BLNR approves lease for Kaheawa Wind Power I on Maui

The 20-year-old wind energy facility in West Maui, Kaheawa Wind Power I, has had its lease renewed for another 25 years following the unanimous approval by the Board of Land and Natural Resources in a meeting held on Maui.

Situated on 200 acres of state land in Kaheawa Pastures, the wind farm has 20 wind turbines with a total capacity of 30 megawatts that serves roughly 17,000 Maui homes each year. The new lease allows continued use of the site, but does not permit expansion or new turbines, according to a news release.

Part of the approval confirms the authorization of the Division of Forestry and Wildlife to manage the entrance to the wind farm.

Six months of turbine refurbishment, a 20-year operational period, and up to two years for decommissioning are included in the lease. The annual rent is $300,000, or 3.5% of the annual gross revenue, whichever is higher. After 10 years, the rent will be reappraised at fair market value for the next 10-year period.

Environmental review requirements for the project have been completed, according to the release. The BLNR accepted the Final Environmental Impact Statement for the continued use of Kaheawa Wind Power I in Dec. 2025, “finding it compliant with applicable law and adequately disclosing environmental impacts.” Before approval, the BLNR approved its Habitat Conservation Plan and the issuance of an Incidental Take License as recommended by DOFAW.

Revenue from the lease will continue to fund the state’s Special Land and Development Fund, which helps subsidize DLNR statewide programs.

“This decision supports Hawaii’s long-term renewable energy goals and the responsible management of public lands,” said DLNR Acting Chair Ryan Kanakaʻole in the release. “Lease revenue from this project plays an important role in the department’s ability to sustain conservation and resource management projects throughout Hawaii.”