Maui Wind Energy Initiatives Focus of Talk Story

The Maui Native Hawaiian Chamber of Commerce’s November Talk Story social will be held at the Maui Tropical Plantation Tram Station at 5:30 p.m, Tuesday, Nov. 13, 2018.

George Akau, Project Biologist and Jeff Stuber, Operations and Maintenance Manager of Auwahi Wind will be the event’s featured speakers and will speak on Maui’s wind energy initiatives.

Auwahi Wind’s wind farm in ʻUlupalakua on the sutheast coast of Maui. PC: Auwahi.

Auwahi Wind is located on the wind-rich ʻUlupalakua Ranch on the southeast coast of Maui, Hawai’i and is a joint venture of Sempra Renewables and BP Wind Energy. The wind farm was completed in December 2012 as an endeavor to bring Hawai’i closer to its goal of increasing its use of renewable energy.

With eight turbines, Auwahi Wind is currently generating enough electricity to power approximately
14,500 Hawai’i homes and is providing a new source of clean, locally produced power to Maui
homeowners and Maui Electric Co. Wind power reduces greenhouse gas emissions by about 60,500 tons annually, the equivalent of taking approximately 12,500 cars off the road.

“Auwahi Wind is a strong supporter and committed to protecting Maui nui’s ‘āina,” said Teri Freitas
Gorman, president of the MNHCoC. Gorman added, “we encourage our members and community to
join us at this Talk Story social, Tuesday, Nov. 13 to learn and hear about their plans to generate
clean energy while protecting our native ecosystems.”

“We look forward to sharing our projects’ history, partnership and integration with Maui Electric Co. and
what efforts we are taking through the use of wind and technology to ensure our environment and native ecosystems remain vibrant and thriving for our Maui community,” said Jeff Stuber, Operations &
Maintenance Manager.

No-host cocktails and networking will begin at 5:30 p.m. at the Maui Tropical Plantation.

Admission is $20 for members and $25 for non-members and includes pūpū.

Please RSVP and pay in advance at www.mnhcoc.org or call Shirley (808) 757-3045 to pay by phone. Deadline for RSVPs is Sunday, Nov. 11, 2018.