2016-2017 Group Project Proposal
An Integration of Invasive Species Management and Renewable Energy Generation
Student Proposer:
Ilan MacAdam-Somer, MESM — (832) 289 4571 — [email protected]
Client:
Kohala Institute
Primary Contact; Marcus Woo (Director of Programs) — [email protected]
Objectives
1. Synthesize existing data and literature on the invasive species found at ‘Iole (which includes strawberry
guava, cats claw, fire weed, albezia, castor bean, and jacaranda to name a few), with a spatial analysis of
these non-native plants to inform short-term recommendations for invasive species management.
2. Assess the feasibility for Kohala Institute to use local invasive species to fuel a biomass gasification energy
generator, including an in depth analysis of the costs and benefits (both environmental and economic) of
using the most prevalent invasive plants found on the property to fuel the biomass generator.
Problem and Significance
Invasive plants represent a dramatically increasing threat to the composition of Hawaii’s more than 150 distinct
ecosystems.1 Invasive species have significantly contributed to the loss of biodiversity in Hawaii, a state home to
40% of all listed endangered species and 75% of extinctions in the United States.1 Invasive plants also damage the
state’s ecotourism market, which comprises 21% of Hawaii’s economy, by destroying habitat that attracts tourists to
the state (e.g. loss of low-elevation rain forests in Hawaii).2 Hawaii’s state government has spent millions of dollars
to mitigate the environmental and economic risks associated with invasive species.3 Invasive plants also represent an
opportunity for alternative energy in a state dominated by imported petroleum for electricity generation.
Hawaii currently imports the vast majority of its energy— in 2013 Hawaii imported 91% of its energy.4 This reliance
on imported oil contributes greatly to the state’s GHG emissions, 51% of which are generated from the
transportation sector.5 Shipping petroleum across the Pacific to fuel Hawaii’s energy grid has made the state’s
electrical utilities the most expensive in the U.S. (in 2014 the average cost of electricity on Hawaii Island was
$0.42/kWh compared to $0.11/kWh for the rest of the U.S.).6 The high cost of electricity has led to the decline of the
meat, fish, and agricultural markets in Hawaii, with an estimated 85% of the state’s food imported on planes and
barges.7 Hawaii’s reliance on importations to generate its energy poses a massive security issue to the state. Hawaii
is providing renewable energy subsidies in the form of grants and low-interest-loans to combat this problem.8 At the
grassroots level, many NGO’s are finding their own innovative solutions to achieve inexpensive clean energy.
The Kohala Institute (KI), a non-profit organization, is looking to become an example of renewable energy
production, while protecting key environmental ecosystems on its property (e.g. wetlands, mesic forests, subalpine
grasslands, and tropical dry forests). This project aims to be a model for using invasive species as fuel for biomass
energy generation that can be replicated to provide local energy production across Hawaii. This energy production
method would provide an affordable solution to costly electricity, decreasing reliance on imported fossil fuels, while
establishing an economic incentive for invasive species removal.
Background
Kohala Institute (KI) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit that owns 2,400 acres in Kapaau, Hawaii. This land consists of one of
the few remaining intact ahupua’a, called 'Iole, and the Bond Historic District— which includes the Bond
Homestead, Kohala Girls School, and Kalahikiola Church. An ahupua‘a is a traditional Hawaiian division of land
that conserves the natural resources available to maintain sustainable levels of resource use; there were some 1,625
ahupua‘a in ancient Hawai‘i.9 The 'Iole ahupua’a has a strong agricultural history, once serving as the site for acres
of taro patches (lo'i kalo), including what was purportedly the two favorite lo'i kalo of Kamehameha I, the ruler of
Hawaii who unified the islands and established the Kingdom of Hawai’i in 1810. 10 In the past, ‘Iole had many of the
ecosystems that are unique to Hawaii: mesic forests, coastal shrub lands, and dry forest. Currently, much of the
property has been overtaken by various invasive flora, most notably strawberry guava.
Kohala Institute is in the process of implementing a five-year strategic plan that is focused on creating a model for a
“21st Century Ahupua’a” that integrates responsible natural resource management, financial sustainability, and
sustainable living outreach programs. This plan includes development of an innovative fish farm (KI Fish) with a
hatchery, grow tanks and processing facility; a land and water management tour (KI Tours) showcasing best
practices for land conservation; a microgrid consisting of a hydroelectric plant, solar panels, and a biomass
generator; and, a 30 acre agricultural park (KI Farms) demonstrating successful and sustainable methods of growing
food to meet Hawaii Island’s food security needs— KI was successful in acquiring $1.8 million from the USDA for
their sustainable agricultural projects, and is seeking additional grants from the USDA Rural Energy America
Program (REAP) to assist in the creation of their microgrid. Currently, these core projects are all in pilot stages. KI
wants to achieve a paradigm shift from “status quo” thinking of energy and resource management, to a sustainable
method of resource management, food production, and energy generation.
