Plans to re-open the old Hilo Coast Processing plant in Pepeekeo were met with supports and opponents at the Windward Planning Commission meeting Friday (May 7).

Hu Honua Bioenergy LLC is asking for an amendment to the Special Management Area permit to convert the derelict Pepeekeo power plant from coal power to biomass. The company would operate a chip processing facility to process wood logs into chips to burn in the plant.

According to their SMA amendment Hu Honua Bioenergy believes they would be able to use existing eucalyptus trees growing in plantations along the Hamakua coast as the main fuel source for 10 years and also use trees cleared by mid to large land owner.

The plant is hoped to add 21.5megawatts of electricity for the Big Island power grid if put into operation.

Residents and farmers in the area are concerned about the impact to traffic, noise, air and water quality.