LIHUE — A worker for the Green Energy Team biomass project was killed Wednesday when the branch of an albizia tree fell on him. The accident occurred about 2 p.m. on state land at Kalepa where Green Energy Team workers
LIHUE — A worker for the Green Energy Team biomass project was killed Wednesday when the branch of an albizia tree fell on him.
The accident occurred about 2 p.m. on state land at Kalepa where Green Energy Team workers were clearing and cutting the invasive trees for use as fuel in the Green Energy Team biomass plant near Koloa.
The name of the worker was not immediately released.
“All of the members of the Green Energy Team ‘ohana are deeply saddened by this accident and we offer our prayers and support to his family and to the community,” said plant manager Michael Mann. “This tragedy underscores just how dangerous albizia trees are in this environment.”
Green Energy Team employs 39 workers, including some who work planting and cutting trees on leased public and private lands. Construction of the power plant began in 2013 and it is expected to be fully operational by the end of January.
Kauai Island Utility Cooperative buys power from Green Energy Team under a 20-year contract.
