After another night of protests, number of arrests linked to wind farm opposition hit 200
More arrests were made overnight after hundreds of wind farm opponents showed up in Kalaeloa for another night of protests... [A] total of 200 arrests have been made since equipment transports from Kalaeloa to Kahuku began a month ago... At the Kapolei Courthouse on Monday, nearly two dozen wind farm protesters, including Wahilani and Naeole, arrested last month made their first appearances on petty misdemeanor charges for obstructing a private road. Attorney Aaron Wills, who’s representing roughly 70 arrestees, says some are accepting plea deals but others are pleading not guilty. “This is more about protecting the environment, protecting the aina, standing up for their community. Their community in their particular cases, their voices are not being heard,” he said... Wind farm protesters in Kalaeloa have sought to block the transport of equipment and parts to the North Shore for weeks.
... Some accused officers of using excessive force during the protest, but the Honolulu Police Department disputed those claims... AES COO Mark Miller said, “After performing extensive studies and securing all necessary permits, we are confident that we are building a project that is safe and, ultimately, will help advance Hawaii’s transition to 100% renewable energy.” Critics of the project are concerned about potential health effects and the killing of native Hawaiian wildlife such as the Hawaiian hoary bat.