Possible Approaches
To perform a threat assessment and guide for managing the invasive plants at KI, a literature review and spatial
analysis of these species will be required. The client has provided two existing studies on invasive species at ‘Iole
(listed in the data section). Additionally, there is a large amount of existing literature on the biology, effect on native
ecosystems, population growth models, and management strategies for these invasive species; examples include
reports from the Hawaii Department of Agriculture, USDA, and Kohala Watershed Partnership. The spatial analysis
will include an integration of pre-existing KI maps (created in Google Earth), which outline their current and future
land-use, with data gathered during the literature review into ArcGIS. With the literature review and spatial analysis
complete, existing management strategies can be used as templates for the creation of short-term recommendations
for managing KI’s invasive species.
To assess the feasibility of fueling a biomass energy generator with invasive flora, several questions will need to be
answered. A) What are the costs/benefits of utilizing invasive species for biomass generation? B) What are the
environmental impacts associated with biomass generation versus standard composting or landfill? C) Which
invasive species offer the most efficient fuel generation? D) How much material is needed to generate sufficient
amounts of fuel for required energy production? E) Is this an economically viable operation? KI has provided a
comprehensive 5-year business plan that details the conversion of gorse (an invasive weed found in Hawaii) into fuel
for biomass energy generation. While gorse isn’t found on KI’s property, this detailed report will provide a template
for undertaking an assessment of invasive species found at ‘Iole for biomass energy generation (this document has
been made accessible to the group, but due to a confidentiality restrictions, no details can be published from the
report until permission is obtained from the consultant who created the report). In addition, there have been several
scholarly articles, such as “Energy Production from Biomass,” that have analyzed the costs/benefits, environmental
impacts, and identification of ideal plants for biomass energy generation. Synthesizing this literature with our own
analysis will provide the answers to the questions needed to create the feasibility report. KI is providing funding for
a 6-week summer internship that will allow for any experimental design required in completing this feasibility
report.
Data
Various analyses have been performed by consultants and scientists on KI’s ahupua’a over the past 20 years,
including: agricultural analyses of their macadamia nut orchard; conservation studies/restoration feasibility reports
on the wetlands and forests of ‘Iole; business plans on the use of renewable energy for KI (solar, hydroeclectric,
biofuel); studies of precipitation and runoff gradients on the property; a look at soil fertility and erosion rates over
different areas of KI’s land; and a summary of the watershed of ‘Iole. This massive collection of data has been made
available by KI via airtable, an online document sharing website.
Below are some of the most relevant consultation reports and studies:
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Big Island Invasive Species Committee Early Detection Analysis, (Big Island Invasive Species Committee):
A report listing the invasive species found on KI’s land and a map of their locations.
Reforestation Proposal for ‘Iole, (Future Forests Nursery, LLC): A study on the invasive species observed on
KI’s property and the steps to restore these ecosystems to traditional mesic forests.
Biological Survey of the Bond Historic District (Cowie, Imada, Allison, Arakaki): A comprehensive field
survey and literature review of the flora and fauna found in the 50 acre Bond Historic District
Biocontrol of Strawberry Guava, (Hawaii Department of Agriculture): An in depth study on the biology of
strawberry guava, its effects on Hawaiian ecosystems, various approaches to controlling it, and an analysis of
using a non-native insect to help manage strawberry guava.
Forest Service National Strategic Framework for Invasive Species Management, (USDA): A framework for
the prevention, detection, control and management, and restoration and rehabilitation of invasive species
across the U.S.
Invasive Species Management, (Kohala Watershed Project): Multiple studies on management strategies for
invasive plants found in Hawaii.
Humu’Ula Renewable Energy Partnership Project, (Innovative Resource Solutions, LLC): A feasibility
report and five year business plan, which includes complete business strategy and market analysis, for
converting gorse (an invasive weed in Hawaii) into biofuel via gasification. This report has been made
accessible to Ilan MacAdam-Somer and the future members of this project, but is not available for public
dissemination until permission can be obtained from the authors.
‘Iole Microgrid Conceptual Design Report (Rivertop Solutions, LLC): A feasibility report and business plan
(with detailed construction details and specs on machinery operations) for implementing a microgrid at KI
capable of supporting an average of 605,000 kWh per year; the report includes the specifications of the
planned hydroelectric plant, photovoltaic system, and a biomass gasification system. This report will be
made available as reference to project members but is proprietary to KI and may not be published.
Kohala Institute Land-Use Maps (Kohala Institute): Google Earth generated maps of KI’s current and future
projects including ‘Iole’s land-use designations.
State of Hawaii GIS Maps (Office of Planning, State of Hawaii): Detailed GIS maps of the islands of Hawaii.
These maps are publically accessible from the Office of Planning website and have multiple layers which
include: agriculture and farming, biologic and ecologic, atmospheric and climatic, elevation and derived
products, environmental, geologic and geophysical, inland water resources, oceans and estuaries, cultural and
demographic, and utilities network information.
Deliverables
1. A threat-assessment with short-term management goals for the various invasive flora at ‘Iole.
2. A GIS multi-layered map of the invasive species at ‘Iole, including data on each species (threat assessment,
biomass per unit area, etc.) the current land-use of the property (agricultural, pilot projects, GRACE Center,
conservation areas, etc.) and future areas of development.
