Pukalani, Maui, Hawaii (October 18, 2006) – Kent Smith, principal partner in Makani Nui Associates, LLC, the Hawaii owners of the Kaheawa Wind Power project, is pleased to report all twenty wind turbines and supporting infrastructure survived last Sunday’s earthquake and Monday’s flooding virtually unscathed. The wind turbines are fully operational, with the exception of unrelated ongoing maintenance work on Turbines #12 and #18, which was initiated two weeks prior to the earthquake.

Kaheawa Wind Power is pleased and proud to have been a part of the power generation available to the grid almost immediately following the earthquake, and will continue to work closely with Maui Electric Co. to provide clean energy to Maui’s community.

The 1.5 MW wind turbines utilized by Kaheawa are dependable and reliable. With nearly 5,000 of the GE machines in operation worldwide, the 1.5 MW is one of the most widely used wind turbines in its class.

Kaheawa Wind Power’s 30-megawatt renewable energy project produces, on average, enough electricity to supply nearly 11,000 households. Among other benefits, the project will eliminate the use of almost 244,000 equivalent barrels of oil annually, and thereby help reduce the state’s dependence on imported oil. For more information about the wind farm, visit www.kaheawa.com.  

About First Wind
First Wind is based in Newton, Massachusetts. First Wind is an American-owned company, with a proven track record of developing, owning, and operating well-sited, community-friendly wind farms that increase energy independence. For more information on First Wind, please visit www.firstwind.com.

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For more information, contact:
John Lamontagne
Director, Communications
First Wind
617-964-3340


For further information:
LuAnne Yapp
Gilbert & Associates
P 808-871-6230 ext. 15
F 808-871-9187
luanne@gilbertadvertising.com