said.

To date, the county has approved five relocations with the latest acquired April 5, according to records provided by the Planning Department.

County staff previously said eight homes were acquired, but some of those were duplicates or had their applications withdrawn.

The homes cost between $60,770 and $237,380 to acquire.

The average property has cost the county $129,281 to purchase.

All were purchased at 130 percent of their value, Gamiao said, as allowed by county policy. They were also located within a mile from the plant, Gamiao said.

The county has auctioned four of those properties to date, for a total amount of $216,100.

The county would be prohibited from auctioning properties acquired through the relocation program under a bill being considered by the County Council.

Gamiao said that would not impact the purchase of the seven properties under consideration. The Planning Department is not delaying processing the requests until the bill has its final vote, likely June 19.

“We’re doing what we need to do know,” he said.

County Council Chairman Dominic Yagong introduced the bill with the intent of creating a one-mile buffer zone.

The fund was established in 1998. Previously, the county’s royalty funds were accruing interest but not being used, Gamiao said.

In 2008, the County Council amended the policy to allow the funds to be used on capital projects and other services for Lower Puna.

Yagong’s bill would also amend the fund to only allow the monies to be spent on relocations as well as air quality and health studies near the plant and provide other means for ensuring safety, such as air monitors for residents.

Yagong said he thinks the fund is receiving enough revenue to cover at least some of those items if relocation requests continue.

“The fact of the matter is we have money that is available and of course we should use the money to do what we can to help the people there,” he said. “That fund will continue to grow.”

Some Puna residents have voiced concern over ending funding for services for the district.

The royalty fund currently covers the Pahoa council office as well as security for at Isaac Hale Beach Park and Pahoa Community Center.

Yagong said he is working on a third geothermal bill that would allow another geothermal fund to cover such expenses.

The second fund, known as the geothermal asset fund, was established in 1989 to reimburse nearby residents adversely affected by the plant.

It has $2.1 million, according to the Finance Department.

Gamioa said it is funded with a $50,000 annual contribution from PGV. There’s no record of it ever being used, he said.

Yagong said the bill, which will likely be introduced July 2, would also create a commission to recommend what projects should be funded.

The commission would consist of five Puna residents appointed by the mayor and County Council.

“We’re putting the asset fund into the hands of the community,” he said.

Yagong said the bill would limit expenditures from the fund to $350,000 a year.

Email Tom Callis at tcallis@hawaiitribune-herald.com.