MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII -- Hawaii representatives, key personnel and special guests gathered at the Kaneohe Klipper Golf Course to bless the new Wave Energy Test Site located in the waters off of North Beach, Feb. 18, 2015.
According to the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management’s website, wave power devices extract energy from the surface-motion of ocean waves or from pressure fluctuations below the surface.
Douglas Wadsworth, chief of staff of Marine Corps Base Hawaii, said the base is an ideal location for the WETS and will improve the base’s energy independence down the road.
“(The base’s) highest cost in (the) budget is energy,” Wadsworth said. “We have interest in anything that can bring our energy costs down, so we can use the money in (other ways) to benefit the base.”
Hawaii State Rep. Cynthia Thielen said she had been pushing for the testing to be done in Hawaii but was unable to find the funding, until now. She actively supports the Wave Energy Converter devices and is excited for the testing to begin, she said.
“Wave energy provides constant power,” Thielen said. “It’s a renewable green energy. I so strongly want our island off of fossil fuel, and we are going to do it.”
Thielen said the testing is key to the success of the Navy-funded project, and she is confident that in the next 10 years Oahu and the surrounding islands should see a multitude of commercial devices on offshore islands.
According to Naval Facilities Engineering Command WETS fact sheet, the opportunity to test the WEC devices at the site will allow the Navy and Marine Corps to evaluate the usefulness of the new wave energy technology. The devices could pave the way for a new source of renewable energy, not only for MCB Hawaii but also all of the Hawaiian islands.
“The goal for the base is to be net zero,” Wadsworth said. “ (In the future) the base’s security will be improved since we wouldn’t have to rely on the eco power-plant (should a) natural disaster (occur). We would be producing our own energy and not be dependent on (an outside source).”
Those who find themselves in the waters off of North Beach should be cautious of the WEC devices. Boaters and fishermen will not be restricted but are prohibited from tying up to, boarding or trespassing on the WEC devices or associated buoys. They will be properly labeled to avoid conflict, according to NAVFAC.
Wadsworth said the testing will maintain MCB Hawaii’s relationship with the descendants of those who once lived on Mokapu Peninsula and gives the base an opportunity to show the Hawaiians the land is being well managed.
“As stewards of this very important land in Hawaii, it’s important to care for the land both from a cultural and natural resource stand point,” Wadsworth said. “We will get the energy and maintain the pristine environment that we have inherited. We wanted to have the kahu (at the blessing to ensure) we include those who care about the land as well.”