Coconut Island DC Microgrid

SSFM assisted the University of Hawaii’s, Hawaii Natural Energy Institute (HNEI) with environmental compliance and permitting for improvements to their renewable energy demonstration project on Moku O Loe (aka Coconut Island). Enhancements include development of a renewable energy generation, storage and distribution system and a DC Microgrid system to replace the current AC system powering the marine mammal research project and boathouse buildings.

The process encompassed teleconferences and meetings with permitting agencies to address due diligence; create the project summary package with project description, location map and photos; and review meetings with permitting agencies including the State Office of Conservation and Coastal Lands for a conservation district use permit and City Department of Planning and Permitting for a shoreline management area permit. We prepared and conducted meetings with HNEI and permitting agencies, prepared meeting minutes and responded to agency follow-up questions and requests as well as coordinating draft responses with HNEI and submitting Request for Determination of Permit Applicability to OCCL and DPP.