Mayor Billy Kenoi told West Hawaii Today this week that the Aina Koa Pono contract for 16 million gallons of locally-produced biofuel was a bad deal for residents. 

“This to me looks like one of those deals, after 10, 20 years, we ask how did we let that happen?” Kenoi said. “Ultimately, there is no benefit to the people of the Island of Hawaii.”

The biofuel is more expensive than oil, meaning Big Island residents who already pay some of the highest electricity rates in the state, would be paying even more for their electricity. (If the premium is spread among Oahu residents too, it will raise rates by about $12 a year for the average ratepayer. If the excess cost is absorbed solely by Big Island ratepayers, the rate hike would be significantly more.)

The PUC is holding public meetings on the Big Island and Oahu this week to hear testimony. 

Read the full story here. 

And watch video from Monday’s Hilo hearing here.