HONOLULU — Honolulu Seawater Air Conditioning LLC (HSWAC) announced that the Hawaii Community Development Authority (HCDA) approved to enter into a Grant of Non-Exclusive Easement and Construction Right of Entry in Kakaako makai lands for the underground piping of the company’s seawater air conditioning project for Honolulu. HSWAC said this easement is a critical step to allow it to deliver chilled water to its customers.

“We think this renewable energy project is a very innovative contribution not only to the development of the Kakaako area, but also for reducing the environmental footprint of the entire city of Honolulu,” said Anthony Ching, executive director of HCDA.

Deep ocean water will be used to deliver cooling to commercial and residential properties in the downtown Honolulu area. The project is anticipated to generate over $200 million in construction spending in Honolulu and create more than 900 construction jobs. Once in operation, HSWAC said the downtown cooling system will significantly shrink the state’s environmental footprint, and ultimately, its dependence on oil.

HSWAC’s cooling system is expected to eliminate the need for 178,000 barrels of oil, reduce potable water consumption for air conditioning by more than 260 million gallons, reduce sewage by up to 84 million gallons, and avoid emissions of 84,000 tons of carbon dioxide — per year.

“We look forward to the continued cooperation with the HCDA and other agencies to lead the way for a green Honolulu,” said Bill Mahlum, CEO and president of Honolulu Seawater Air Conditioning.

The project is scheduled to commence construction in 2012 and to begin providing chilled water services to customers in 2013.

For more information, visit www.honoluluswac.com.

Publication date: 03/05/2012