My Wife and I have homes in the two best places in the world (Kauai 
and San Diego) and try to actively participate in local activities 
when we are in Kauai. I am trying to understand why Kauai doesn't 
make extensive use of wind power. The electricity rates are the 
highest in the nation and there are usually good tradewinds blowing.
It seems like a no-brainer to me.

I'd really like to hear what the major obstacles are and why they 
are preventing more use of windpower. In particular I'm thinking of 
small wind power where the power generation can directly benefit the 
owner rather than going onto the grid. My analysis says that such a 
system can pay for itself from day one (assuming a loan to finance 
it) and reach full payback in only 3 to 5 years.

I'm especially interested in any insight into what customs, beliefs, 
prejudices, environmental concerns may exist.

Thanks for your insights!

Jim Hall