The Kaua?i Island Utility Cooperative Board today (12/12) authorized KIUC President and Chief Executive Officer David Bissell to make changes to the ditch system to return water to the North Fork of the Wailu? River at the Blue Hole and Waikoko diversions.
This action will ensure that water is flowing immediately downstream of the diversions.
The board also authorized the commencement of engineering design for permanent diversion modifications to ensure continuous stream flow for aquatic habitat. Construction will take place upon approval from the appropriate regulatory agencies.
Additionally, approval was granted to install additional gauging stations to increase data collection and understanding of the hydrology of the system.
"The hydros have been producing energy on Kaua?i for more than 100 years and represent an important piece of KIUC's renewable portfolio and will help us reach the State's mandate of 100 percent renewables by 2045," said KIUC Board Chair Allan Smith.
On December 8, the State Board of Land and Natural Resources met and approved the holdover of a revocable permit for water use at the Blue Hole Diversion, which contribute 1.5 megawatts of energy to the island's renewable portfolio.
For more information
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Lihue (Kauai) Hawaii
United States 96766-2032
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