draft eis comments and responses - Lee Altenberg

Environmental Center
SUBJECT: HONUAÿULA DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT AND PROJECT
DISTRICT PHASE II APPLICATION
May 31, 2012
Page 17 of 23
Section 7.2 (Cumulative and Secondary Impacts) will be revised as follows
In mitigating cumulative impacts to human and environmental health, Honua‘ula is
committed to limiting energy consumption and reducing solid waste. Honua‘ula
Partners, LLC will design and construct energy systems for all residential units to meet all
applicable ENERGY STAR requirements established by the EPA in effect at the time of
construction. All homes (single-family and multi-family) will be equipped with a primary
hot water system at least as energy efficient as a conventional solar panel hot water
system and other energy-saving concepts and devices will be encouraged in the design
of Honua‘ula.
Section 7.2 (Probable Adverse Environmental Effects that Cannot be Avoided) will be
revised as follows
All homes (single-family and multi-family) with be equipped with a primary hot water
system at least as energy efficient as a conventional solar panel hot water system and
other energy-saving concepts and devices will be encouraged in the design of
Honua‘ula.
Question/Comment: Roof and wall insulation, radiant barriers, and energy efficient windows.
This is vague – what R factor insulation in walls and ceiling? Which type of energy efficient
windows? There is insufficient detail to determine if this will make a big difference.
Response: Section 4.8.6 (Electrical System) of the Draft EIS mentions that energy saving methods
and technologies, such as roof and wall insulation, radiant barriers, and energy efficient windows,
will be considered during the design phase of Honua‘ula. At this time Honua‘ula Partners, LLC
has not undertaken detailed building design and thus building specifications such as installation R
factors and the type of energy efficient windows that may used are not known at this preliminary
point.
Question/Comment: Solar parking lot lighting. This is good but we would add that they use only
IDA approved fixtures (International Dark Sky Association)…
Response: As explained in several sections of the Draft EIS (see Section 3.7 (Wildlife Resources),
Section 5.2.1 (Countywide Policy Plan), and Section 5.2.3 (County of Maui Zoning)), all
Honua‘ula outdoor lighting will be in compliance with Chapter 20.35 (Outdoor Lighting), Maui
County Code to ensure impacts related to light pollution will not impact sensitive surrounding
land uses.
Question/Comment: Light color roof. It makes a huge difference but saying light color is not
enough. It should be tied to some standard like the California standard for roofs.
Response: Section 4.8.6 (Electrical System) of the Draft EIS mentions that energy saving methods
and technologies, such as the use of light color or “green” roofs, will be considered during the
design phase of Honua‘ula. At this time Honua‘ula Partners, LLC has not undertaken detailed
building design and thus building specifications such as standards for light color or “green” roofs
that may be used are not known at this preliminary point.
Environmental Center
SUBJECT: HONUAÿULA DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT AND PROJECT
DISTRICT PHASE II APPLICATION
May 31, 2012
Page 18 of 23
Question/Comment: Roofs and gutters to divert rainwater for landscaping. This is fine but they
should specify storage tanks size for this rainwater or how it was going to be retained/absorbed
and not become run off (i.e. use of rain gardens or bioswales, etc.)
Response: Section 4.8.6 (Electrical System) of the Draft EIS mentions that energy saving methods
and technologies, such as the use of roof and gutters to divert rainwater for landscaping, will be
considered during the design phase of Honua‘ula. At this time Honua‘ula Partners, LLC has not
undertaken detailed building design and thus building specifications regarding rain gutters,
rainwater storage tanks, and rain gardens, that may be used are not known at this preliminary
point.
Question/Comment: Use of photovoltaics, fuel cells, and other renewable. This is vague and
sounds like a dreamer’s list. We would rather see the developer place a 6 kw photovoltaic system
on each home.
Response: Section 4.8.6 (Electrical System) of the Draft EIS mentions that energy saving methods
and technologies, such the use of photovoltaics, fuel cells, and other renewable energy sources,
will be considered during the design phase of Honua‘ula. At this time Honua‘ula Partners, LLC
has not undertaken detailed building design and thus building specifications regarding
photovoltaics, fuel cells, and other renewable energy sources that may be used are not known at
this preliminary point. We note that photovoltaic systems and other renewable energy systems
are an emerging technology. Specifying a specific system with a specific energy output at this
time does not seem wise or warranted as the technology may change significantly over the buildout
period for Honua‘ula.
Question/Comment: We would also like to see the developer take these measures:
Right-sized AC systems (not over-sized) with tight duct work that does not pass through
unconditioned space (i.e. attic) unless the duct itself is insulated. This is specified in LEED.
Zoned AC with programmable thermostat.
Install an energy feedback device for the home owner, such as a TED (The Energy
Detective) which can also be wired to monitor the PV production. The occupant can
monitor their energy use, see when the watts spike up and adapt their behavior if they
want to reduce their power bill.
Response: In response to your comment, in the Final EIS Section 4.8.6 (Electrical System) will be
revised as follows:
The following additional energy saving methods and technologies will also be considered
during the design phase of Honua‘ula:
Use of site shading, orientation, and naturally ventilated areas to reduce cooling load;
Maximum use of day lighting;
Use of high-efficiency compact fluorescent lighting;
Exceeding Model Energy Code requirements;
Roof and wall insulation, radiant barriers, and energy efficient windows;
Use of solar parking lot lighting;
Use of light color or “green” roofs;