3. A feasibility report on fueling KI’s biomass gasification energy system with invasive flora, including a costbenefit analysis.
Internships
Kohala Institute is pleased to offer one intern a $3,000 stipend for a 6-week internship. The intern will be housed at
the newly constructed GRACE Center for the duration of the internship and will spend time working with the
stakeholders to better understand the land and further develop the scope of the project. The intern will have access to
ArcGIS and have opportunities to work with senior staff and with industry experts to gain experience on micro-grids,
grant writing, and field work. KI will be able to provide up to an additional $3,000 to cover other group members’
travel expenses, subject to fundraising.
Supporting Materials:
a). References
1. "Endangered Species - Pacific Islands Fish and Wildlife Office." U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Web. 22 Jan.
2016.
2. "The Vanishing Hawaiian Forest." The Nature Conservancy. Web. 1 Jan. 2016.
<www.nature.org/media/hawaii/the-last-stand-hawaiian-forest.pdf>.
3. "HISC-Funded Projects." Hawaii Invasive Species Council. 2013. Web. 22 Jan. 2016.
<http://dlnr.hawaii.gov/hisc/projects/>.
4. "Hawaii State Profile and Energy Estimates." U.S. Energy Information Administration. Web. 22 Jan. 2016.
<http://www.eia.gov/state/?sid=HIhttp://www.eia.gov/state/?sid>.
5. "Hawaii Energy Consumption by End-Use Sector." U.S. Energy Information Administration. Web. 22 Jan. 2016.
<http://www.eia.gov/state/?sid=HIhttp://www.eia.gov/state/?sid>.
6. "Average Electricity Prices for Hawaiian Electric, Hawaii Electric Light, and Maui Electric." Hawaiian Electric:.
Web. 22 Jan. 2016. <http://www.hawaiianelectric.com/heco/Residential/Electric-Rates/Average-ElectricityPrices-for-Hawaiian-Electric,-Hawaii-Electric-Light,-and-Maui-Electric>.
7. "Increased Food Security and Food Self-Sufficiency Strategy." U.S. Department of Business Economic
Development and Tourism. Web.
http://files.hawaii.gov/dbedt/op/spb/INCREASED_FOOD_SECURITY_AND_FOOD_SELF_SUFFICIENC
Y_STRATEGY.pdf
8. "Rural Energy for America Program Renewable Energy Systems & Energy Efficiency Improvement Loans &
Grants." U.S. Department of Agriculture Renewable Development. Web. 22 Jan. 2016.
<http://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/rural-energy-america-program-renewable-energy-systemsenergy-efficiency>.
9. Losch, Tracie, and Momi Kamahele, "Hawaii: Center of the Pacific." Pearl City: University of Hawaii Leeward
Community College, 2008. Print.
10. Potter, Norris Whitfield, Lawrence M. Kasdon, and Ann Rayson. History of the Hawaiian Kingdom. Bess, 2003.
Print.
b). Budget and Justification:
At this time, project expenditures aren’t predicted to exceed the $1,300 budget provided by the Bren School of
Environmental Science & Management.
January 21, 2016
Group Project Committee
Bren School of Environmental Science & Management
2400 Bren Hall
University of California, Santa Barbara, CA 93106
Subject: Client Letter of Support - An Integration of Invasive Species Management and
Renewable Energy Generation
Dear Group Project Committee,
Please accept this letter in support of our Group Project Proposal to the Bren School of
Environmental Science & Management. Kohala Institute at ‘Iole (KI) appreciates the opportunity
to work with Bren School on a project that would embody our goals of responsible natural
resource management integrated with sustainable industry and community impact in Hawaii. In
addition, such a project would help create a replicable model for Hawaii to address large scale
invasive species mitigation and generation of clean renewable energy.
KI is pleased to offer $3,000 as travel reimbursement or in-kind compensation to cover one
summer internship. Kohala Institute may also be able to provide up to an additional $3,000 to
cover other group members’ travel expenses for a field visit subject to fundraising. The summer
intern will be provided working space at our main offices located at the Historic Bond
Homestead and accommodations at our newly renovated education and conference center,
GRACE Center, for the duration of the internship. Additionally, the intern would be invited to
participate in placed-based learning experiences at our sustainable farm, aquaculture facility, and
pre-contact cultural/botanical tour site as well as our hiking trails through the mountains and
gulches on our 2,400 property.
Project members will be provided access to the data outlined in the project proposal including
background data on invasive species assessment at ‘Iole and an in depth study on our micro-grid
conceptual design as well as mentorship from senior staff members. Specific limitations on the
provided data is detailed in the proposal and restricts publication of propriety information. The
majority of data is public information and available without a nondisclosure agreement or
restrictions for publication.
Thank you for considering our proposed project. If you have any additional questions or
concerns please feel free to contact me at (808) 889-5151.
Aloha pumehana,
D. Noelani Kalipi
Executive Director
53-­‐‑496 ‘IOLE RD|P.O. BOX 1089|KAPA’AU, HI 96755|(808) 889-­‐‑5151 office|(808) 889-­‐‑5288 fax|KOHALAINSTITUTE.ORG