S.R. NO. 31 Summary

• Urges Honolulu Department of Planning and Permitting, Mayor, and City Council to reclassify wind machines with rated capacity up to 100 kilowatts from minor to major conditional use permits to require mandatory public hearings.

• Currently, minor permits for wind machines up to 100 kilowatts only require the Director to ask adjoining property owners if they want a hearing and hold one only if the director finds sufficient cause.

• Major permits require mandatory public hearings, providing greater public input opportunity for wind machine projects.

• Requests prohibition of waivers from Hawaii's environmental impact statement requirements under Hawaii Revised Statutes Chapter 343 for wind machines with rated capacity up to 100 kilowatts.

• Addresses concerns that wind machines cause noise pollution, shadow flicker, and flashing red lights that adversely affect neighboring communities and property owners.