Gov. Neil Abercrombie successfully pushed legislators Monday to strike a clause in the interisland cable bill that could be construed as allowing Molokai and Lanai to “opt-out,” according to the Star-Advertiser. 

Senators had inserted a clause earlier this year saying that, “Nothing in this Act is intended to require the construction of an interisland cable from the islands of Molokai or Lanai to Oahu unless the communities affirmatively request an interisland cable.” 

The language was designed to quell heated protest on the two islands over the Big Wind project. Key lawmakers, such as Sen. Mike Gabbard, as well as the state energy office have worked to distance the undersea cable bill — designed to help create a statewide, electric grid — from the controversial wind farms. Recently, more focus has moved to the development of resources such as geothermal and wind on the Big Island and Maui. 

Civil Beat asked the governor’s office last week whether he still supported Big Wind, and whether Abercrombie was still willing to condemn land for the project if the owner of Molokai Ranch stood its way, as he warned a year ago. 

Spokeswoman Donalyn Dela Cruz, responded by email that: “The Governor is willing to consider all options. Any approach moving forward must meet the community’s clear desire, and whether there are necessary funds. Both remain uncertain, thus, any talk of eminent domain power is premature.”