Opponents of dairy in Mahaulepu deliver petition to Gov. Ige

LIHUE, Kauai (AP) — Opponents of a proposed dairy in Mahaulepu on Kauai are calling on Gov. David Ige to take notice of community concerns surrounding the proposed Hawaii Dairy Farms operation.

Friends of Mahaulepu President Bridget Hammerquist and other activists hand-delivered a petition with more than 3,300 signatures to the governor Friday, The Garden Island reported (http://bit.ly/1P2FA1i).

Friends of Mahaulepu, a nonprofit organization, is suing Hawaii Dairy Farms over alleged violations of the federal Clean Water Act, claiming that construction at the dairy will likely expose the area to pollutants.

“We really want this scrutinized because we’re scared. We’re scared for our water. We’re scared for our community,” Hammerquist said. “It’s just not a safe place for a dairy.”

HDF’s spokeswoman, Amy Hennessey, said the dairy is meant to bring fresh, local milk to Hawaii and boost food security in a sustainable way.

Activity on the proposed site will include the growing and mowing of grass for pasture and the installation of water quality monitoring wells and fencing, Hammerquist said.

“Our team of consultants is continuing work to prepare the voluntary Environmental Impact Statement and the draft will be published when the technical studies are complete,” Hennessey said in a prepared statement. “We remain committed to our pledge not to construct any dairy facilities until the EIS has been accepted by the regulators.”

A date for the release of the dairy’s draft environmental assessment has not yet been set. There will be a 45-day public comment period following its publication.