Building Industry Magazine - February 2012 - (Page 9)

Forest City Completes Oahu’s Largest Solar Farm Forest City Hawaii celebrated the completion of the Kapolei Sustainable Energy Park on Dec. 22 with a solar commissioning ceremony and Hawaiian blessing attended by U.S. Sen. Daniel Inouye, Gov. Neil Abercrombie and a number of community leaders. Comprised of more than 4,200 solar panels, it is Oahu’s largest utility-scale solar photovoltaic project to date, generating 1.18 megawatts (MW) of renewable energy, equivalent to the electricity to power 150 to 250 homes a year. Until 1986, the 12-acre property was an industrial disposal site; an order from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency halted further dumping and the site was sealed under a plastic liner and thick mound of asphalt. This brownfield land was unusable for traditional development or agriculture however, strategic installation of solar panels on a concrete-ballasted racking system makes practical use of the land and helps Hawaii move toward its clean energy goals. “The Kapolei Sustainable Energy Park is just one example of Forest City Hawaii’s deep commitment to executing thoughtful and sustainable development in the Islands,” says Jon Wallenstrom, president of Forest City Hawaii. “Whether we’re building master-planned communities, net-zero energy homes or wind and photovoltaic power systems, the common thread that binds all of our work is an underlying mission to deliver projects that better the lives of Hawaii residents.” Forest City retained Hoku Solar to design and then install the photovoltaic system without disrupting the asphalt cap. In August 2011, the developer reached a power purchase agreement with Hawaiian Electric Co. for up to 1 MW of electricity generated at the Kapolei Sustainable Energy Park, an agreement that was approved by the Public Developer Forest City converted brownfield land unusable for any traditional development into Oahu’s largest solar farm. Utilities Commission in November. Over the next 20 years, it is estimated that Kapolei Sustainable Energy Park will reduce Hawaii’s dependence on oil by more than 55,000 barrels, eliminating more than 24,000 tons of carbon dioxide emissions in the process. From left: Kahu Dr. Samuel M. Ohukaniohia Gon III performs a blessing as Jon Wallenstrom, president, Forest City Hawaii; Gov. Abercrombie; Dave Rae (hidden), senior vice president, Kapolei Property Development; Constance Lau, president & CEO, Hawaiian Electric Industries; and Scott Paul, CEO, Hoku Corp., prepare to “flip the switch.” Photo by Donna Ho BUILDING INDUSTRY | FEBRUARY 2012 | 9

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Building Industry Magazine - February 2012

Cover; Swinerton Builders at the new Walgreens project
Datebook
CAK Annual Meeting Highlights Service
Andaz Renovation Begins
Forest City Completed Oahu’s Largest Solar Farm
Sand Replenishment Restores Waikiki Beach
Elephants Get New Home at Honolulu Zoo
Contracts Awarded
Best Practices
FEATURE Commercial/Retail
Spotlight on Success: Child Development Center
FREATUE Hawaii’s top roofers
Solar Energy Fuels Maui Arts Center
FEATURE Exterior finishes
Low Bids
Concept to Completion: The Cole Academy, Kapolei
FEATURE Energy efficiency

Building Industry Magazine - February 2012