The Office of Hawaiian Affairs is going all in on geothermal.

OHA’s Board of Trustees voted Thursday to invest $1.25 million into the Huena Power Consortium, with an upfront contribution of $600,000.

The Innovations Development Group, a geothermal company based in Honolulu, formed HPC to seek a contract to provide up to 50 megawatts of geothermal electricity with Hawaii Electric Light Co. Eastland, a New Zealand company, has also joined the consortium, according to IDG.

Patricia Madina Talbert, an IDG legal adviser, said workers were in a celebratory mood following the 6-1 vote.

“It’s definitely something we’re joyous about,” she said. Read the full story.

And here’s the latest in other neighbor isle gov’t and politics: 

Maui County proposes Kuhua Street improvements

Kauai coral disease worsening, says doctor

Isle lawmakers laud Kulani decision

Pflueger rejects plea deal

Arrested in 2011, still no charges in Big Isle diesel fuel theft

Memorial fund created to support clean energy, sustainability

Lahaina to celebrate Banyan Tree’s 140th birthday

Rotary targets Kauai visitors to raise ocean safety awareness

Public meeting on Kuakini Highway Phase II

Study: Feral cats killing endangered Hawaiian petrel

Photo courtesy redjef25.

—Chad Blair