State senators are proposing a measure to set the minimum distance between electricity-generating wind turbines and Hawaii’s shores as part of an effort to meet the state’s goal of using 100 % clean energy by 2045.

Senate Bill 2535, presented by Senator Chris Lee whose district includes parts of the windward side of Oahu, initially called for a ban on turbines within 12 miles of shore, but that proposal failed in two key Senate committees.

On Tuesday, the Senate approved a revised measure it does not set a limit, leaving it to the House for the time being to decide how many miles the turbines should be from shore. The bill was passed by 23 votes to 2.

Lee said the bill is intended to move Hawaii away from fossil fuels, reduce the cost of electricity, and reduce the impact on coastal communities previously impacted by onshore wind turbines.

“It is important that offshore projects are done well and (ensure) that they will not impact coastal marine ecosystems or our coastal communities,” Lee said.

The bill met with little opposition. Several representatives of coastal communities submitted written testimony on the bill raising concerns about how wind farms may affect marine life, coastal residents and cultural practices, although they all agreed that the clean energy is needed.

Some coastal residents have suggested the turbines should be kept at least 12 miles offshore.

Waimanalo resident Michele Akana submitted a statement urging lawmakers to require that wind farms be no closer than 30 miles from shore so they don’t obstruct native Hawaiian ocean resources that include reef systems , fishing grounds and cultural practices.

“I disagree that offshore wind farms will not negatively impact our Native Hawaiian communities, our cultural practices, or our natural and ocean resources,” Akana wrote. “Progress is good, but is it worth what we lose? »

Onshore wind power projects in Hawaii have been controversial in the past. In 2019, residents of Kahuku led protests against the Na Pua Makani wind farm on the North Shore. They argued that the turbines, the largest on Oahu, were too big and too close to homes and schools.

Elsewhere, offshore projects have faced stiff opposition. In Massachusetts, as early as 2004, residents began protesting a proposed wind farm off Martha’s Vineyard due to concerns about the impact on the fishing industry and sightlines. Last year the United States approved the project, allowing the developer to proceed with plans to install 62 turbines about 15 miles offshore. The green light prompted local fishermen to file a federal lawsuit to stop the project. The case is currently making its way to court.

Around the world, offshore wind turbines are widely used as a source of renewable energy in places like the UK, Germany, Denmark, the Netherlands, and parts of Asia.

The Biden administration has endorsed offshore wind farms as a centerpiece of its clean energy and job creation programs.

There are currently no offshore wind farms in Hawaii. Two developers – AWH Oahu Northwest Project and Progression South Coast Of Oahu Project – submitted proposals for three potential projects. The offers are currently being reviewed by the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, a federal agency that has leasing authority.

The approval process takes nine to 10 years, according to D. Noelani Kalipi, chief strategy officer of Progression Energy, whose project proposal on the Windward side of Oahu is under review.

The project proposes a floating wind facility with up to 27 turbines that could produce 400 megawatts of electricity, enough to supply about 25% of Oahu’s power, according to Kalipi.

“It’s going to take a while to put this together, and the permission processes are rigorous for good reason,” she said. “We want to make sure there is community involvement, not just consultation, in the project. We don’t reach the finish line unless we work with everyone to get there.

The State Energy Board, Hawaii’s lead agency for clean energy development, submitted testimony to the Senate saying there should be more study before establishing a setback for offshore wind turbines. The agency is currently working on an analysis of the efficiency of offshore turbines as a function of their size and distance from shore. The agency is also developing a visualization of what offshore wind farms would look like from shore.

Lee said the federal government’s push for offshore wind projects is beneficial, as long as the project is sited to have the least possible impact on local communities.

“In Hawaii, we want to make sure we’re ahead of the game and providing protection so that we don’t have projects too close to shore that could impact our coastal communities,” Lee said.