Turbines for new North Shore wind farm arrive next week

www.staradvertiser.com
21 Jun 2012

First Wind LLC will begin delivering turbine parts next week for its Kawailoa wind power project on Oahu's North Shore, company officials said today.

The company will transport the blades and tower components from Kalaeloa Harbor to the project site starting Monday using oversized trailers. The deliveries will be made between 10 p.m, and 5 a.m. Monday through Friday to minimize traffic disruptions, according to a news release from the company.

In addition, each delivery will have a police escort. Traffic may be stopped momentarily as the trucks navigate certain intersections along the delivery route, the company said. "We are making every effort to ensure that this transport is done with minimal traffic disruptions", said Kekoa Kaluhiwa, First Wind director for external affairs. "We truly appreciate everyone's patience throughout this process".

First Wind broke ground on the wind project on February 24. Kawailoa Wind's 69 MWs of generating capacity will be enough to power the equivalent of 14,500 Oahu homes. The project includes thirty Siemens turbines that will be installed on land owned by Kamehameha Schools mauka of Kamehameha Highway between Waimea Bay and Haleiwa town.